Alhafa's Architectural Legacy

In an endeavor to engage with local heritage and address contextual issues, students from the Department of Architectural Engineering at Dhofar University embarked on a field trip to the Alhafa historical neighborhood in Oman. The aim of the trip, which took place on March 21st 2023, was to gain a better understanding traditional Omani architecture, and to consider research and sustainability issues of architectural heritage. The group was led by Dr. Dr. Fatemeh Khozaei, Ms. Lamia Mustapha from the department of Architectural Engineering, and Mr. Steven Sampliner from the Foundation Program.
During the visit, the students were granted the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of traditional homes in Alhafa, acquiring knowledge about building layouts, materials, and construction techniques. Additionally, they gained valuable insights into the aesthetic principles that underlie regional architecture. The students and organizers unanimously regarded this experience as an enriching and educational endeavor, opening possibilities for Dhofar University to engage in research and collaborate on the rich architectural heritage of Oman.