Rebuilding Series: Palestinian Architecture
In response to the war in Gaza, the Royal Danish Academy is dedicating its Rebuilding Series to Palestine.
To rebuild for a sustainable future, we must understand the place, the culture and the community that needs rebuilding.
This 3-lectures series aims to bring an understanding of architectural heritage and current building practices in Palestine.
Yalla Project is proudly part of this endeavour, joining outstanding fellow Palestinian architects and researchers to increase the knowledge of the country and its communities, which are shaped not just by materials and structures, but also by culture and identity.
This lecture series aims to bring an understanding of architectural heritage and current building practices in Palestine. By inviting Palestinian architects and researchers, we hope to increase the knowledge of the country and its communities, which are shaped not just by materials and structures, but also by culture and identity.
Session 1: 24th January, 5 pm (Cph time)
Palestine’s Architectural History
This seminar will present the architectural and urban history of Palestine, from its earliest origins to the modern built environment.
Abdalrahman Kittana: Architectural Practices in the Palestinian Medina in Late Ottoman Period
The talk will present an architectural reading in city archives from Ottoman period. The presentation will furthermore explore building practices and the intricate architectural fabric of Nablus old town.
Nadi Abu Sa’adeh: Toward an Anti-Colonial Urban History: Planning Modern Jaffa (20 min.)
The talk will address the history of urban planning in the case of Mandate Palestine, focusing on the coastal Palestinian city of Jaffa. It contrasts British and Zionist colonial schemes with Palestinian efforts to build their own cities.
Session 2: 21st February, 5 pm (Cph time)
War, Architecture and Urban Resilience
This seminar investigates how architecture and urban planning can generate urban resilience and strengthen communities during times of war and conflict.
Nurhan Abudiji: Palestine Inside Out
This lecture will examine contemporary political violence and destruction in the context of colonial projects in Palestine. The lecture will outline a broader framework of colonial and post-urban destruction urbanism, with a working hypothesis that there are links, gaps and blind spots. Prof. Abujidi will draw on several examples from the Palestinian history of destruction and transformations, such as Jenin Refugee Camp, Hebron Old Town, Nablus Old Town, and the ongoing destruction in Gaza.
Abdalrahman Kittana: Architecture and Civilian Resilience
This lecture investigates how architecture can serve as an agency for urban resilience amid urban warfare in Palestine. The presentation will showcase an architectural and urban analysis of the city of Nablus.
Discussion – Architecture and Urban Resilience
The lecturers will be joined by Ukrainian architect Viktoriia Didych (TBC) and Syrian writer and architect Marwa Al Sabouni (TBC) in a conversation about architecture’s ability to generate urban resilience and strengthen communities during times of war and conflict.
Session 3: March 13th 5 pm (Cph time)
A Palestinian vernacular
This seminar will give an insight into the specific Palestinian building practices, materials and methods, and show examples of how these traditional tools can be applied in urban revitalization today.
Faiq Mari: Earthen Architecture in the Jordan Valley (dispossession, grassroots architecture, NGOs)
This presentation discusses the revival of earthen architecture in the Palestinian Jordan Valley. It discusses the potential and challenges therein for architects and organizations that have sought to bring about social change through architectural innovation.
Alessandra Gola: In-War urban Revitalization, the Experience of the Yalla Project
This lecture will present a bottom-up urban regeneration paradigm and provide an insight into architectural preservation and community resilience during conflict.
