This community centre sets out to empower local women by providing a space for them to engage in income-generating activities such as beekeeping, accessory making, food processing, basket weaving and dressmaking. Its architecture combines traditional stone construction, which is fast disappearing in Jordan, with modern reinforced concrete. The thick stone walls have a high level of insulation efficiency, while the reinforced concrete allows natural lighting through a large glazed area. Three earth-bag dome structures, made with earth from the site, complete the scheme. Its environmental sustainability credentials are further enhanced by a passive solar system. The garden is to be filled with vegetation to reinforce the notion of it as a welcome oasis.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture