Tašbik Installation: Architectural Innovation at Amman Design Week 2026
Wesam Al Asali explores material craft and public space in Jordan's capital city.
1Context of Tašbik Installation
The Tašbik installation serves as a site-specific architectural intervention located within the Al Mudarraj open lecture courtyard. Designed for Amman Design Week 2026, the project occupies a total area of 256 square meters. This installation highlights the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary public architecture within the urban landscape of Amman.
2Design Leadership and Vision
Wesam Al Asali, a professor at the IE School of Architecture and Design, led the project development. As the founder of CERCAA in Valencia, Spain, Al Asali focuses on the regeneration of craft construction. His role as director of design and innovation at IWlab informs the technical execution of this specific installation.
3Collaborative Design and Construction
The design team included Anna Isabel Martinez and Yassamin Ghassimi from the IE School of Architecture and Design Construction Lab. Technical support was provided by Dalaa Al Khadra to ensure structural integrity. This collaborative effort bridged academic research with practical construction methodologies to realize the complex requirements of the Amman Design Week site.
4Materiality and Structural Components
The project utilizes a distinct material palette consisting of wood, stone, and fabric. Key manufacturers involved in the supply chain include Home Pillar and Siwan Stone & Marble Co. These materials were selected to reflect local construction traditions while meeting the modern structural demands of a temporary public architecture installation in Jordan.
5Technical Specifications and Scale
Spanning 256 square meters, the installation is categorized under both installations and public architecture. The project was completed in 2026, utilizing precise structural planning to fit the Al Mudarraj courtyard. The integration of stone and wood demonstrates a sophisticated approach to material assembly, balancing aesthetic form with the functional needs of visitors.
6Documentation and Visual Record
The installation is documented through photography by Saifuldeen Fayez, Edmund Sumner, and Sherbel Dissi. These visual records capture the spatial relationship between the installation and the existing courtyard architecture. The documentation process emphasizes the materiality of the wood and stone elements, providing a permanent record of the temporary 2026 design intervention.
7Academic and Professional Impact
By bridging his academic work at IE University with practical projects like Tašbik, Al Asali promotes the revival of craft-based construction. The project serves as a case study for how educational institutions can influence public space design. It demonstrates the viability of integrating traditional materials into contemporary architectural frameworks for urban environments.
8Significance in Urban Design
Tašbik represents a shift toward context-sensitive public architecture that honors regional material heritage. By activating the Al Mudarraj courtyard, the project enhances the public experience during Amman Design Week. This installation underscores the importance of material innovation in creating meaningful, temporary urban structures that engage directly with their surrounding historical and cultural context.