The Executive Office for the Jordanian Participation in EXPO 2025 Osaka, kansai, in collaboration with the German Jordanian University, the Jordan Japan Architecture Research Lab (J2AR) at Al Hussein Technical University, and ERTH For Earth Architecture and Heritage Studies, organized a lecture titled "The Art of Mud Building Between Jordan and Japan - Present and Future", followed by a five-hour mud building workshop at the German Jordanian University in Jabal Amman. The event was attended by a large number of individuals interested in architecture and heritage, as well as architecture students from various Jordanian universities.
Dr. Omaima Al-Arja, Dean of the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the German Jordanian University, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of this event in preserving local heritage in contemporary times. Eng. Shifa Al-Zghoul, Deputy Commissioner General, then gave a brief overview of Jordanian participation in the Osaka World Expo and presented opportunities for youth to participate in this global event.
Eng.Mariam Al-Azza, Founder and General Manager of ERTH For Earth Architecture and Heritage Studies, presented a visual showcase of her company's work using various mud building techniques, particularly restoration work on traditional mud buildings. Following Eng.Mariam, the Japanese artist Kosumi Naoki displayed images of his significant works executed around the world. Notably, Kosumi Naoki is considered one of the most famous artists in Japan and the world, he has refined this simple craft to a high level, applying it in the most luxurious fashion houses and prestigious institutions and hotels worldwide. The Japanese artist has inherited this craft from his ancestors, serving as a call and message to young people to preserve and develop their heritage. At the end of the lecture, TARMEEM company announced their sponsorship of the event, organizing a free trip to Qasr Al-Mushatta for all workshop participants and granting them priority for admission to their vocational training program in restoration.
After the lecture, attendees moved to the workshop where the Japanese artist, along with university students and a number of invitees, created a mud wall. Students learned about the techniques and participated in practical applications under the direct guidance of the Japanese artist and Eng. Mariam Al-Azza. The workshop resulted in a mud art wall in Darat Othman Bdeir building at the university. The German Jordanian University is gratefully acknowledged for providing all the logistical and administrative services necessary to organize the lecture and workshop.
