The Department of Architecture at Mu'tah University organized a field trip
to Dana and Shawbak on Thursday, December 7, 2023, for students enrolled in the
Design 3 course, coordinated by the course coordinator and instructor, Dr. Lara
Al-Shawawreh. The first stop of the visit was the guesthouse affiliated with
the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), where they were warmly
welcomed by Mr. Abdul Razzaq Al-Khawaldeh, a representative of the Dana
community. He began by discussing the origins of the reserve and the
construction of the guesthouse by the architect Ammar Khmmash, followed by its
expansion in 2017, and the importance of this lodge and its related activities
in revitalizing the economic situation in Dana and employing the local
community. The students toured the guesthouse, its rooms, and took a walking
tour among the houses of Dana village to hear the stories of the places,
passing by handicraft workshops to learn about the place and the working women.
They then proceeded to the Anees Al Musher Center to experience the educational
activities there. The second stop of the visit was the Seven Wonders Cave Lodge
in Shawbak, where the owners, Dr. Mohammad Al-Kraimeen and his sons, hosted the
group. Mr. Alex, an employee at the lodge, guided the students, explaining the
unique importance of this lodge, as there are very few caves in the world currently
used as lodges. He also highlighted the significant challenges they faced in
making these natural caves suitable for accommodation and the solutions they
applied. The final stop was a visit to Shawbak Castle overlooking the Seven
Wonders Cave Lodge, where they learned about its historical significance from
one of the tour guides accompanying the students. Many thanks to the Royal
Society for the Conservation of Nature, represented by Mr. Abdul Razzaq
Al-Khawaldeh, for generously sharing their time and knowledge. Also, gratitude
to the reserve manager, Mr. Ra’ed Al-Khawaldeh, Mrs. Haya Bqa'een, and Mrs.
Rounza Al-Qussos for facilitating the visit.
