The Executive Office for the Jordan Participation in EXPO 2025 Osaka, kansai, hosted famed Japanese Tsuchi Kabe Plastering artist Mr. Kusumi Naoki, during his visit, the Executive Office in collaboration with the German Jordanian University, the Jordan Japan Architecture Research Lab (J2AR) at Al Hussein Technical University, and ERTH For Earth Architecture and Heritage Studies, organized a lecture on January 6th 2025 titled "The Art of Mud Building Between Jordan and Japan - Present and Future.”
Dr. Omaima Al-Arja, Dean of the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the German Jordanian University, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of this event in preserving local heritage. Eng. Shifa Al-Zghoul, Deputy Commissioner General, then gave a brief overview of Jordanian participation at the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai and presented opportunities for youth to participate in this global event.
Eng. Mariam Al-Azza, Founder and General Manager of ERTH for Earth Architecture and Heritage Studies, presented her company's work using various mud building techniques, particularly restoration work on traditional mud buildings. Following this, Japanese artist Kusumi Naoki presented a selection of his works, which have been showcased both in Japan and internationally. Having inherited his craft through generations, Kusumi has refined his skills to an exceptional level, working on the restoration of Japan's national treasures. He has also applied his expertise to renowned luxury fashion houses, prestigious institutions, and high-end hotels around the world. Throughout his lecture, he emphasized the importance of not only preserving but creatively adapting heritage into contemporary times, urging young people to engage with and safeguard their traditions for future generations.
TARMEEM company offered organizing a complimentary trip to Qasr Al-Mushatta for all workshop participants and introduced their vocational training programs.
The event was attended by a large number of individuals interested in architecture and heritage, as well as architecture students from various Jordanian universities.
After the lecture, attendees moved to the workshop where the university students and a number of invitees learned about the mud plastering techniques and participated in practical applications under the direct guidance of the Japanese artist and Eng. Mariam Al-Azza. The workshop resulted in a mud art wall in Darat Othman Bdeir building at the university. It worth mentioing that the German Jordanian University kindly provided all the logistical and administrative services necessary to organize this successful event.
