Pigeon Towers for Organic Fertilizer & Seed Protection
Another exploratory idea is the construction of pigeon towers in rural and farming areas. These towers provide nesting and resting spaces for wild pigeons while allowing the collection of pigeon droppings as a high-quality organic fertilizer. Additional benefits include: Outcome:Organic fertilization, ecological balance, and low-cost agricultural inputs.
Livestock Shelters & Coops Using Cane Structures
ArduMai LAB also explores the construction of lightweight livestock shelters and poultry coops using cane-based structural systems. These structures are low-cost, locally buildable, and well-suited to ventilation and shading needs in hot climates. Such shelters can be adapted for poultry, small livestock, or mixed-use rural compounds, and built using cultivated or reclaimed materials. Outcome:Affordable animal […]
Passive Food Drying Systems for Farming Communities
Many farming communities lose a significant portion of their harvest due to limited storage and processing options. ArduMai LAB proposes developing power-free or low-energy food drying booths and devices that allow farmers to preserve surplus fruits and vegetables. Using passive solar design, airflow control, and natural materials, these drying systems can extend shelf life, reduce waste, and […]
Constructed Wetlands for Water Treatment & Cultivation
Constructed wetlands offer a low-energy, nature-based method for treating wastewater while producing valuable plant biomass. ArduMai LAB explores the use of constructed wetlands near agricultural zones, wastewater outlets, or peri-urban edges. These systems use plants, gravel, and soil layers to naturally filter water, improving quality for reuse in irrigation or non-potable applications. At the same […]
School Rooftop Greenhouses & Vertical Farms
Many public schools in urban Syria share a unified architectural typology with flat, accessible rooftops. These roofs represent an underused resource that can host lightweight, soilless farming systems. ArduMai LAB proposes piloting rooftop greenhouses and vertical farms on selected school buildings, developed for educational and productive purposes. These systems would support hands-on learning for students, practical […]
Reusing Standing Structures as Productive Spaces *concept*
In many neighborhoods, partially damaged buildings remain structurally standing but unused. This proposal explores their careful reuse as productive agricultural spaces, developed through community dialogue and professional assessment. Qasab team with the support of local residents and specialized mechanical and civil engineers will selecte structures to be evaluated to ensure safety and suitability. Lightweight, reversible systems […]
A community-led sustainable design initiative. A research-based development practice focused on designing, prototyping, advancing, and sharing community infrastructures, technologies, and systems for resource-limited contexts. Named after river cane, material and method, a symbol of flexibility and regeneration, embodies resilience adaptability, and local intelligence. In Practice “Areas of Work” using natural and reclaimed materials, we develop […]