Birzeit Historic Centre, Palestine Masterplan Project, New Palestinian Architecture Design

Birzeit Historic Centre, Palestine

Palestinian Town Restoration, Middle East Community Project design by Riwaq

19 Jun 2013

Design: Riwaq

Location: Birzeit, Palestine

Revitalisation of Birzeit Historic Centre

Palestinian Town Redevelopment

This five-year project, part of a rehabilitation master plan initiated by Riwaq, has transformed the decaying town of Birzeit, created employment through conservation and revived vanishing traditional crafts in the process.

Community involvement was encouraged from the start, including local NGOs, the private sector, owners, tenants and users, all working with the municipality.

Images: Riwaq

Both historic buildings and public spaces have been rehabilitated into community activity hubs.

Replaced sections of wall remain distinguishable from the original structures, without harming architectural coherence.

Lost features were replaced where there was clear evidence for their former appearance, such as floor tiles with Palestinian motifs.

Affordable traditional techniques and local materials were used throughout. Where no historical models were available, new elements were made in a bold contemporary spirit.

Revitalisation of Birzeit Historic Centre – Building Information

Location: Birzeit, Palestine (West Asia)
Architect: Riwaq – Centre for Architectural Conservation, Ramallah, Palestine
Client: Birzeit Municipality
Completed: 2009 ongoing
Design: 2007-2011
Site size: 40’640 m²

Revitalisation of Birzeit Centre information / images received from Aga Khan Development Network

Location: Palestine, the Middle East, western Asia

Buildings in Palestine

Palestine Architecture Designs – chronological list

Palestine Architecture

Palestinian Museum Birzeit shortlisted for 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture

This Palestine building designed by Irish architecture firm Heneganh Peng Architects is one of the 20 shortlisted projects for the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, competing for US$ 1 million in prize money.

Palestinian Museum Birzeit shortlisted for 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture

6 Apr 2012
Palestine Architecture Contest, campus of Birzeit University, near Ramallah on the West Bank
Design: Heneghan Peng architects based in Dublin, Ireland

image from organiser
Palestinian Museum