Traditional Knowledge As Community Empowerment | Community Jameel x afikra COP28 | Ep5
In this session of the Community Jameel x afikra COP28 Conversations, #YasmeenLari (Barefoot Social Architecture) and Wesam Al Asali discuss how traditional knowledge can allow us to recognize the lessons of history, enrich our lives and offer our inheritance of the future while maintaining a balance between nature and society – which is key in the context of climate change.
Yasmeen Lari, is Pakistan’s first woman architect and has gained world recognition for her career. She works in heritage conservation, humanitarian architecture and has developed extensive expertise in zero carbon footprint concepts. Since the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, she has devised various programs based on women-centred zero carbon footprint structures and sustainable building techniques, resulting in 40,000 green shelters (using bamboo, lime and mud), placing Pakistan in the lead as the world’s largest zero carbon shelter program, herself being acknowledged as the largest provider of shelter.
Wesam Al Asali is an architect, educator, researcher and founder of the social enterprise (CERCAA), a center for learning and innovation in building crafts and natural materials in Spain. His work spans construction history, building technology, and craft studies to explore the role of culture and society in rethinking architectural practice in the context of climate challenges.
Community Jameel COP28 Conversation Series
This series is a tool to amplify local communities and foster a more inclusive and informed discussion around climate action. It aims to build a forum for intergenerational collaboration and engagement, to channel a unique voice, and inspire thoughtful discussions between youth, experts, non-experts and key global decision-makers.