With some 30% of the Jordan Valley’s population lacking adequate housing, and some 94% of building permit applications from Palestinians being turned down by the Israeli government, this initiative addresses the housing needs of vulnerable Palestinian communities by providing them with tools and teaching them easily transferrable techniques of self-construction. Incorporating one pilot project, three women’s centres, one model sustainable building and two demonstrative low-cost self-constructed houses, it breaks stereotypes about mud-brick architecture. Durable and versatile, this traditional material can be produced on site, eliminating transportation costs, and has excellent insulation qualities. The scheme enables job creation, enhances gender equality and improves living conditions.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture