Published On 4/29/2026
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Last update: 17:14 (Mecca time)
Sustainable architecture is being talked about today as one of the most attractive environmental solutions in the context of talking about thermal changes and their challenges to modern residential cities in Arab capitals. Returning to the study of ancient traditional architecture has become not just nostalgia for the past or a feeling of “nostalgia,” but rather a necessity to confront existential challenges related to climate and resistance to nature.
Yemeni architecture, with its unique models in the famous city of Shibam Hadhramaut, as well as the old city of Sanaa, which is considered the first skyscrapers in the world, is a living example of resilience and adaptation.
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However, human neglect and negative activities, such as wars and others, have affected this architecture, and led to the destruction of parts of it and the neglect of the other part, which made the intervention of the concerned authorities to protect and save it an urgent requirement today more than ever before.
In this dialogue, we discuss with the academic and researcher in architecture, Dr. Abdel Fattah Muhammad Yahya Al-Musahli, the dimensions of Yemeni architecture and its relationship to sustainability, identity, and technology.
Innate sustainability
- To what extent can ancient Yemeni architecture be considered an early model of what is known today as sustainable architecture?
Traditional Yemeni architecture is considered an advanced model of what we call sustainability today, because it arose from a deep understanding of the local environment, used local natural materials, and achieved high energy efficiency without any modern technologies. We don’t need to invent sustainability… we need to rediscover it.
- What makes this traditional architecture able to withstand, achieve thermal comfort, and resist climate change without modern technologies?
Because it relies on a set of smart solutions such as: the thickness of the mud and stone walls, studied openings, natural ventilation, and thermal gradient, which are solutions based on the balance between humans and the climate, not resistance to it.
“Traditional architecture was not primitive…it was intelligent before we realized the meaning of intelligence. We do not need to invent sustainability, but to rediscover it.”
- Can Yemeni traditional architecture provide realistic solutions to the energy crisis and environmental problems in Arab cities today?
Yes, strongly. The principles of traditional Yemeni architecture can be repurposed into modern architecture, especially in light of the energy crisis. There are contemporary trends in environmental architecture that try to draw inspiration from these models, but the real challenge lies in translating them to suit the needs of the times. This can be implemented today by designing low-energy buildings that rely on natural ventilation and local materials, which some contemporary projects have gradually begun to adopt.
- Are there contemporary experiences that have succeeded in re-inspired traditional models within modern architecture projects?
Of course, the most notable examples are:
Masdar City (UAE): Inspired by traditional cities, the idea of narrow, shaded streets was employed, along with wind towers to achieve natural cooling.
Qatar University: The campus design was inspired by the local environment with interior courtyards and shaded walkways.
Jabal Omar Project (Mecca): The traditional idea of shading and urban density has been reinterpreted to reduce direct exposure to the sun.
Al-Turaif District, Diriyah (Saudi Arabia): Revives traditional Najdi architecture using local materials but with modern standards.
Siwa Oasis (Egypt): Mud architecture (karshef) is still used as a living model for climate adaptation in eco-tourism projects.
The building as a “cultural text”
- How can we read the traditional building as a cultural identity that tells about Yemeni society, its history and daily customs?
The traditional building is a “cultural text”; Reflects social values, lifestyles and privacy. Its architectural details tell about the community, from the distribution of spaces to the decorations.
- What distinguishes the philosophy of traditional Yemeni architecture from other styles of traditional architecture in the Arab world?
Its distinction lies in the complete integration of function, beauty and environment, especially in vertical mud architecture (mud skyscrapers), which is a unique model globally, as the city of Shibam Hadhramaut (the first mud skyscraper in the world) represents a global example of this.
- How can architectural identity be preserved in the context of modern architectural styles?
Not by copying literally, but by reinterpreting traditional elements (materials, proportions, openings) within a contemporary framework that achieves a balance between authenticity and sophistication.
Scars of war
- Why did traditional architecture decline in Yemen in exchange for modern building styles?
Due to the unconscious import of Western models, weak awareness, ease of use of modern materials, and the absence of urban policies that protect Yemeni identity.
- How did the war in Yemen affect historical architecture and traditional urban structure?
The war caused direct destruction of heritage, in addition to the loss of craftsmanship expertise, and the deterioration of the traditional urban fabric. Some of them are sadly lost forever.
- To what extent can this architectural heritage be restored or saved under current circumstances?
What remains can be restored and saved, but this requires scientific and institutional intervention, through documentation, restoration, and integration of traditional architecture into future development plans.
- Is the philosophy of architecture today built for human comfort or for the logic of the commercial market and technology?
Unfortunately, it is often subject to market logic. But true architecture must return to the human being as a living and feeling being, not just as a user, and a balance between economy, comfort and environmental quality.
“The real challenge today does not lie in building new buildings, but in building a new architectural awareness that restores the balance between humans and the environment… Architecture is not just a form, but rather a cultural responsibility.”
- To what extent can artificial intelligence reshape the concept of architecture in the future?
Artificial intelligence will reshape design tools, but it will not replace architectural thought. It can be a powerful tool for revitalizing sustainable architecture and analyzing environmental performance in the future.
- Can we return completely to traditional architectural styles one day?
Traditional architecture was not primitive… rather, it was intelligent before we realized the meaning of intelligence. It is not possible to return completely, but it can be inspired and developed. The future is not in the past, but in understanding and reformulating it.
- One last word you would like to add?
I would like to emphasize that the real challenge today does not lie in building new buildings, but rather in building a new architectural awareness that restores the balance between humans, environment, and technology. Architecture is not just a form… rather, it is a cultural responsibility.
