Kharboush

Kharboush is a tribute to the traditional abode of Bedouins and a well-structured initiative aimed at enriching education within rural and displaced communities, with a special focus on empowering Jordan’s Bedouin communities. This innovative project aspires to equip these communities with the essential educational infrastructure and resources they need.

At its core, Kharboush embodies the nomadic spirit of the Bedouin people, embracing attributes like impermanence, adaptability, and flexibility. Its modular design enables it to flexibly adjust its size to accommodate the families it serves.

The system comprises four distinct unit types. First and foremost, the anchor unit remains a static centerpiece, functioning as a communal space, administrative center, and provider of essential services such as water and electricity. Strategically positioned in a grid across “Al Badiah,” these anchor units ensure comprehensive coverage and offer families the freedom to relocate as needed. Additional units are introduced based on the student population within the range of these anchor units. Core units serve as versatile social spaces, basic units function as classrooms, and versatile units can effortlessly adapt to various roles, such as play areas, accommodations, reading corners, or first aid stations.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Bedouin patterns, the project design aims for seamless integration with the local environment. This approach fosters a sense of warmth and familiarity among students while also acting as a powerful tool for promoting the value of education within the community.

To further enhance its connection with the local context, all units are constructed as tensile structures, reminiscent of traditional tents but with simplified designs for easy disassembly and construction by the local community. Locally sourced materials, including fabrics and metals, strengthen the project’s ties to the region.

Moreover, the project’s foundation, constructed from clay sourced directly from the site, embodies sustainability. When any unit is disassembled, the base can return to its natural mud state, leaving a minimal environmental footprint. Kharboush transcends being just a dwelling; it represents a harmonious blend of tradition, adaptability, and education deeply rooted in its community and environment, poised to bring lasting change to the lives of those it serves.