CBRL Secures Funding for a Hands-On Training Project on Architectural Heritage Documentation in Jordan

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We are thrilled to announce that CBRL Amman Institute has secured funding from the Commonwealth Heritage Forum (CHF) for a pioneering year-long project to advance architectural heritage documentation across Jordan

heritage house in Amman
Sketches by local artists in As-Salt during a heritage walk co-organised by CBRL, 2022, Photograph courtesy of Shatha Mubaideen.

The recent architectural heritage of Jordan has unique historical, cultural, artistic and socio-economic significance. However, rapid urbanization, population growth, and a lack of documentation means there is a real need for the mapping and documentation of these assets. Thus, training the young generation is crucial if this heritage is to be preserved.   

This new project by CBRL aims to shift the focus towards architectural heritage by providing practical, hands-on training to up to 20 participants, including fresh graduate architects and public employees from various municipalities in Jordan, on traditional documentation skills. The architectural heritage from this era, characterized by distinct historical and socioeconomic values, faces human and natural threats. This project addresses the urgent need to document and preserve these buildings.   

Participants will engage in site study tours and on-site technical training for selected case studies in Amman, Jerash, and Madaba/Kerak. The training program will address the need for recording post-1750 cultural heritage in Jordan, covering heritage protection and manual documentation methods. Participants will learn traditional techniques for creating and managing architectural documentation, understand the development of architectural history documentation, and practice conventional documentation techniques. 

In addition to the primary training, participants will benefit from a workshop on research funding resources, which will help them expand their reports and explore further funding opportunities. Following the training program, CBRL will train at least one participant as a trainer (ToT) to ensure the sustainability and future expansion of the project. We aim for this project to serve as a pilot phase, with plans for future expansion to incorporate digital documentation techniques training in later stages. 

By partnering with local institutions, CBRL aims to build long-term, sustainable partnerships. The project will enhance career opportunities, network development, and capacity building. CBRL is excited to embark on this project with the support of the CHF, reinforcing our commitment to preserving and promoting Jordan’s cultural heritage. 

For updates on the project’s progress, please check our website. 

Heritage house in Amman
Interior of a heritage house in Amman, inside Shoman Foundation, 2023, Photograph courtesy of Shatha Mubaideen.