Schijns, W. With contributions from O. Kaper & J. Kila. 2008. Vernacular Mud Brick Architecture in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt and the Design of the Dakhleh Oasis Training and Archaeological Conservation Centre. - Oxford, Oxbow (Dakhleh Oasis Project Monogra

Abstract

Much has changed in the environment of the Dakhleh Oasis since the research published in this monograph was carried out in 1997, but this does not diminish its value. Rather it emphasizes the need for further thorough documentation of traditional habitats in Egypt before they disappear entirely, swept away by a tide of structures of concrete, steel, fi red brick and cheap limestone blocks. The impetus for this study was provided by the design and construction, in traditional materials, of a centre for training and archaeological conservation: a laudable ambition although one that has subsequently proved diffi cult to sustain. The introduction notes the still ‘lively’ tradition of building in mud brick in the oasis while commenting on the threat of modern forms of construction. As a regular visitor to the oasis over the past decade, I would observe that the architectural tradition discussed in this monograph is now virtually dead, being tenuously sustained by the conservation activities of Dr. Fred Leemhuis in the town of al-Qasr and a few other individuals concerned with the use of mud brick in archaeological contexts. Read more...