EXPERIMENTAL PRACTICE (EXP)
Nasser Golzari
This paper is an extract from ongoing designled research undertaken by the authors since 2007. It attempts via ‘live’ projects, to explore alter¬native ways to enact critical architectural practice and spatial change within the current Palestinian/Israeli conflict. It provides insight into how, using limited resources, possibilities for change can be cultivated by tapping informal networks and engaging local communities in active roles rather than just as passive bystanders. Old historic centres were intentionally selected for the research. These were seen as areas of potential that were being left to decline and fade away, despite their obvious cultural and social value. The design-led research introduced a process of navigating between text/narrative, social mapping and design, where each informed and complimented the other. Journeys, events and discussions provided the source material for research findings and design proposals. This led to involvement of the authors in the Palestinian heritage NGO, Riwaq’s ‘50 Villages’ project to rehabilitate the services, infrastructure and living conditions in 50 historic villages in the West Bank and Gaza. The work was exhibited at Riwaq’s 3rd Biennale in Ramallah and the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009. It resulted in the formation of the Palestine Regeneration Team (PART) <http://www.palestineregenerationproject. com>, and the Gaza Green Living Coalition, both initiatives of the authors through which to continue the work. The project to revitalise the historic centre of Birzeit discussed in the paper was short listed for a 2013 Aga Khan Award. Golzari, N. and Sharif, Y. ‘Reclaiming space and identity: heritage-led regeneration in Palestine.’ The Journal of Architecture vol. 16, no.1, 2011, pp. 121-144. ISSN: 13602365 (Print), 1466-4410 (Online). DOI: 10.1080/13602365.2011.547022 118