Explore Your Future
Ayat heeft deelgenomen aan ons Explore your Future programma met thema ‘architectuur’. In 8 weken tijd hebben deelnemers, die vaak zelf een achtergrond in architectuur/bouwkunde of passie hiervoor hebben, gewerkt aan een challenge om een tiny house op het water te ontwerpen, hebben ze workshops gevolgd over interculture communicatie en de Nederlandse arbeidsmarkt en nieuwe contacten en inspiratie opgedaan tijdens bedrijfsbezoeken. Joshua heeft een voorliefde voor architectuur en deelt hieronder in gesprek met Stichting SIF collega Merel meer over zichzelf, haar ervaring in het programma en in Nederland.
Wil je Ayat verder helpen? Zij zoekt vooral werk of een stage waar ze zich weer kan omringen met architecten en architectuur om haar vaardigheden weer in te zetten! (Onderstaand interview is in het Engels).
Explore Your Future is onderdeel van de programmering van Plan Einstein. Plan Einstein is een initiatief vanuit Gemeente Utrecht en dé plek waar mooie ontmoetingen plaatsvinden. Waar bewoners van Utrechtse asielzoekerscentra, buurtbewoners en andere Utrechters samen leven, samen leren en samen werken.
“I grew up in Aden, a city built in the crater of a volcano. The houses are made from volcanic stone, which I find fascinating. Yemen has many architectural wonders, like the old city of Sanaa. It’s said to have been built by the son of Noah, so it’s incredibly ancient” – Ayat
Ayat
- Name: Ayat Adel Mohammed Khamis
- Country of Origin: Yemen
M: Can you describe yourself in a few words?
A: As an architect? (Yes.) I would say I am quiet, detail-oriented, and highly organized.
M: And how would your family describe you?
A: I am the person that everyone goes to ask for help or my opinion, especially in problems. I am specialized in solving problems (laughs). And people feel very comfortable to be with me.
M: What is an achievement in life you are very proud of?
A: My biggest achievement is coming to the Netherlands. It completely changed my life. I spent two years searching for ways to make it happen because I knew I needed a fresh start.
M: In Yemen?
A: Yes, back in Yemen, life was incredibly difficult. My family had no jobs, and we didn’t even have a house. Making it here was a long and challenging journey, but it was worth it.
M: Did you always know you wanted to come to the Netherlands?
A: Yes. I spent two years researching online, looking for ways to get here. Because it is not safe in Yemen, and there is no future, I thought, If I want a future, I want to go to another place. I searched on the internet on how to get there. And I found a way that allowed us to come. After that, I thought I can start to study and find a job and build a better future.
M: That’s an incredible achievement!
M: Why did you join the program?
A: Because when I graduated from my University, I didn’t have the chance to work. So I graduated in 2018 and I felt that the Architect in me died. And I wanted to make it alive again, that’s why I joined. I thought it was a very good chance, and to meet other architects too.
M: And did you find that spark again?
A: Yes! I enjoyed it so much. It reminded me why I love architecture.
M: That’s wonderful to hear!
M: What were the highlights of the Explore Your Future – Architect program for you?
A: The best part was creating the tiny house model. I love hands-on work, and building the model was such an enjoyable experience.
Architecture
M: What do you love about the architecture from your home country? Also, what do you consider home?
A: To me, home is the place that provides you life. I didn’t find life in Yemen. Only my family was my life —my parents, sister, and uncles. But I couldn’t enjoy my life and live it in the right way. Now, my home is here in the Netherlands.
M: And, what do you admire about Yemeni architecture?
A: I grew up in Aden, a city built in the crater of a volcano. The houses are made from volcanic stone, which I find fascinating. Yemen has many architectural wonders, like the old city of Sanaa. It’s said to have been built by the son of Noah, so it’s incredibly ancient.
M: Is it still standing today?
A: Yes, and people still live there! (Shows picture and model, including the gate of the old city.) The buildings are made of mud.
M: Why mud?
A: I think it’s because the climate there is moderate. It doesn’t get too cold, like here in the Netherlands. Another incredible place is the Manhattan of the Desert—it has the world’s first mud-brick skyscrapers.
M: If you became an architect here, is there anything from Yemeni architecture that you’d like to introduce?
A: Since Yemen is much hotter, we can’t use the same materials, but I love glas in lood (stained glass) windows. I’d love to incorporate those kinds of details into designs here.
M: With climate change, the Netherlands might need more knowledge about architecture in warm climates.
A: Yes! Though, I was expecting to see snow when I arrived—but I haven’t yet! My son is also waiting to build his first snowman.
M: I hope you both get to see snow soon!
M: What stands out to you about Dutch architecture?
A: The landscape is so well cared for. There’s water everywhere, and it’s integrated beautifully into the cities. The large windows are another thing I love—they bring in so much light, which is needed since it’s often dark here.
M: Are you talking about the canals?
A: Yes, there are so many! It seems like the Dutch really appreciate having water around them.
M: That’s interesting to hear! It’s so normal for us that we don’t even think about it.
A: In the Quran, heaven is described as a place that everywhere you go you see the canals, the water. Life! So I always see that and dream of that.
M: I never heard that before, but than it seems you definitely found your home right?
A: Yes!
M: What’s your favorite building or space that you’d recommend others see?
A: Definitely the places I mentioned in Yemen, especially the old city of Sanaa and the Manhattan of the Desert.
Future
M: And finally, what is your dream job scenario in the Netherlands?
A: When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure about work yet. My main goal was to settle in, but now I’m thinking about my next steps. I don’t know if my degree will be accepted here, so I need to check that first. If necessary, I’ll study more before I start working.
M: What kind of job would you love to have?
A: I want to specialize. I studied general architecture, but I’m really drawn to the finer details—construction details, to be precise.
M: Can you give an example? Maybe a specific type of building?
A: It’s hard to explain in English, but I love designing spaces with intricate details—not interior design, but more structural elements.
M: I see! That sounds like a great field to focus on.M: What do you need to take the next step?
A: First, I need either an accepted degree or additional studies.
M: And once you have that?
A: I would like to have work experience first! Even without earning money, I want to open doors. I like to work with architects and bring my study into practice. So if there is a chance to work with architects, even now, I would love to take it!
Get in Touch
Wil je meer weten over Plan Einstein (Explore Your Future) of over Ayat – neem contact op met Merel.
