Prof. Gabriele Weck to the Yemen Times:”If you don’t know enough about your own culture and architecture, you might land up losing it.” [Archives:2005/904/Culture]

Growing up in Munich, Prof. Gabriele Weck opted for studying architecture because it combined the logical thinking of the mathematics and the creative art of design. She went to the Technical University of Munich, college of engineering in 1973. For six years after graduating in 1978 years she worked as an architect and established her own private office for architecture services in partnership with another female architect. Later she became the first lady to be an assistant professor at the Technical University of Munich. After six years of working at the university, she moved to the brick-industry working as a functionary for five years.

Dr. Weck has come to Yemen earlier this month for a six-week research on Yemeni architecture. During her stay, Yemen Times had the privilege of meeting with her and having this interview.



What is your research about in general? And why did you choose Yemen as a part of your research?

My research's overall theme is about the social influence in architecture especially in relation to women's culture in the Islamic world. I believe there is a very close relation between the social values and the typical construction in a country. I think that the country's culture is reflected on the design of buildings and I want to include houses and flats in Sana'a in my research. I'm not only interested in the historical view but also in modern construction. I am interested in doing this research in Yemen (especially in Sana'a) because I had the chance to visit this country several times before as a tourist and I knew it would be a rich environment with so much to discover. My visits to Yemen have made me impressed with the culture and architecture of this country.



Was the research topic maintained as you experienced the Yemeni culture and architecture or have new things developed?

I wanted to dedicate my research to how the Islamic view on women is reflected in the architecture in Sana'a. And how the physical boundaries are created to ensure gender separation. A lot has been written about the houses of old Sana'a, but my research includes both old and new buildings. In both cases there are certainly things that are created in order to uphold the Islamic way of living.

Through my research I have discovered that some common characterize of Yemeni houses in old Sana'a are designed to protect women from being seen. For example, high walls, tinted glass, and the use of small “Mashrabia” (which are wooden extensions of the windows designed as a place where water is placed to become cold), which allow people to look out without being seen. Such things also exist in the new buildings. I have seen places with two entrances, one for men and guests and one for females of the family. There is also the use of mirror-glass or reflecting glass on the window. However, it has been much easier to do my research in the old houses than in the new ones. I have not been allowed to take photos in the new houses I visited, which means that I cannot do a lecture on the issue, for example. It seems that people living in the old houses are much more aware of their cultural heritance and the fact that they live in a house that reflects it to a great extend, even if it is almost just as obvious in the new buildings.

Of course I have not reached all my goals, but I did not expect I would. I have been here for five weeks, which is not enough. But I will carry on



Why do you think it is important to do research on this topic?

I have visited Yemen many times since 1989. As an architect it is a really interesting place and I like the people here, -they seem very sensible and caring.

The differences between the Muslim and the Christian worlds are getting bigger and bigger these days. I think everyone should do what they can to communicate across the boarders and bridge differences to reach mutual understanding and recognition. I think the German students should have the opportunity to experience this culture and its unique architecture. I have to work with foreign relations at my own university, and I would like to establish an exchange program with Sana'a University, through which students from both countries could learn and exchange experiences. This is also because I do not think that the architects' conditions here are good enough. I have thought about how we could develop a curriculum together with Sana'a University or that I could somehow provide a model for teaching. In my opinion, female architects here have no opportunities. Their best chances to get a job is to work at the University. Yet without practical experience in the architectural field, you do not become a professor. I think women's possibilities are very limited here, and I sometimes feel sorry for them.



Have you met any women architects in Yemen? What do you think of professional women in Yemen?

I have met only a few female architects at the university. I would like to get to know more of them, especially those with practical experience in real life. I know that as yet, Yemeni females have not had their equal chance to practice but I hope with time they will. During my studies in the early seventies, the intake for the batch was 30% girls but only 10% graduated. Today the German women are well educated and participate in all domains of life and I think Yemeni women are heading that direction as well. About professional women in Yemen, as much as I have seen till now, the women are much more precise, much more determined, effective, practical and brilliant.



Are there any similarities between the Yemeni architecture and the German one? What is your impression about the Yemeni culture or Yemeni society?

You will always find some similarities in the architecture, but the culture is quite different. The European architecture was based on the Greek and Roman styles at its early stages. Then the came the Gothic, Renaissance, Barrack, Classic, Historian and the Modern architecture influence. Yemen's architecture was much more constant as it has started changing just recently in the last half of the 20th century. It is very important for the Yemeni people, especially the architects to know as much as they can about the own culture. The danger of becoming overwhelmed by the western influence is too strong, if you don't know enough about your own culture and architecture, you might land up losing it.

My impression of the Yemeni architecture in general is that the old houses are very well built. They are made of solid construction from a time where natural handicrafts were appreciated. Earlier generations knew a lot about architecture and how to use the proper materials at that time. Today many houses are built of concrete. It is not a natural material for this area, and it means that the houses are too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. The money is spent on imported concrete instead of natural temperature conditioning materials. Bricks can allow air ventilation through the pores and ensure that the climate in the house is moderate. I have noticed that it is either well educated people or people aware of the Yemeni culture that still build in the old way.

In the old part of the city you can notice how people have built continuously on top of their house whenever they could afford it. You can easily tell the old bricks from the new.

I think it is good that Old Sana'a is under the protection of UNESCO. That means that no one is allowed to build or reconstruct anything without consulting one of UNESCO's offices. At least theoretically



Does your study also cover the impact of the Islamic view on women in the architecture of the mosques?

No. I was not allowed to enter the mosques, but I know that there are mosques where women can visit, as long as they stay in the back. I have seen some sketches of mosques for both genders, and as far as I know there are no remarkable differences in the structure itself. Women (and men) who do not go to the mosque do not generally have a special place in their home for praying. There are no mosques for women only.



If there is anything you would say to the Yemeni young women what would you say?

Built up your own mind. Analyse the things you are confronted with. Be strong and have confidence in yourself.
——
[archive-e:904-v:14-y:2005-d:2005-12-19-p:culture]