MISSING PEACE
FRANKIE ALCHANATI
JOHN DEFAZIO SENIOR PROJECT 2021-2022 DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Area A (18% of the West Bank) Under the terms of the Oslo agreement, Area A is under Palestinian administrative and police control.
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Area B (22% of the West Bank) The Palestinian Authority excercises administrative control over Area B but shares security control with Israeli authorities. The majority of Palestinians in the West Bank live in areas A or B. Area C (60% of the West Bank) Area C, which Israel administers, covers over 60% of the West Bank. An estimated 300,000 Palestinians live in 532 residential areas located partially or fully in Area C, along with some 400,000 Israeli settlers residing in approximately 230 settlements. Jerusalem The western side of the city is home to Jewish Israelis and Israel’s government. The eastern side — including key Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites — was captured by Israel in 1967. It’s populated by Palestinians who seek it for their capital. SYRIA WEST BANK GAZA ISRAEL
JORDAN
GUSH ETZION
EGYPT
“IDF forces thwart attempted stabbing at Gush Etzion Junction, terrorist neutralized” January 17, 2022 “IDF: Palestinian man attempts to stab soldiers at Gush Etzion junction” September 13, 2021 10 minute walk Israeli Military Checkpoint High Risk for terrorist attacks
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ORGANIZATION PROFILE Roots was founded in 2014 by Rabbi Shaul Judelman (Israeli codirector) and Khaled Abu Awwad (Palestinian codirector). Both were prompted to start the organization after they had been greatly affected by the conflict in different experiences. Over the years, a unique network of local Palestinians and Israelis have come together. They see other as the partners needed to make changes to end the conflict. PRINCIPLES • Working within a broken reality without accepting it • Taking responsibilty to improve the situation • Working on a local level to address systemic problems • Individual and collective/ national self- criticism • Inclusivity and engaging of different opinions • Deeply engaging religion and religious leaders- Judaism, Islam, and Christianity- in search for commonality, understanding, and the path to a solution to our conflict • Reducing hatred and healing trauma PEACE BUILDING PROGRAMS • Summer camp • After school programs for kids (youth group) • Adult workshops • Monthly meetings • Interfaith events 2019 ARCHIEVEMENTS • 3,350 Palestinians and Israeli youth engaged in Roots programs • 5,000 Israelis from across the country participated in Rootd discourse through lecture, conferences and workshops in over 150 events • 500 local Palestinians and Israeli adult participants • 45 local Israeli- Palestinian volunteer and staff • 18,000 overseas visitors to the center and attendees of speaking tours
Israeli Settlement Palestinian Village
“The philosophy is freeing yourself 4 as well as your oppressor.” - ANONYMOUS
“I’m from the new generation. I was born in 1996. What I saw and lived is both psychological and physical terror practiced by Israeli army against whole communities/ towns.” - BELAL ARAR “I believe that if I am not happy with the current situation, I can’t wait for someone to change it. I need to do it.” - ANONYMOUS
“It happened to me before that I was stuck for almost two hours at this checkpoint coming back from Ramallah and I experienced all of the anger that you can imagine for the way how we are being treated. This is not new or rare. It happened yesterday as well and every Eid.” - NOOR A’WAD
“When you go to the other side, who is considered your enemy, you experience a slight change. Even if it is a small change, it’s still change.” - MOHAMMED ABUZAHRA
BELAL ARAR
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Born in Hebron, West Bank Believes that part of being human is to respect and love people of different races and religions As a young kid, his parents were protective of him to not go out which helped him to realize the setting he was living in. “I’m from the new generation. I was born in 1996. What I saw and lived is both psychological and physical terror practiced by Israeli army against whole communities/ towns.” “...Frankie I don’t advice you to go deeply into these issues here. This beyond you as its beyond me who lived it day by day, moment by moment. Its cursed region.” Importance of Roots’ summer camp: “We make children happy and help them get together to solve what we couldn’t solve as adults. Our conflicts and our identies, our heritage, and our history. Next generations can and will make what we could not make. This is conflict transformation and this is the only way I can think of having a happy ending for long painful conflict, history, and memories.”
MOHAMMED ABUZAHRA
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Lives in Yatta, West Bank His great grandfather was murdered by occupation soldiers causing his grandfather to chose violent resistance against the soldiers His father saw this as a circle of violence and wanted to find a way to change this Joined Roots because the organization confronts the right wing which have more strict views on the conflict Understands that people have different views on the conflict because of their own experiences “When you go to the other side, who is considered your enemy, you experience a slight change. Even if it a small change, it’s still change” Believes that when Israelis from Roots join the army (“the system”), he sees a change in the them Settlements were made to prevent Palestinians from having their own state and to restrict the resources “I was waiting for my turn to die”
ANONYMOUS
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Grew up living in the West Bank (He is currently living in a refugee camp that is guarded by the Israeli army 24/7) His family has a very strong connection to land- owning land that is 400 years old which is now in control of the Israeli army Involved in the peace process because he wants people to see the deeper layers of what is exactly going on He always talks to Israeli soldiers (He asks them why do they shoot tear gas for no reason?) For many years, he would hear hebrew and it would traumatize him (He would hear the hebrew during the night rides ) Vsion of a community center: Historical site for both groups, photos about the history, music that is common to both groups, and a social space Putting the new movement into these buildings is bringing the new future Meeting for past, present, future Believes that if he he hasn’t happy with the current situation, he can’t wait for someone to change it, he needs to do it
5 “Yes to mutual understanding and recognition. Not easy.... but super important.” - MYRON JOSHUA “Now I have great friends with the Palestinians.... like brothers” - YOEL ILLANI
“We live where 80% is Palestinian but no one thinks about how they think and live their lives” - HANAN SCHLESINGER
“The conflict is not about your ideology; it is about the fear” - SHAUL JUDELMAN
“Its not about “if” but “how” they should live there”- CHAYA TAL
HANAN SCHLESINGER
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Lives in Gush Etzion, West Bank for over 35 years Helped to found Roots and is currently serving as its Director of International Relations Program spaces: Multi faith prayer space or three different prayer spaces, ecological sustainable and green, no electricity and water and sewage, solar panels brings electricity, cistern brings water, self sustainable, programs for children and adults, playgrounds, and library In the environment that he lives, Israelis are blind to the what exists outside of the story in which we live
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“We live where 80% is Palestinian but no one thinks about how they think and live their lives” “Before we make demands of others, we must first make demands of ourselves. After we begin to heal”ur
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Manager of Root’s youth group (learning Arabic to work with the Palestinian teens) Has had to talk to parents about their concerns (Fear that their child will get hurt, Fear that their child will loose their identity (will not want to be in the army and forget the zionist story),Fear of assimilation (fear of child dating the opposite group) When he joined the Israeli army, he would have thoughts about why he was having to go into the Arab villages and why the kids would throw rocks at him (he wanted to learn how to understand them and them to understand him) This is why he joined Roots- to understand the conflict better (“Now I have great friends with the Palestinians.... like brothers”) He doesn’t know how to talk to his daughters about the conflict because he himself doesn’t know what he thinks about the conflict Believes the youth come to the meetings because they are curious (“The teens want to know each other’s stories”) “Mission is to replace the view of the conlict and fight for change” Feels bad about the settlements “but its complicated because if the Palestinians have control, it’s a fear of what they are going to do”
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Lived as an “Israeli setller” in Gush Etzion, an Israeli town in the West Bank, for over 30 years. He saw limitations placed on his Palestinian neighbors, so he joined Roots to broaden the connection between Palestinians and Israelis of the area. “We are called Roots for a reason because everyone has roots in the land” Leaving would be running away from the situation (he felt like he was an exile when he lived in Jerusalem) “You can’t be pro Israeli or pro Palestinian, you have to be pro solution” “Roots is not a place to be peace but yet to do peace” (Wants to bring peace to place that has no peace) He has removed himself from the overall picture and sees that this little bit of peace between Palestinians and Israelis in Roots is successful Building should show “I am here and I don’t need to prove it”
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“Yes to mutual understanding and recognition. Not easy.... but super imprtant.”
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YOEL ILLANI
MYRON JOSHUA
“We live within a story (we don’t know it, but the stories we tell each other are very selective)” “The strength of your identity can inhibit you from being aware of other people’s stories”
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“The kids in the picture are Palestinian kids...I am Israeli... We are “supposed” to be enemies or at least adversaries. But we must be and are destined to be brothers. From Other to Brothers.”
PALESTINIAN DATA / ISRAELI DATA
SOCIAL SPACES
1. What is unique or special about the land that Roots is currently located on?
1. If you would like to see social spaces, please check the following boxes that apply to you. Use the “Other” option to explain additional ideas.
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Stones and Marble Important strategic location for both parties and connects both without forming any danger It gives an opportunity for understanding and dialogue away from racism The place is beautiful Affiliation with Abu Awwad Family Located within a block of Jewish settlements Located in Area B allowing it be accessible
2. What is your community missing that could be provided by the new center? • • • • • • •
Expand the movement of roots and improve the situation Meet with Israelis and have them listen to Palestinian side Providing safety in the area in which I live Large, comfortable and mostly separate spaces Smaller rooms Convenient access path and parking Neat toilets
3. What would keep you from coming to the community center? • • • • • • •
Due to the difficult health conditions due to the Corona virus Criticisms, opinions and communities Fear of the accusation of normalization Nothing If the ability to be together becomes restricted Lack of accessibility If there is a mosque / synagogue in the place
Space to get Space for large gatherings Large together with (50 - 100 people) Auditorium friends space
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You improve life for the better and we are in peace and security and expand the youth movement for the better Looking at each other’s hearts without racism and conveying the idea of peace to cross borders and stop violence and start reviving a land that has not seen life for decades Give me all my freedom and live in peace A “lobby” complex where members can develop spontaneous vertebral conversations Feeling of home Stable electrictiy
Hosting groups for lectures
Small group meeting spaces
2. What materials or resources do you want or need for these social spaces? Examples: seating, tables, AV screen, projector, microphone, stage, and etc. • •
Furniture including chairs, tables and electrical appliances TVs, projectors, speakers, microphones, pitches, balls, beanbags, books, tables, chairs and more
DINING SPACES
1. If you would like to see dining spaces, please check the following boxes that apply to you. Use the “Other” option to explain additional ideas.
4. What do you want most in a community center? •
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Purchase food from restaurant
Purchase food from cafeteria
Kitchen for cooking classes
Dining spaces for holidays
2. What materials or resources do you want or need for these dining spaces? Examples: seating, tables, AV screen, projector, microphone, stage, and etc. • •
Table and chairs Separate cabinets for kosher and non-kosher utensils. Stove, double oven
5. How do you think the matter of smoking should be dealt with?
RELIGIOUS SPACES
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1. If you would like to see religious spaces, please check the following boxes that apply to you. Use the “Other” option to explain additional ideas.
A special smoking room away from people Smoke outside buuilding Defined smoking room Don’t mind if people smoke in the building
6. How would you like to see security dealt with in this new community center? • • • • • • •
I prefer to have private security, but without the use of weapons, because the roots of its goal are peace, and we cannot allow these negative things to enter the complex Security guard outside but not inside center Highest level of security No security guard needed Closed gate with a guard who is a member of Roots Doesn’t want a weapon because of fear people may steal it Mixed security by Palestinians and Israelis
Prayer Spaces
Religious space not needed
2. Should the different religions have their own spaces or should there be a common space for all religions? • •
Different spaces (75%) (50%) Common Spaces (25%) (50%)
ISSUES 1. Safety • • •
Site is close to Gush Etzion Junction Site can be subject to terrorist attacks How can users feel safe coming and being in the center?
GOALS Providing a deeper understanding of who Palestinians and Israelis are •
Meaning: Both groups have unique histories and cultures that many don’t know much about. This can help to minimize the fear between both groups.
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Design: Must highlight and emphasize these differences and similarities.
2. Accessibility • • •
The current road to the center is dirt and rocks Multiple entrances for easy access to varying events happening at the same time What can be done to create a welcoming entrance?
3. Religion • •
There are Jewish, Muslim, and Christian members of Roots Should religious spaces be included in the center? If yes, should they have a shared space or individual spaces?
Highlight the concept of “Roots” •
Meaning: If something puts roots somewhere, it becomes firmly established there. It is likely to last and be successful for the future.
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Design: Show the concept of roots in a literal and metaphorical way.
4. Nature • •
Nature is important to both Palestinians and Israelis How can nature best be integrated into the design?
5. Abu Awwad Family • •
Both Palestinians and Israelis are honored by the Abu Awwad family’s genouristy to provide land for Roots How can the design keep the original farmhouse?
Must be Flexible •
Meaning: Roots has many activities and people that they work with. Flexible spaces will help to the organization easily adept to its evolving needs.
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Design: Create spaces that people can control themselves.
6. Smoking • •
Smoking is a big part of both groups’s daily life How can the design accomodate smokers?
7. Comfort • •
Some Palestinians are not familiar with modern designs How can the space make both groups feel comfortable?
8. Sustainable • •
No access to building permit = restricted electricity and water access What are various ways the design can use sustainable technologies to help with HVAC, water, and light?
Design can be used for other groups in various parts of the West Bank • •
Meaning: The unification of Palestinians and Israelis must happen in other parts of the West Bank. This simple design can become a universal concept. Design: Simple design and construction techniques that area feasible and inexpensive
Comfortable for all ages and backgrounds • •
Meaning: Two very important parts of Roots are it’s youth and adult programs that bring both Palestinians and Israelis together. Design: Include design elements that will be relatable for all types of people.
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SCULPTURE PAVILLION Location: Gelderland, Netherlands Architects: Aldo van Eyck In the first half of the 1960s, Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck worked on a commission for a sculpture pavilion in the Sonsbeek park to host sculptures of nearly thirty artists, including Brancusi, Arp, and Giacometti. The pavilion consists of six parallel walls of light grey breeze blocks, which create corridors. In these five corridors, semicircular spaces are created. The walls support a transparent roof, through which the diffused light enters. Despite its compactness, the building has a lively and friendly character.
Temporary Gallery in Shichengzi Village Location: China Architects: Fuyingbin Studio Due to the limitation of time and money, the exhibition corridor needs at minimal cost, fast construction and recycled way of construction. As the village is located in the remote mountain area, the material could hardly be purchased from the county, thus there was a very narrow material palette left to work with, and the construction process of the main work also can only rely on the villagers to achieve. Nylon plastic binding belt was utilized to complete the connection between the safety mesh and the scaffold, realizing the fast installation process.
Dadad Market Location: Nai Mueang, Thailand Architects: Bangkok Tokyo The project celebrates this spontaneous phenomenon, creating floating structures of light in the night-time cityscape. While signaling and attracting customers from a distance, the floating light-boxes also showcase the eclectic merchandise and movement underneath it. The structure itself can be easily dismantled and re-assembled. It consists of repetitive pipe members and clamps similar to those of typical scaffolding system. Simple frames in a check-board layout create a microcosm of little plazas and alleyways accessible from many directions.
CALVIN KLEIN Location: New York City, New York Architects: Raf Simon and John Spanning the full three floors, Ruby’s installation includes a scaffolding framework for hanging artworks as well as garments. The art pieces are created from a mix of found objects and everyday materials, and thematically tie into Ruby’s obsession with American consumerism. The use of very direct and familiar references common to the American visual experience creates a simple and emotional connection with the brand.
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PROCESS
HOW CAN I ORCHESTRATE THE MOVING WALLS TO TURN WHILE ALSO DISAPPEARING?
HOW CAN A TEMPORARY STRUCTURE LIKE SCAFFOLDING BE MADE PERMANENT AND BEAUTIFUL?
WHAT WOULD A ROOM FOR 8 PEOPLE LOOK LIVE VS. 150 PEOPLE? HOW WILL THE ROOF LOOK TO ACCOMMODATE STRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES?
HOW CAN THE GARDEN SPACES FURTHER PEACE MAKING?
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PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW 11 DECEMBER 2021 OPTION 1: EXPERIMENTING WITH KINETIC DESIGN Restroom Pod
Restroom Pod
Dining Space Pod
Restroom Pod
Dining Space Pod
Restroom Pod
Large Open Meeting Space Recreation Spaces
Small Meeting Spaces
Recreation Spaces
Large Lecture Hall
OPTION 2 EXPERIMENTING WITH KINETIC DESIGN Restroom Pod
Restroom Pod
Dining Space Pod
Dining Space Pod
Restroom Pod
Restroom Pod
Large Open Meeting Space Large Lecture Hall
Small Meeting Spaces
Small Meeting Spaces
Small Meeting Spaces
Small Meeting Spaces
Large Lecture Hall
Large Open Meeting Space
Recreation Spaces
Recreation Spaces
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Restroom Pod
Dining Space Pod Large Open Meeting Space
Restroom Pod
Small Meeting Space
Small Meeting Space
Recreation Spaces
Large Lecture Hall
Restroom Pod
Dining Space Pod
Restroom Pod
Large Open Meeting Space Large Open Meeting Space
Large Lecture Hall Small Meeting Space
Small Meeting Space
Large Open Meeting Space
Recreation Spaces
KINETIC DESIGN ITERATION PROCESS BETWEEN REVIEWS OPTION 1
OPTION 2
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TECHNICAL REVIEW 14 MARCH 2022
COM PO TOIL ST ET
DW
B
A
RECREATIONAL FIELD
CAR AND BUS PARKING ENERGY
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All of the artwork on the facade panels were made by members of Roots.
A
B
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FINAL REVIEW 21 MAY 2022
DW
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PLAYGROUND
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OST COMP T TOILE
RECREATIONAL FIELD
CAR AND BUS PARKING GY
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R NE
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9’-6”
10’-0”
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AND ENERGY ROOM
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RAINWATER COLLECTION
Gutter Spigot
LIGHTING
Site
Building Lighting
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS Cast- in Place Concrete The photos from hired drone show cast-in place concrete in various part of Gush Etzion. This material is applied to the walls in the building.
Scaffolding The photos sent from Roots’ members show scaffolding throughout the West Bank. This material is used as the main structural and design element of the building.
Corrugated Metal The photos from hired drone show currgated metal in Arab villages. This material is applied to the roof of the building.
Existing Stone Wall The photos sent from Roots’ members show the stone wall around the Roots’ meeting space.This material is used as an entrance view threshold and a bench for gathering in the updated site plan.
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Photovoltic Energy Capturing Energy Natural Daylight Skylights
Natural Ventilation Increased On Site Permability Mulch helps soil retain water Local Sourced Materials Scaffolding Concrete Corrugated Metal
ACOUSTIC DESIGN Acoustic White Boards Acoustic Board (by Lintex): a whiteboard and sound absorber in one Benefits: - Board conceals 30 mm of sound- absorbent material
Invisacoustics Acoustics in structure Benefits: - Hidden acoustical solution that installs direct-to-deck while maintaining exposed reducing noise
Precast Cast Absorptive Sound Walls Absorptive Precast Concrete walls Benefits: - Concrete is nontoxic and environmentally safe - Reduce noise emissions by absorbing and reflecting sound energy How it works: - Sound absoprtive aggregates (perlite or vermiculite) - Fibrous materials (fiberglass, mineral wool, recycled tire rubber)
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SITE MODEL
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BUILDING MODEL
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