"Bled al Abar" Project: Reviving Tunisia's Vital Water Infrastructure
The "Bled al Abar" project, led by the Laboratory of Architecture (Mounir Ayoub and Vanessa Lacaille) in collaboration with Hamed Kriouane and 32 Bis, combines an exhibition and a field initiative to repair wells in the Tunisian desert. This project highlights the importance of these vital infrastructures for local communities in the face of current climate and economic challenges.
Selected by the Franco-German Cultural Fund
Among the 31 winning projects of the Franco-German Cultural Fund (FCFA) for 2025, "Bled al Abar" falls under the theme "Towards a New World", exploring the roles of arts and culture in addressing ecological and identity transitions.
Valuing Tunisia's Hydraulic Heritage
This project showcases Tunisia's hydraulic heritage, particularly the traditional know-how related to water exploitation in arid regions. The wells, testifying to the ingenuity of inhabitants since ancient times, embody this adaptation. Among them, "Bir Barrouta" in Kairouan, equipped with a noria powered by a dromedary, remains an emblematic example of this heritage.
About the Franco-German Cultural Fund
Since its creation in 2003, the FCFA has supported cultural initiatives jointly led by French and German diplomatic networks, promoting cooperation in various artistic and cultural fields.
