Two members of our team, Anthony Bou Kabalan Geagea and Joyce Raffoul, recently had the honor of participating in the transformative international workshop, Living Inside the Cliff: Analysis of Troglodytic Habitat and Rural Depopulation in the Mediterranean, held in Espluga de Cuberes. This prestigious event brought together 20 young professionals from diverse disciplines such as architecture, archaeology and history to explore the rich heritage of troglodyte habitats and the challenges posed by rural depopulation.

A Journey of Discovery and Learning

Anthony and Joyce immersed themselves in a dynamic blend of fieldwork and classroom activities that delved into the cultural, architectural, and ecological significance of Mediterranean troglodyte habitats. Here’s a glimpse of their experience:

• Fieldwork Adventures: The participants explored the remarkable environment of Espluga de Cuberes, analyzed architectural features, and diagnosed construction techniques.
• Classroom Insights: Engaging sessions shed light on myths, legends, and the architecture of troglodyte habitats in the Mediterranean. One standout example was the Cuberes Refuge, a project that successfully repurposed an old mountain building into a vibrant refuge.
• Inspiring Field Visits: Visits to projects like the Buseu Project, which is transforming an abandoned village into a bird and wildlife observatory, reinforced the potential of innovative preservation strategies.

The workshop concluded with a powerful presentation and debate led by Xavier Casanovas, President of RehabiMed, emphasizing the preservation and enhancement of Pyrenean cultural heritage.

Impact on Anthony and Joyce

For Anthony, this experience expanded his understanding of heritage preservation and fueled his passion for revitalizing rural communities. He noted that the workshop deepened his appreciation for the intricate relationship between architecture, history, and the environment. Joyce echoed these sentiments, highlighting the invaluable knowledge gained from collaborating with experts and peers from across the Mediterranean.

Their participation has enriched our team by bringing back innovative ideas and methodologies to approach preservation projects. Anthony and Joyce’s insights into sustainable practices, adaptive reuse, and community involvement are already shaping our strategies for future endeavors.

Looking Forward

We are incredibly proud of Anthony and Joyce for their dedication and for representing our team at such a prestigious workshop. Their journey underscores the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in addressing global challenges, from rural depopulation to the preservation of cultural heritage.

As a team, we are inspired by their experience and are excited to apply the lessons learned to our ongoing projects, driving meaningful impact in our communities and beyond.