Muscat Municipality Capacity Building Program (Oman, 2010-2011)

A pilot capacity building program was commenced by the ArCHIAM team in 2010 as part of a Muscat Municipality inititative aiming at training young people in the recording of derelict traditional built fabrics. A group of 10 recent graduates from the Oman Technical College was trained to undertake fieldwork in selected settlements and key buildings within the Muscat Governorate, including Bowshar, Quriyyat, Old Muscat, Muttrah.

On-site training in Bowshar. Photo: ArCHIAM, 2010

Field activities included sketching plans, sections, elevations as well as details of architectural features, extensive and detailed photographic survey, interviews with erstwhile inhabitants, compilation of survey sheets. Consequent to that, the group was trained off-site in digital representation techniques, use of satellite and aerial imagery and data handling.

Off-site training in the Muscat Municipality office. Photo: ArCHIAM, 2011

A simple, expedient, cost-effective yet quality documentation methodology for Omani traditional settlements was developed for easy comprehension and guidance, which maximises use of aerial photographs through use of rectification software and alignment with UTM grid.

The drawn material produced as part of this capacity building initiative has enhanced the display of the ArCHIAM's inaugural exhibition.

Off-site training in the Al-Qurum office. Photo: ArCHIAM, 2010