The concept of the dwelling is closely connected to the urban and rural landscapes of Arab cities and villages, posing both practical and conceptual challenges for architects and builders. This discussion reflects on how dwellings have evolved in our lives today, shaped by societal changes that influence our spaces and architecture. At the core of this is the connection between the dwelling and the land, where the home acts as a mediator, fostering a dialogue between people, the natural landscape, and the spirit of place. This dynamic interplay—guided by instinct, spontaneity, and modernity—unfolds within the broader context of urban transformations.

This conversation will be in Arabic.

Laith Matarweh is an architect and design researcher. He received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the German Jordanian University and his Master of Science in Design Research from Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, Hochschule Anhalt & the Humboldt University of Berlin. His interests extend to photography, illustrations, drawing and writing as means to understand and document the natural and the built environments in Jordan. Laith founded his architectural design studio in Amman in 2020, with a portfolio of projects that deal with the specifics of the Jordanian context. He is also a Design Lead Senior Architect at Khammash Architects in Amman leading large-scale projects & master planning competitions in the Middle East. Laith was also a visiting lecturer at Harvard GSD, TU Delft, the University of Jordan and Al Hussein Technical University in Amman, and has presented his work in several regional and international architectural platforms. 

Elias Khoury is an architect who graduated from the School of Architecture in Milan. In 2009, he began collaborating with Davide Ballarin on projects and competitions in Italy and Palestine. He won first prize in the Public Spaces Design Competition in Birzeit in 2009, and his project House of the Twelve Olive Trees won the Arab Architects Award in 2022. The project was also shortlisted on Archdaily’s platform as one of the most important works of 2022. Khoury has served on judging panels for awards such as the Tectura Graduation Project Award and the Exhibition Grounds and Conference Center Design Competition in Hebron. His office in Haifa focuses on projects that preserve Palestinian architectural heritage. Khoury's interests center on Arab and Mediterranean architectural culture, its connection to the natural environment, and the interplay of space, sensory experiences, and intuitive design.