Gaza urban camp improvment plan

DEIR EL BALAH CAMP IMPROVEMENT PLAN IMPROVING A REFUGEE CAMP FOR AND WITH ITS RESIDENTS

Participatory Planning, Integrated Diagnosis, Concept Designs and Implementation Plan Provisional edition for field testing

DEIR EL BALAH CAMP IMPROVEMENT PLAN

CONTRIBUTORS

Provisional edition for field testing

DEB CIP Team: Abdul- Karim Jouda, Atallah Abu-Ouda, Mohannad El-Khodary, Abdul-Karim Barakat, Sana El-Khatib, Dr. Farid El Qeiq, Dr. Abdul-Karim Mohsen, Akram El Mashni, Fakher Abu Shammala

Implemented by UNRWA

Funding managed

by IDB

Supported by NORCAP

Consultants: Tommy Sandløkk, Dr. Ahmad Saleh, Carlos Arias UNRWA HQ Amman: Muna Budeiri, Vijay Neekhra

REPORT BY Suha Shamiya Reporting and Monitoring Officer, Site Engineer UNRWA Liv Framgard Architect, Urban Planner NORCAP + UNRWA All designs, drawings, photos and graphics by Liv Framgard, unless stated otherwise

UNWA Gaza Field Office: Ayman Hanoush, Muin Moqat, Amjad Jarada, Khaled Abu Isied, Feda Buhairi, Subhi Namra, Akram Abu Amira, Adel Isa, Ahmad Waheidi, Husien Jaber, Rushdi Sarraj, Abdel-Hadi Habib, Mohamed Yaghi Oslo School of Architecture and Design: Tone Selmer-Olsen, Håvard Breivik, Astrid Fadnes, Jana Vandepoele, Victor, Petros Antoniou, Miquel Benedito Ribelles, Menandros Ioannidhs, Maja Andresen Osberg

3

contents DEDICATION 4

2 Background 14

3 Process 28

I. II. III.

2.1 2.1.2 2.2 2.2.1.

2.2.2.

2.2.3.

2.2.4.

2.2.5 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.8 2.2.9 2.2.5 2.2.9.

3.1.

3.2.

3.2.1 3.2.2 3.2.3 3.2.4 3.2.5 3.2.6 3.2.7 3.2.8 3.2.9 3.2.10

3.2.11 3.2.12

Table of contents List of Abbreviations Executive summary

1 Introduction 11 1.1 1.2 1.3

4

Introduction Vision Statement The Camp in the Region

Historical Overview Origins Camp Profile Current Challenges Strengths and Needs Demographic Profile Income and Employment Governance Structure Road Network Infrastructure networks Open spaces UNRWA Facilities CBOs and NGOs Businesses and Commercial Use

Methodology DEB Camp Improvement Process Initial Contact Formation of the Working Group Integrated Needs Assessment Prioritized Needs list Qualitative Analysis Thematic Workshops Initial Plans Family Meetings Preliminary Contracts Land Allocation and its Implications on Planning Process Development Stages Lessons Learnt

4

INTEGRATED DIAGNOSIS 48

4.2

Street Network

4.1 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.4 4.1.5 4.1.6

Introduction Current Land Use Analysis Summary Urban Strategies Summary Intervention Layers Implementation Plan Proposed Projects List Proposed Budget Stages of Implementation

4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4 4.2.5 4.2.6 4.2.7 4.2.8 4.2.9

Street Structure Today Street Condition and Connectivity Street Types and Modes of Transport Modes of Street Use Accessibility Today Proposed Network for Safe Movement Improved Accessibility Pedestrian Routes and Mini Blocks Souk street improvement

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4.3 Shelter 96 4.3.1 Overview 4.3.2 Initial Assessment 4.3.3 Shelter Quality Mapping 4.3.4 Population Density 4.3.5 Shelter Permanence and Density 4.3.6 Proposed Improvements 4.3.7 Shelter Reconstruction and Repair 4.3.8 Unique Challenges of Camp Design 4.3.9 Apartment Building Concept 4.3.10 Residential Design Challenge 1 4.3.11 Residential Design Challenge 2 4.3.12 Residential Design Challenge 3

5

6

4.4

Upgrading Public Spaces

4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 4.4.4 4.4.5 4.4.6

Public Space Analysis Assets and Potentials Proposed Improvements Central Market Square Neighbourhood Squares Beach Front Improvement

124

4.5

Upgrading Social Infrastructure 142

4.5.1 Overview 4.5.2 Site Planning 4.5.3 Community/Youth Centre 4.5.4 UNRWA Health Centre 4.5.5 Women’s Programme Centre and RSSP Offices

4.6 Infrastructure and Local Self-Sufficiency 152 4.6.1 Overview 4.6.2 Resource and Development Challenges 4.6.3 Existing Situation in Camp 4.6.4 Proposed Interventions 4.6.5 Rainwater Infiltration 4.6.6 Solar Systems 4.6.7 Urban Agriculture Proposal 4.6.8 Sustainable Reconstruction

References 176 Annex 1: Meetings and Surveys

Focus Group Minutes of Meetings Thematic Workshops Minutes of Meetings Working Group Minutes of Meetings MOU: Memorendium of Understanding Qualitative Analysis Summaries Households Survey Analysis

II.

CIP:

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS Camp Improvement Plan

PCBS: Palestinian Central Beureau of Statistics

DEB:

Deir El Balah

RSSP: Relief and Social Services Programme

FG:

Focus Group

UNRWA: United Nations Relief and Works Agency

for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

ICIP: Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme

Annex 2: Plans and Designs

IDB:

MOU: Memorandum of Understanding

Institution Building Designs Apartment Building Conceptual Design Infrastructural Designs Qastal Masterplan Oslo School of Architecture and Design Master Workshop Oslo School of Architecture and Design Master projects

Islamic Development Bank

WG:

Working Group

WPC: Womens’ Programme Centre

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III.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, and the overcrowding of refugee camps poses a significant concern. In this context, high levels of poverty, haphazard planning and lack of space are main challenges to any future development of the camps.

UNRWA Gaza provides basic education, health, relief and social services, environmental health services and a micro business support program for refugees.

Such a broad range of service delivery places UNRWA in a unique position to impact both the social and physical environment.

DEB camp was established in 1948 and is the smallest of the eight Palestine refugee camps in Gaza Strip. Located on the Mediterranean coast in central Gaza with an area of 174,200m2, the camp has over 22,000 registered refugees. DEB Camp has expanded in a haphazard way over the past 69 years without any planning. This unstructured urban fabric has resulted in deteriorated infrastructure, poor accessibility and substandard housing. These physical conditions exacerbate social issues by offering limited space for recreation, green areas and public facilities. The small size of the camp, however, presents an ideal opportunity to introduce comprehensive, community-led planning.

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Recently, plans have been made to widen the coastal road running alongside DEB camp, which would require the demolition of a considerable number of camp shelters. This planned development presented both a need and an opportunity for comprehensive planning to ensure positive and sustained impacts for camp residents. Without such planning, there is a risk that the development of the coastal road will lead to further overcrowding in the camp, with associated social implications.

A recognition of these needs and opportunities has led to the development of this pilot project for camp improvement to facilitate improved quality of life in Palestine refugee Camps in Gaza. UNRWA initiated the camp Improvement approach in DEB, due to the unique social and physical conditions in the camp, which will also provide valuable lessons for implementing the approach in the rest of Gaza.

The participatory planning phase of this project culminated in a master plan for camp improvement in DEB camp. This plan will aim to address, through rehabilitation and reconstruction of camp housing and infrastructure, key issues in the social and physical environment. The DEB team implemented a numbering system for all the buildings in the camp, which allowed detailed mapping. The surveys

covered both socio-economic and physical aspects regarding buildings (including building use, size, material, number of floors, various conditions and ownership), land use and the current state of infrastructure. The surveys included updating of demographic information, sources of income, household composition and key resources and vulnerabilities of the community.

The main goal of the participatory process is to involve the camp community in the decision-making process of shaping their surroundings as capable partners and rightful owners of any development scheme in their camp. The participatory planning process in DEB Camp started with a town hall meeting to launch the project, followed by a sequence of Focus Group sessions with community groups to identify camp priorities in the eyes of its residents. These groups covered all segments of the community, particularly focusing on marginalized groups who are often excluded from involvement in public decision-making processes, such as elders, housewives, children and youth. The 28 focus group meetings involved 245 community representatives and resulted in identifying 42 prioritized needs.

After analysing data and identifying core issues and possible strategies, the DEB team further organised

a series of 12 thematic workshops as a key ingredient in the urban diagnosis process. Addressing urban planning themes based on the community priorities, these were attended by different groups from the community and representatives of the Working Group and relevant stakeholders. To help broaden the perspective, diversity in geographical location, gender, age and professions were taken into consideration in the workshop groups. To give a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand, workshops were attended by specialists who facilitated the development of a comprehensive vision. Aiming to investigate how the defined main priorities manifest themselves the physical context of DEB Camp, the participants openly discussed abstract aims, specific problems and potential solutions.

lack of additional land made available for off-site reconstruction. This created uncertainty among the camp residents and also required the team to come up with alternative strategies such as investigating the potential for vertically dense reconstruction within the camp or acquiring land near the camp.

As most residents do not wish to leave the camp, the process to reach agreeable conclusions was time consuming. In order to consolidate large scale plans and individual family interests, two rounds of family meetings were conducted – with the plan continuously updated accordingly.

Based on the community planning results, the project can be divided into sections, each of which is presented in separate chapters in this report.

The Improvement Plan outcomes are presented in this report, and include road details, open spaces, shelters for repair or reconstruction on or off- site and infrastructural improvements. In addition, detailed design of public facilities, conceptual designs for reconstruction, beachfront improvement and central market improvement are provided. Cost estimates and conceptual designs for every project are made to further describe proposed solutions.

Due to the complex nature of the project, the plan was subject to many modifications along the way.

Conflicting interests among residents as well as changing external factors influenced the direction of the project and required a flexible attitude.

A main restraint on planning efficiency was the

The participatory planning phase has resulted in an urban camp improvement plan which can be implemented, integrated with a list of the affected families and their agreed housing interventions.

The project can be summarized in the following: Housing interventions: 177 affected buildings reconstructed in the camp 6 Apartment buildings constructed in the camp 137 families relocated off-site 150 shelters rehabilitated Infrastructure interventions: Creating and widening roads Improving the water and sewage networks Improving the electrical network Solar powered street lighting and institution systems

Open spaces: Creation of central market square Improvement of the Youth centre area Improvement of areas along the beach Creation of neighbourhood squares Public facility improvements: Construction of Health Centre Construction of Youth Centre Women’s Programme Centre and RSSP office Local self-sufficiency: Creation of rooftop gardens Contracting camp residents in construction work 9

INTRODUCTION 1.1

DEB CAMP IMPROVEMENT PLAN

The Deir El Balah (DEB) Camp Improvement pilot project has been made possible by US $ 40 million of funding from the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Reconstruction of Gaza in cooperation with Islamic Development Bank. This amount is set, paid in advance and cannot be increased. With all camp community members encouraged to input ideas into the project and be involved in its implementation, the project has an innovative approach. The project will likely run for three years starting in February 2015.

DEB has been selected as the pilot camp with possible roll-out to the seven other refugee camps across the Gaza Strip in the future.

DEB was chosen due to opportunities presented by its small size and its proximity to an anticipated coastal road development project. With community participation in setting priorities and developing a master improvement plan, the pilot project is being led by a dedicated team based in DEB and jointly planned and implemented by UNRWA’s Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme (ICIP) and its Relief and Social Services Programme (RSSP).

1.2

THE VISION STATEMENT

The vision of members of the working group in DEB Camp is improving the quality of life of the camp population living in sub-standard conditions.

Integrating social development and improvement of infrastructural services should in turn lead to improve the social, environmental and economic sustainability in the camp.

The diagnosis of needs in relation to the built environment, including infrastructure networks, housing, markets, access, walkways, UNRWA facilities and public spaces, should help the residents to improve the camp environment in accordance with their own identified needs and priorities (see Signed MOU in Annex 1).

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1.3

THE CAMP IN THE REGION

Deir El-Balah Camp was established in 1948 as one of eight Palestine refugee camps in Gaza. The camp is located on the Mediterranean coast in the central part of Gaza in Deir El Balah Governorate, one kilometer northwest of the center of Deir El Balah city, of which it practically forms part. The name “Deir El Balah”, meaning “monastery of the date palm” derives from the first monastery in Palestine

by St. Halarios, who was buried in the eastern district of the city, and due to the large number of palm trees in the area. It is the smallest refugee camp in the Gaza Strip with an area of 174,200m2. There are over 21,000 registered refugees in DEB camp. The camp consists mainly of concrete buildings, has one UNRWA Health Centre and four schools working on a double shift basis.

1.4

OVERPOPULATION IN GAZA

Gaza has an area of 365 km2, stretches over a distance of approximately 45 km from north to south. The width of the Gaza Strip varies from 6-12 km. Gaza is highly urbanized and the population is growing fast. The latest figure from PCBS refers to almost 1.9 million inhabitants, giving a population density of 5200 capita/ km2 (PCBS 2016).

Land is one of the primary natural resources in the Gaza Strip. As a consequence of human activity, few areas remain in a pristine, natural state. The pressure on land is increasing rapidly in all sectors.

Urban and horticultural expansion is concentrated in the western coastal zones of Gaza. The expansion of buildings and other urban dwellings is estimated to be 1 to 1.5 km2 per year. In addition to the various consequences of overcrowding in itself, this means that people in both rural and urban areas are losing control over, and connection to, the sources of their food.

Scarcity of land, intensified by access restrictions, absence of clear regulations or a national master plan, requires strong planning to ensure that despite the population density, Gaza will be a liveable place, avoiding unhealthy overcrowding, social tension and insecurity.

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beach camp

jabalia camp

N

gaza city nuseirat camp

deir el balah camp bureij camp

deir el balah

maghazi camp

khan younis camp

khan younis

rafah rafah camp

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CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND 2.1 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Between late 1947 and the first half of 1949, more than 41,000 refugees fled or were expelled from the hostilities of the war following the establishment of Israel. Palestinians who lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the war became refugees.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) was created in Dec. 1948, and established the Deir El Balah refugee camp. Gaza was under Egyptian jurisdiction until the war and Israeli occupation of 1967. UNRWA was responsible for the provision of services to refugees.

About 2000 people or 400 families arrived in Deir El Balah Camp, which was chosen for its empty land close to nearby villages and the good topographic position. The refugees were classified and distributed themselves according to their place of origin (the biggest family consisting of about 400 people). Each group has their own leader, or “mokhtar�.

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a fIshing village Camp resident preparing his fishing net, 1965 UN Archives

2.1.2 ORIGINS The camp’s families mainly came from villages of central and southern Palestine, such as Alswafeir, Al Joura, Gerga, Beit Tima, Beit Daras, Barbara, Hamama, Kokaba, Lod, Masmia, Breir Beersheba, Isdud Karatia.

Refugee families from the same village usually arrived at the same time and stayed close together in one area of the camp. Areas were therefore sometimes named by their largest families’ origin villages such as Isdod, Alswafer and Al Hasanat.

villages by origin Approximately half of the camp consists of neighbourhood clusters of residents from the same origin. The rest are mixed areas. jaffa

ashdod

deb

beer sheva

16

N

robin neighbourhood

a masima neighbourhood al hasanat neighbourhood isdod neighbourhood

al sawafir neighbourhood

stage 1: 1948

stage 2: 1950 - 1970

EVOLUTION OF URBAN FABRIC Initially, refugees used plastic sheets or palm leaves to build makeshift shelters. After conducting a survey in December 1948, Quakers distributed tents according to family size, which were arranged in lines over an area of about 70 dunams.

In 1951 the refugees built the first mud buildings with support from Quakers. Clay from the sea and some materials brought from Egypt were used.

UNRWA started the shelter program in 1956, after a lot of complaints regarding the environmental problems. A new area of approximately the same 18

size was added to the camp and the land was divided into equal units based on the borders of the tents.

Perpendicular and parallel dirt roads divided the camp into blocks in a monotonous urban structure.

Around 200 brick and cement shelters with asbestos roofing were constructed within the 4 main blocks (C, D, E and F) . With area of 70m2, each house consisted of 4 rooms, with one family per room.

Communal toilet facilities were distributed per block. The new housing brought large numbers of refugees who were previously living in mosques, schools or with relatives. The congestion and poor

sanitary and ventilation conditions, caused social problems and health issues .

Designs and plans conducted by UNRWA at the time clashed with the cultural and social Palestinian environment. Familes yearned for open spaces and private sanitary facilities, and added new rooms to accommodate their married childrens’ new families.

As houses expanded beyond their initial borders, the roads slowly turned into narrow lanes reminiscent of those of ancient Islamic cities. This has become a distinctive element in Palestinian camps.

stage 3: 1970 -1990

The camp continued to expand horizontally due to population growth until the advent of the Palestinian National Authority. In 1994, the first Palestinian Authority was established on Palestinian land and many displaced people returned. Economic conditions improved, which lead to a construction boom that affected the urban structure of the camp.

Families started to expand vertically by constructing multi- storey buildings, a tendency which continues today.

stage 4: 1990 - today

demolishing some houses. The families whose homes were demolished were given small pieces of land outside the camp and some money for construction as compensation.

From 2007 until now the blockade has been imposed on Gaza and construction works have almost ceased in the camp.

In 1997, the Palestinian Authority constructed the main coastal road between the camp and the sea, 19

2.2 CAMP PROFILE 2.2.1

CURRENT CHALLENGES

As the population continues to increase, density keeps rising and the need for improvements is severe. The camp has reached a horizontal saturation level which prevents any further expansion without aquiring new land. Consequently, the urban structure is slowly rising vertically.

The unplanned manner in which the camp has grown creates an urban structure with some advantages, like high walkability, spatial optimization and visual variation.

However, with densely positioned buildings rising to multiple floors follow a series of problems that make life difficult in the camp. These include social, environmental and physical challenges which have become the main study focus of this project.

Which qualities are imperative to improving living conditions? How can we quantify these qualitative aspects? How can we choose which buildings to improve in a fair and transparent way?

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2.2.2 APPARENT STRENGTHS AND NEEDS

camp structure today

Strengths

Deir El Balah camp and surrounding areas.

• The camp location by the sea shore - for recreation and fishing • Presence of CBOs, NGOs, host government institutions, mosque and local committees • Good relations between the camp residents • High level topography • Accessibility to the surrounding areas

UNRWA 2016

Needs • Reduce overpopulation in the camp - requires additional area and new strategies for reconstruction within camp • Re-planning the road network to reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility and safety in the camp • Green areas and open spaces are needed all over the camp • Street lighting needed all over the camp • Health and youth centres and some CBOs need improvement

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2.2.3 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

2.2.4 INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT

2.2.5 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

The total population of the camp based on the survey data is about 7,366. It is a young population, with a median age of 18 (compared to a world average of 28) and 38 % are below 15 years old.

The unemployment and poverty figures make for a worrying economic outlook. The current market in Gaza is not able to offer jobs, which particularly affects youth.

Poverty

The result of the DEB resident survey showed that only 52% of the Head of families are working. The unemployment rate reaches 65 % among people with a high school degree or higher, and 92 % of people with physical disabilities are unemployed.

Only 7 % of unemployed are not classified as poor.

From the establishment of the camp, an informal power structure has existed with local leaders or “mukhtars” in control. These are family representatives with support committees, who have been responsible for helping, protecting and supporting the community in conflict resolution and coordinating with the host government. Since first intifada, the political factions started to play a role in this social structure.

Poverty in Gaza is widespread, but more prevalent in refugee camps and rural areas. The majority of the poor are concentrated in the refugee camps. In DEB Camp 61 % of the residents live in poverty, most of these classified as Abject Poor.

Registered Refugees Based on UNRWA fact sheet of 30 Sep. 2015, the total number of registered refugees in DEB Camp is 23 653. The new population count concludes that a significantly lower number of people reside in the camp - 7 894 people. This is a result of continuous local migration from the camp due to the limited space, overcrowding and lack of of job opportunities.

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After the Oslo agreement and establishment of the oPt, the power of the camp leaders started to diminish as the governmental police played a main role in governing the camp. Currently there are two local committees related to the political factions (one for Fatah and one for Hamas), which are supervised by the department of refugee affairs.

The “mukhtars” still maintain a level of influence and informal power.

UNRWA is considered the main service provider in the camp, has a significant presence and maintain good relations with the camp residents.

9%

5%

> 60 years

45 - 59 years

Age distribution

Poverty Status

31%

38%

< 15 years

17 %

30 - 44 years

46 %

48 %

Abject Poor

39 % Not Poor

Government, UNRWA, NGOs

Unemployed

HoF employment

31 %

15 - 29 years

6%

Private Sector

14 %

14 %

Absolute Poor

Special Safety Net

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2.2.6 ROAD NETWORK

2.2.7

The main streets are Al Rasheed street along the coast, and the Souk (market) street in the middle of the camp. These vary in width from about 3 to 6 meters, and host most of the commercial activity in the camp. Branching off these streets, some narrower streets reach into the residential areas.

All shelters are connected to water and sewerage networks, but parts of the existing network is old and built from steel pipes, which makes corrosion a major problem. The sewerage system is subject to frequent blockages. The water shortage affects all families, especially those whose shelter has temporary roofing materials incapable of supporting rooftop water tanks.

The rest of the street network consists of alleys which vary in width from less than one meter to about 2.5 m - just enough for motor cycles or horses to enter. The narrow alleys provide poor ventilation and lighting conditions, and result in high humidity and reduced privacy.

Accessibility - especially for emergency vehicles, prevention of high speed traffic and safe passage for pedestrians are the main targets for improvement.

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INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORKS

All areas of the camp are subject to poor and dangerous electrical lines and low voltage. There are few street lights, adding to the insecurity of the streetscape.

2.2.8 OPEN SPACES As a result of every shelter´s continous expansion at the expense of public space, combined with the absence of urban planning, communal cooperation or official bodies to protect public spaces, the camp has reached an extremely high built-up density.

The beach, streets, alleys and fenced areas within UNRWA facilities are the only available public spaces. Streets and alleys form the main spaces for social and recreational activities, in the absence of public squares and spaces. This creates bleak public and social scenes, as well as hazardous conditions where children play among cars whose drivers cannot see them.

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2.2.9 UNRWA FACILITIES

2.2.10 CAMP INSTITUTIONS: CBOS, NGOS

2.2.11 BUSINESSES AND COMMERCIAL USE

UNRWA runs 8 schools (6 elementary and 2 preparatory) with about 8,200 pupils in four school buildings which all run double shifts. For secondary school, the students join governmental schools on Salah al-Din Street about 1 km from the camp.

UNRWA supports the camp’s Women’s Programme Centre, which provides women with venues in which to socialize and participate in educational, cultural and recreational activities. The WPC also offers skills training, microloans, advice and education, helping women become more self-reliant. The building is in poor condition and too small for the activities.

There are at least 100 shops in the camp, 90 % of which are placed along the Souk street. 90% of commercial entities utilise are less than 20m2. 15 % of businesses are rented, and 85 % are owned.

UNRWA provides primary healthcare services and partial subsidies for private hospital costs meaning that all camp residents have access to UNRWA Primary Health care facilities. The Agency’s DEB Camp health centre was reconstructed in June 1993. Being staffed by 39 health care workers, an average of 650 consultations are held here each day. As it is not a Primary Health Centre, there are no physiotherapy or x-ray units.

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DEB Relief and Social Services Office is adjacent to the Women’s Programme Centre. The office supports refugees who are unable to meet their own basic needs for food and shelter rehabilitation, and provides direct aid under emergencies.

The Youth Centre was established in 1951 as an athletic, cultural and social club. It is currently serving a large number of people from the camp and the surrounding area, with about 340 persons attending the club daily. It contains different services; playground, gym, library, kindergarten, cafeteria, hall for cultural activities and occasions, hall for elderly activities. There are several sports teams at the club, which often leave the camp to train due to the lack of space and lighting. The buildings are in poor condition, partly due to the proximity to the sea which creates corrosion in the main structural elements.

Both the Sanitation Office and Maintenance Office are operated by ICIP, in one floor buildings from 1960. The Sanitation Office’s primary objective being reduction of preventable diseases and mortality related to poor environmental conditions. The DEB Maintenance Office is currently not in use.

Deir El Balah Rehabilitation Society provides services for people with disabilities, aiming to improve their life through educational training, social integration, skills development, psychosocial support and physical therapy, entertainment, sports and cultural development.

90 % of businesses are designed to meet the daily needs of citizens. These include grocery stores, fruit and vegetable vendors, butcheries, stores selling household appliances, clothing and sanitary ware.

There are two pharmacies in the camp. There is only one restaurant for popular food, one bakery, one coffee shop. 5 % of businesses are of the beauty industry, including salons, barbers. 2 % of businesses are maintenance dealers, comprising those for electrical and electronic appliances.

N

Mosque

Kindergarten

UNRWA Health centre

Social hall + gym

Youth centre

UNRWA Boys’ school UNRWA Boys’ school

unrwa Maintenance office

Kindergarten

unrwa Womens’ program unrwa relief centre unrwa sanitation office

Mosque

UNRWA girls’ school

UNRWA girls’ school

public facility building commercial commercial + shelter shelter camp boundary

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CHAPTER 3 PROCESS 3.1. METHODOLOGY With participation by the camp community, the participatory planning phase has been conducted with reference to the Camp Improvement Plan methodology. This consists of a seven- step cycle outlining a process for working in partnership with the refugee community. Participation fosters a sense of community ownership, and thereby promotes improved sustainability.

DEB team conducted detailed surveys covering both socio-economic and physical aspects to update the existing data regarding buildings (including building use, size, and material, number of floors, conditions and ownership), land use and the current state of infrastructure. The surveys included updating of demographic information, such as age and gender breakdown of the camp population, sources of income, household composition and key resources and vulnerabilities of the community. All surveys were based on the implemented numbering system for all the buildings in the camp.

The participatory planning phase of this project aimed at producing a Camp Improvement Plan (CIP) for DEB Camp, including but not limited to, Urban and Community development components. This 28

plan will aim to address, through rehabilitation / reconstruction of camp housing and infrastructure, key issues in the social and physical environment in DEB, with an emphasis on decongestion of the camp. The Camp Improvement Plan is intended as a dynamic document, responsive to changing needs in the community.

The main goal of the participatory process is to involve the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community in the decisionmaking process of shaping their surroundings as capable partners and rightful owners of any development scheme in their camp. The participatory planning process in DEB Camp started with a sequence of Focus Group sessions with different sectors of the community to start identifying what DEB Camp mostly needs in the eyes of its residents. These groups covered all segments of the community, particularly focusing on marginalized groups who are often excluded from involvement in public decision-making process in the camp such as elders, housewives, children and youth. The focus group discussions resulted in identifying community priorities, which were further explored in a series of thematic workshops that introduced the urban planning methodologies to the community. Support from technical experts have ensured that planning processes are technically sound and feasible.

methodology The seven-step Camp Improvement Plan cycle outlines a process for working in partnership with the refugee community in the camp.

UNRWA Camp Improvement Manual

community priorities For more, se page 35

Widen streets p. 64

Housing conditions p. 96

Water quality + quantity p. 160

Sewage network p. 158

Health centre p. 148

Open space p. 124

Beach p. 136

Electricity p. 162

Youth centre + women´s gym p. 146

Souk street p. 86

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urban planning process stages of development towards an integrated diagnosis and feasible implementation

3.2

DEB CAMP IMPROVEMENT PROCESS

implemented system for data

socio- economic and technical surveyS

gis generated maps based on

collection and urban analysis

state OF shelters and their residents

collected information

building numbering

data analysis

capacity building

site analysis

studying camp improvement plans

challenges and potentials

of other fields

focus groups

thematic workshops

community defined needs

community urban preferences

integrated diagnosis definition of urban problems, development of solutions responding to existing situaton

consultation community collaboration, working grouP input, INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL EXPERTS

30

and community needs

family meetings approval of relocation + reconstruction on site

land allocation

cip drafts

locating areas suitable for

necessary changes

preliminary contracts

relocation, negotiating terms

and improvements,

agreements according

facilities,infrastructure,

INTEGRATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PLANS,

to updated plan

reconstruction sites and concepts

finalized road network and related

+ available land

improvement plan with agreed roads, open spaces,

infrastructure improvements,

concept designs proposed projects with preliminary cost estimates

final report describing entire process, all considerations and all results

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3.2.1 INITIAL CONTACT As the first of its kind in Gaza, understanding the views and interests of the stakeholders was essential to the project. Before launching the project there was a need to coordinate with all stakeholders who can affect the outcome.

An UNRWA team lead by the Chief Area Office (Middle Area), his deputy and the Participatory Planning Coordinator held a meeting with the representatives from the PLO and Hamas Refugee Popular Committees (PC) and representatives of the DEB Camp population in December 2014. in preparation of the Town Hall Meeting.

Town Hall project lauch The First meeting with stakeholders, community representatives, and UNRWA Area Officers was through a public meeting. On the April 15th 2015, about 150 people representing the DEB Camp community, stakeholders and UNRWA Middle Area Officers attended the Town Hall Meeting at the Meeting Hall of DEB Municipality. Annex on list of invitees for the Town Hall Meeting.

32

The meeting was addressed by DUO declaring the official start of the Participatory Planning Phase of DEB Camp Improvement Project and stressing the following issues: • UNRWA’s initiative in camp improvement and similar experiences and best practices from other CIPs outside Gaza Field. Stating that DEB Project will be a pilot project considering social mapping elements • Explaining CIP’s overall aims, objectives and methodology • Proposing a new mindset of full partnership between UNRWA and the community that will last throughout the process • Emphasizing the role of the local community, stakeholders and the point of entry, as representatives, into the camp’s community groups and institutions • Discussing the next step of forming a Working Group which will comprise of local committee representatives, representatives from organizations active in the camp as UNRWA staff living and working in DEB Camp The meeting was also addressed by Dr. Zakaria El-Agha, Chairman of PLO Department of Refugees, Dr.Mufeed el Hasaina, The Minister of Public Works and Housing and Dr. Abdul-Karim Jouda, The Project’s Participatory Planning Coordinator.

A fact sheet on DEB Camp and the Project was made available to the attendants in both Arabic and English (Annex refers). Time was allocated for collective discussion among the attendants. The entire Project Implementation Team (PIT) was presen to become acquainted with the various organizations active in the camp and to listen to the first impressions on CIP. The attendants appreciated the new participatory approach. Some participants started by stating their demands rather than discussing the project overview. The DUO explained that the aim is move from a demand/receive mindset into full partnership in planning and implementation. As the CIP next steps were explained, the attendants were able to relate more to the interactive methodologies, such as focus group workshops.

Skepticism was expressed by some speakers concerning the possibility of achieving the aim of true partnership lying at the heart of CIP. However, most participants showed enthusiasm in communicating their ideas and questions, and most of the participants agreed to the importance of engaging in such inclusive gatherings.

3.2.2 FORMATION OF THE WORKING GROUP

WG Roles and Responsibilities

Working Group operational meetings

On May 05, 2015, Chairman Project’s Steering Committee (DUO) approved the proposed formation of the Working Group (WG). Annex refers. On May 12, 2015, the PIT met the WG for the first time. In this meeting, the WG met the following requirements:

• No member of the WG can actively participate in the discussion sessions or affect other members’ opinions. This principle of objectivity also applies to the PIT team.

• Results and progress of Focus Group sessions will be discussed and assessed by the WG. • Group members are to be fixed, with the addition of new members according to work demand and according to current members’ approval • In order to ensure commitment and continuity, an organization must do long-term and continuous work in the camp to join the WG. • The WG is responsible for implementation follow up in the interest of the camp residents.

• The WG noted the idea of developing a questioning mechanism to follow up works in the future and hold stakeholders accountable.

• The WG should monitor new initiatives and projects undertaken by camp organizations to make sure they are aligned with the CIP’s goals.

• The WG should communicate the CIP with local organizations working in the camp and encouraging initiatives and projects to be in line with and complimentary to the objectives of CIP. • The WG will stay informed of project proposals written by UNRWA specialists.

After its formation, the working group held 4 operational meetings in order to:

• The WG is composed by 24 members (Annex has two lists; community representatives and other stakeholders and UNRWA Area Officers).

• The WG has adequate representation of concerned stakeholders, community segments and UNRWA departments, including 9 from the local community, 2 from the Refugee Popular Committees, 9 from 9 Palestinian institutions and 4 from UNRWA Departments.

• There is adequate gender balance within the Working Group, as well as different age groups.

• WG membership will be flexible and open.

• WG will meet on a regular basis throughout the Participatory planning phase • PPC confirmed the importance of the representation of active local community entities within the WG which should be considered, such as the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, the Municipality, the Water Authority, Electrical Company, for the important role these entities are playing and services they provide to the community.

• Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Working Group as the CIP moves forwards • Determine and organize hosting focus group sessions that will be facilitated by the PIT. • Evaluate the findings of the focus group sessions (Camp Long Need List) • Generate ideas for project proposals accordingly and endorse them.

• Review and refine this Fast Track Report and the participatory process so far.

• Facilitate the progress of CIP in general, including access to information, communication with local organizations and camp residents and providing feedback and insights about the flow of works.

• Throughout these meetings, the WG discussed and resolved several conflicts or difference in perspectives that arose.

• All the minutes of the Working Group meetings, as well relevant materials such as maps and focus group results are produced by the facilitators and reviewed by the WG.

33

3.2.3

INTEGRATED NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Focus groups are considered primary sources in generating the urban improvement plan (UIP); out of the qualitative data excerpted from the FG sessions, a clearer image of the community insights and aspirations are better reflected and documented.

This method aims to create and strengthen sense of community ownership of the UIP, and provide rapid access to significant information.

Setting Up The WG agreed upon the criteria for selecting and inviting participants of the Focus Groups, including geographical diversity, male/female balance, and diversification of occupational groups. Focus Group attendance is voluntary, and the meetings are held in an informal, interactive and open spirit.

The WG scheduled Focus Group sessions and agreed on distributing the roles of inviting and hosting the sessions among their different organizations.

Sessions were then held in environments intended to instil trust and invite participants to feel comfortable discussing even sensitive issues.

34

Focus groups were organized according to the following population groups: 1.

Housewives (including widows) 2.

People with special needs 3.

Children between 8 and 12 years old 4.

Working men 5. Fishermen 6.

Working women 7. Elderly 8.

Youths 18 to 25 years old (male) 9.

Youths 18 to 25 years old (female) Hosting Methodology

Stage 2: A general open discussion was usually generated in response to specific questions, then leading towards more structured discussions of general themes while documenting the discussion on flip charts.

Stage 3: Common priorities for camp improvement (“Focus Group Priority List”) were agreed upon, and facilitators distributed printed copies to the participants for ranking.

Stage 4: All the listed needs were ranked in terms of priority by each participant.

The facilitating team steered the discussions to specify the most pressing needs and encourage forward-looking “out of the box” thinking, including general wishes and desires for the future of the camp. The meetings’ structure was as follows:

Stage 5: The final score of each priority was calculated using this formula :

Stage 1: Brief introduction on camp improvement, explanation of methodology and personal introduction of facilitators and participants

(# of participants * # of needs)

(sum of total points ) * 100

As the number of participants and the number of defined needs varied from meeting to meeting, the above formula was necessary to create a fair evaluation of the priorities.

3.2.4 PRIORITIZED NEEDS LIST The list of prioritized needs, as shown in full on the following page, shows that the major challenges the refugees face daily concern environmental conditions in the camp and its haphazard urban character. The top needs were ranked high in most Focus Groups, including street widening, housing conditions and solving water and sewage problems.

The camp residents, who are dealing with these issues on a daily basis, have a better understanding of the problems facing their community than anyone else.

The most pressing need is to widen streets. Narrow alleys affect not only emergency access and fire safety, but also creates ventilation, lighting and privacy problems. Street improvement is linked to other major needs such as improving the market street and rehabilitating infrastructure components.

were two of the top ten priorities since the lack of open spaces affects everyone in the camp.

Expressed needs extend to cover education services, mainly concentrating on cancelling the double shift system. Moreover, implementation of physical improvements to meet the needs of refugees with disabilities and special needs was mentioned, which should be taken into consideration during design of roads and facilities.

Moreover, some problems may be solved by coordination with other UNRWA programs or external organizations. For example, solving the problem of overflowing garbage containers and conducting cleanliness campaigns can be executed through coordination with UNRWAs Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Program Sanitation division.

About 40% of the participants selected improvement of housing conditions as their top priority. This is understandable, as more than 40% of the shelters were previously classified as substandard according the Agency criteria.

The fifth ranked need was to improve the UNRWA health centre and its services. Allocating green and recreational areas and improving the camp beach 35

PRIORITIZED NEEDS LIST The following table summarizes the prioritized need resulting from the quantitative analysis of 28 Focus Group meetings involving 245 community representatives.

36

Priority NEED

Top priority votes

1

Widen streets

56

2

Improve housing conditions

92

3

Improve water quantity and quality

10

4

Upgrade sewerage networks

27

5

Improve health centre and its services

2

6

Allocate recreation and green areas

7

7

Improve beach: coastal road, accesses and seats on the shore

7

8

Improve the electrical network

8

9

Improve the Youth centre and construct Gym for Women

4

10

Develop the Souk street as a central market 2

11

Resolve accumuling garbage issue

12

Generate job opportunities

10

13

Developing the educational services and construct new schools to cancel the double shift school

1

14

Providing cultural centers and libraries

2

Priority NEED

15

Provide parking areas

16

Upgrade roads and access to meet the requirements of the physically disabled

17

Allocating points for regulating transportation at the school areas

18

Street lighting

19

Construct sewage pumping station

20

Construct specialized health and special needs rehabilitation center

21

Top priority votes

Priority NEED

29

Create theme parks and places to play

2

30

Solving the high population density

2

31

Improving the UNRWA services to meet special needs requirements

32

Construct centre for care of the elderly

1

33

Provide suitable housing units for anyone whose shelter will be demolished

1

34

Establish of obstetric division within UNRWA health Centre

Upgrade the fishermen port

35

Construct water tank

22

Construct green football playground

36

23

Upgrade the roads and accesses to meet the requirement of the blind

Provide rescue towers with lifeguards

24

Construct sport yard for women in a separate building

37

Relocate affected fishermen families in shelters near the coastal road Construct a club for the elderly

25

Construct club including library for the people with special needs

38 39

Construct vocational training centre

26

Continue providing UNRWA services for families who will move out of camp

40

Conducting hygiene campaign

27

Improve the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centre

41

Finding open space for general occasions

28

Rehouse families in separate buildings

42

Construction of shelters for protection from wars

6

Top priority votes

1

4

37

3.2.5 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FOCUS

GROUP MEETINGS The Qualitative analysis helped us understand the needs of the community and analyse the root of the problems and the relation between them. This guided the team to hold integrated and constructive discussions during the thematic workshops. The expressed needs within the FGs can be categorized into the following groups: i.

Needs related to UNRWA Services such as

education and Health services ii.

Needs related to infrastructure networks

such as (water, sewerage, electrical and others) iii.

Needs related to housing iv.

Needs related to green and open spaces and

other recreational areas v.

Special needs required to meet special

groups such as physical improvements

to meet the needs of refugees with different disabilities See Annex 1 for list of points raised by theme.

38

camp Community Priorities 1 widening streets urban planning objectives 2 Improving housing conditions 1 strengthening urban fabric 3 Improving water quantity and quality 2 improving access and mobility 4 Upgrading sewerage network 3 Improving housing conditions 5 Improving health centre and its services 4 upgrading infrastructure 6 Allocation of recreational and green areas 5 renewing public institutions 7 Improving DEB beach including the coastal road 6 safe, inclusive public space creation 8 Improving the electrical network 7 local self-sufficiency 9 Improving the youth activities centre 10 Developing the market street 11 improving waste disposal 12 Generating job opportunities

39

3.2.6 THEMATIC WORKSHOPS As the second part of its community consultation approach, DEB project team organised a series of thematic workshops with different community groups. These thematic workshops were a key ingredient in the urban diagnosis process of the urban Improvement plan. The main urban needs of the camp (generated in the 28 Focus Group meetings) were separated into themes for discussion.

The thematic groups were attended by specialists who facilitated the development of more comprehensive and detailed diagnosis. Focusing on the camp spatial assets and problems as mapped both by technical surveyors and the participants themselves, created the concepts that constututes the Camp Improvement Project.

Each theme was discussed by different participants depending on the theme of the workshop, where both residents and concerned stakeholders and experts were invited. In selecting thematic groups, considerations were given to the geographical diversity, gender, age and occupational diversity.

This helped to broaden the perspective and generated more complex and effective ideas.

40

Each thematic workshop allowed the team to link up all issues that had been raised in relation to a certain theme. Thefollowing thematic workshops were conducted to discuss: 1 Urban planning concepts and strategies 2 Road network 3 Development of the coastal road 4 Market road improvement 5 Health Center improvement 6 Youth Center improvement 7 Shelter + reconstruction 8 Shelter + reconstruction (women only) 9 Environmental Infrastructure (water,

sewerage, solid waste, electricity etc.)

10 Open Spaces and Recreational Areas 11 Traffic safety 12 Unemployment

â&#x20AC;&#x153;we need land and skyâ&#x20AC;?

- Residents explaining their need for housing options which allow future expansion

41

3.2.7

INITIAL PLANS

Following the results of the focus groups, thematic workshops and technical surveys, strategies began to form. In addition to the quantitative and qualitative information on priorities, the DEB team had a comprehensive profile on each shelter and family. Solutions which solve the issues at hand while also being physically feasible and acceptable to the population evolved gradually as they were discussed with the community.

Widening streets and creating open space requires land, and will necessarily involve some relocation.

Also, due to the high population density, moving people out of the camp is to a certain extent recommendable. However, the land scarcity in Gaza and the uncertainties of land allocation in this specific project means that a focus should be on reconstruction or site redistribution within the camp. As such, one of the urban strategies needed was housing plan which would balance the needs of families and the optimal use of land - both within and outside the camp.

After the thematic workshops, it became clear that only a portion of the residents would accept living in apartments, and many were hesitant about the proposed external area, which is not within walking distance of the camp.

42

3.2.8 FAMILY MEETINGS, INITIAL SURVEY

3.2.9 PRELIMINARY CONTRACTS

An initial round of meetings was arranged to discuss the outlined proposed interventions with affected families. Intervention plans were continously modified according to the input from the community.

After the initial round of meetings, the most feasible scenarios were integrated in the updated street and open spaces plan. All affected families (many of whom had already been consulted) were invited to sign preliminary contracts concerning their reconstructed housing.

Family meetings were held by a committee of two engineers and two members of the social team, starting with families affected by street network improvements, and followed by families potentially affected by creation of open spaces or areas for rebuilding multi-story buildings.

Approximately 500 houses - involving 765 refugee families were met. The main points discussed in these meetings were the acceptable housing alternatives, including site, typology and building total area vs. footprint (for example, would the family accept a two floor building on small site within the camp or the equivalent option on an external site).

For results, shelter reconstruction criteria and developed relocation options, see chapter 4.3.

It was understood by the families that the contracts were preliminary and could be canceled by themselves or UNRWA. However, the contracts were treated with apprehension and respect by the residents. In many cases, several meetings were required to ensure that all family members had a full undestanding and agreement on the proposed interventions.

3.2.10 LAND ALLOCATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE PLANNING PROCESS It is known that in order to implement the top priorities of the community, some shelters must be evacuated. The project was subject to continual updates based on realistic possibilities in the camp, agreements with the community and the possibilities of land allocation to the Agency from the Palestinian Land Authority (PLA).

Initial plans In the initial project proposal, it was estimated that a sizeable area of land was needed for reconstruction.

However, at the point of commencement on the participation planning, there was no land allocated.

The team therefore investigated the possibility of maximizing on-site reconstruction (following demolition of substandard shelters) within the camp.

Camp residents were skeptical towards relocating within the camp or living in apartment buildings. It became clear that even with reconstruction within the camp, there was a proven need for external land.

Coastal Road relocation The planned widening of the Coastal Road (AlRasheed Street) was initially thought to impact the DEB CIP. The MPWH made it clear that the available Qatari grant to implement this widening would be

sufficient, at best, to implement the road itself compensation for the affected families would not be achievable. However, the government was willing to allocate land parcels for reconstruction under the DEB CIP, noting that UNRWA must adhere to MPWH rehousing policy.

Al Qastal area and housing typology The PLA allocated a piece of land in Al Qastal area east of Salaheddin street. Due to the lack of land in Gaza, the MPWH only accepts apartment buildings, with four apartments per level over five floors as the standard - far from the norm in previous UNRWA rehousing projects. Initially, only 17% of the consulted families accepted the location of Qastal, and hardly any agreed to living in apartment buildings. Therefore, discussions were initiated with authorities to 1) allow for separate family buildings and 2) aquire land near the camp.

Using empty plots near the camp, could resolve the relocation issue. Since UNRWA cannot purchase land, this process was negotiated through the local government, which did not succeed in aquiring the land. Discussions regarding relocation typology succeeded, and authorities accepted the proposal of separate buildings for extended families.

A two-phase implementation plan Before a final land allocation agreement was signed, there was a need to destinguish parts of the project wich could be implemented regardless of external land. The project was therefore separated into two phases, where the first phase defined interventions that can be implemented on site, such as improving community facilities, shelter rehabilitation and widening some streets through local reconstruction.

The second phase defined interventions which could be implemented on account of families agreeing to live in the Qastal area, such as completing the street network and creating open spaces.

Final solution Through careful negotiation with authorities and the camp community, an agreeable and implementable solution was created. An agreement on land allocation in the Qastal site was made, while acceptance for the external site was growing.

Furthermore, community agreements were made to maximize the number of on-site reconstruction while. As such, the numbers of necessary relocation cases were minized, allowing for a space-efficient master plan on the Qastal site to be developed.

43

3.2.11 DEVELOPMENT STAGES

In response to changing circumstances as well as continous feedback from community and experts, the project was constantly evolving. Although the process of developing the plan was fluid, it can be summarized in terms of stages for simplicity.

The initial ideas as outlined by Dr. Farid and Dr. Mohsen of the Islamic University of Gaza, include a network of widened roads and two open spaces near the Souk road. These ideas were revised according to community wishes, technical mapping and feasible options, but formed a basis for development.

As described in this chapter, the lack of allocated land proved an obstacle for planning, as this had to be solved simultaneously and also influenced the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opinions. Furthermore, after the thematic workshops it became apparent that the majority of residents wanted to stay in or near the camp. At the same time, the top priorities shelter quality, street widening and open space creation, all require relocation. This means that the team had to investigate a number of possible solutions before reaching a balance between these factors.

One early idea which was explored, was maximising relocation within the camp. While the camp is saturated in terms of horizontal development, there 44

is still potential for vertical densification. Would it be possible to create roads, open spaces and housing in one move, by demolishing clusters of substandard shelters and reconstruct taller, space-efficient buildings? Although rationally sound, the idea was discarded as rearranging plots, reducing plot sizes and living in apartment buildings were considered culturally challenging for many. Some families accepted reconstructing their house on a slightly smaller plot. However, plots are very small and in many cases there is little to go on.

1: initial ideas This initial sketch outlines a possible road network, with three larger squares along the streets. Green areas show buildings proposed for demolition due to the government implemented widening of the Coastal Road.

After securing land, the prospects became clearer and acceptance of the new site slowly grew as the camp community became familiar with the plans and conditions for relocation.

The end result is an optimized plan with a functional street network and an acceptable amount of open space, with as few families as possible leaving the camp. Reconstruction within the camp is mostly on the same site with a similar or smaller footprint.

Externally, the project has achieved an agreement for separate family rehousing in Qastal by reviewing criteria and placing extended families in the same building. Most affected families have signed preliminary contracts.

5: expert consultations Based on community and expert consultations (including both UNRWA HQ and ICIP as well as external experts), the road network was amended.

N

3800 m2

3500 m2

1000 m2 9400 m2

reconstruction site options lost to road widening potential sites for reconstruction additional ssn cases adjacent unused sites

2: fIrst conceptual plan

3: community consultations

4: reconstruction site analysis

Based on thorough analysis of shelter quality and visits to the camp, the plan outlines areas for open spaces and reconstruction in addition to the initial ideas.

Through a series of thematic workshops, all elements of the project were discussed, and participantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; input continuously helped improve the plans.

As a study on the feasibility of minimizing external land requirement, potential larger demolition sites in the camp were evaluated for dense reconstruction. Nearby areas were also investigated as alternative reconstruction sites.

Deir el balah camp improvement plan

D.5.24

D.5.23

D.5.13

D.5.25

D.4.05 D.5.48

D.5.36

D.5.33

D.5.47

D.5.46

D.5.35

D.5.34

D.5.26

D.5.04

C.1.04

D.5.22

D.5.15

D.5.14

D.5.08

D.5.21

D.5.16

D.5.07

D.5.20 C.1.03 D.5.05

C.2.06

C.2.10

C.2.04

C.2.01

B.3.27

B.3.17

B.3.07

C.2.02

B.3.33

B.3.35

B.3.24

B.3.36

D.3.21

B.3.57

B.3.49

B.3.58

D.4.46

B.3.75

B.2.23

B.3.04

C.2.34

C.2.32

C.2.31

B.3.23 B.3.05

B.3.46

C.2.37

B.3.22

B.2.27

B.3.77

B.1.60

B.2.28

B.3.61

C.2.40

C.2.39

B.3.78

B.3.39

B.3.02 B.3.01

C.2.52

C.2.49

C.2.50

C.2.46

C.2.47

C.2.48

C.2.45

C.2.62

C.2.44

B.3.43

B.2.29

B.3.40

B.3.03

B.1.45

B.3.41

B.1.51

B.1.62

B.2.34

B.2.31 B.3.80

B.1.32

B.1.37

B.1.46

B.1.36

B.1.47

B.1.35

B.1.10

B.1.17

B.1.23

B.1.33

B.3.42

B.1.50

B.1.63

B.3.82

B.2.07

B.3.81

B.2.12B.2.13 B.2.11 B.2.08 B.2.09B.2.10

B.2.33 B.2.32

C.2.59

A.1.08

C.3.02

A.1.02

A.1.07

F.3.15

A.1.18

A.1.34 A.1.26

A.1.23

A.1.22

C.3.15

C.3.17

C.3.16

C.3.18

A.1.04

A.1.05

A.1.21

A.1.27

A.1.28

A.1.33

A.1.40

A.1.32

A.1.43

A.1.44

A.1.45

A.1.46

A.1.39

A.1.38

A.1.31

A.1.54

A.2.01

A.1.55

A.2.15 A.2.16A.2.17

A.2.18 A.2.19

A.2.14

A.2.20

A.1.56 A.2.02

A.1.53

A.1.50

A.1.58

A.1.19

A.1.20

A.1.29

A.1.30

A.1.37 A.1.48

A.1.49

A.1.51

A.2.04

C.3.27

A.2.29

A.2.12

F.3.09

F.3.19

F.3.32

C.3.23

A.1.41 A.2.45

F.3.08

E.1.12

E.1.09

F.3.53

F.3.49 F.3.48 F.3.47

F.3.27

F.3.06

F.3.25

F.3.24

F.3.28

F.3.43

F.3.23

F.3.40

F.3.44

F.3.39

F.3.46

F.3.22

E.1.15

F.3.38

A.1.42

E.1.04

E.1.05

F.3.35

E.1.31

E.1.32

E.1.17

E.1.30

E.1.29

E.1.01

A.2.53

A.2.60

E.1.03

F.3.72

F.3.62

F.3.37

F.3.61

F.3.36

F.3.66

E.1.18

E.1.19

E.1.20

E.1.27

E.1.28

E.1.21

F.3.65

F.3.63

F.3.60

F.3.55

F.3.64

F.3.59

F.3.56

F.3.58

F.3.57

E.1.36 E.1.55

E.1.56

E.1.57

E.1.58

E.1.39 E.1.51

E.1.06

E.1.02

F.3.67

E.1.34 E.1.33

E.1.35 E.1.16

F.3.68

F.3.45

E.1.40

E.1.41

E.1.42

E.1.43

E.1.44

E.1.50

E.1.49

E.1.45

E.1.22

A.2.33 A.2.51

health centre F.2.13

F.3.54

F.3.29

F.3.26

E.1.14

E.1.07

F.2.12

F.2.14

F.3.31

F.3.12

F.3.07

E.1.13

E.1.08

A.2.49

A.2.50

F.2.09

F.2.15

F.2.18

F.3.34

A.2.59

A.2.34

A.2.31

F.2.08

F.2.11

F.2.19

F.3.71

F.3.13

F.3.11

A.2.35

A.2.30

A.2.25

A.2.47

A.2.07 C.3.20

C.3.22

C.3.25

F.3.33

A.2.48

A.2.46 A.2.24

A.2.09

C.3.19

A.2.26

C.3.26

E.1.11

E.1.10

A.2.41

A.2.23

A.2.11 A.2.10 A.2.06

C.3.21

A.2.40

A.2.44

A.2.22

A.1.59

A.1.60

C.3.66 C.3.24

F.2.03 F.2.22

F.2.34

F.2.38

F.3.01

A.2.56

A.2.37

A.2.36

A.1.36

A.1.15

A.2.28

A.2.21

A.2.13

A.2.03

A.1.52

A.2.05

C.3.12

F.2.35

F.2.39

F.2.41

F.3.30

B.1.66

A.2.38

A.2.27

A.2.39

A.1.47

C.3.14

C.3.13

F.3.14

F.3.10

B.1.20 B.1.65

F.2.42

B.1.06 B.1.08

A.1.25

A.1.17

A.1.06 A.1.14

C.3.11

F.3.18

A.1.12

A.1.13

A.1.57 A.1.03

C.3.10

C.3.67

A.1.16

A.1.11

A.1.35 C.3.01

C.3.04

youth / community centre

F.2.21

F.2.43

F.3.21

A.1.10

C.3.03

C.3.06 C.3.08

women´s programme centre

F.2.23

F.2.33

F.2.32

F.2.63

F.2.64

F.3.05 A.1.24

A.1.09

A.1.01

C.3.07 C.3.09

rssp

F.2.05

F.2.10

F.2.65

C.2.61

C.2.60

C.3.05

C.2.55

F.2.54

F.2.62

F.2.66

F.3.17

B.1.05

B.1.19

B.1.21

B.1.49

B.1.64

B.1.48

C.2.58

C.2.57 C.2.54

F.1.13

F.1.12

F.2.01

F.3.52

B.1.04

B.1.09

B.1.18

B.1.22

B.1.34

F.1.14

F.2.02

F.2.37

C.2.63 C.2.56

C.2.53

F.2.55

F.2.61

F.2.67

F.3.16

B.2.15 B.3.62

F.1.15

F.1.11

F.1.01

F.2.07

F.2.20

F.2.68 B.1.03

B.1.11 B.1.16

B.1.31

F.2.06

F.2.25

F.2.30

F.2.40

B.1.52

B.1.61

B.2.35

B.2.30 B.2.06

B.3.44

B.3.21

F.1.16

F.1.10

F.1.03

F.2.04

F.2.56

F.2.60

B.1.02

B.1.12 B.1.15

B.1.24

B.3.45

B.3.38

B.3.79

C.2.38

B.1.26

B.2.18

B.2.05

B.3.83 C.2.41

C.2.42 C.2.51

F.2.45

B.3.84

B.3.37

C.2.36

C.2.35

B.1.30

B.1.38

F.1.17

F.1.09

F.2.24

F.2.49

F.2.31

F.2.57

F.2.59

B.1.39

B.1.44

F.1.18

F.1.08

F.2.50

B.1.13

B.1.14

B.1.29

B.1.43

B.1.53

B.1.25 B.1.59

B.2.25

B.2.26

F.1.07

F.2.29

F.2.28 F.2.51 F.2.52

B.1.27

B.1.28

B.1.40

B.1.54

B.1.55

B.1.58

B.2.19

F.2.27

F.2.46

D.2.29

F.2.53

B.1.42 B.2.03 B.2.24

B.2.04

B.3.76 B.3.63

F.1.21

F.1.06

F.2.26

D.2.28

F.2.58

B.3.74

B.1.41

B.1.56

B.1.57 B.2.02

B.3.64

B.3.47 C.1.11

D.3.29

D.3.28

D.3.27

D.3.26

D.4.41

D.4.42

D.4.45

B.3.73

B.3.65

F.1.22

F.1.02

D.2.27

D.2.25

B.3.59

B.3.60

C.1.10

F.1.20

F.1.24

F.1.38

F.1.51

F.1.05

D.2.26

D.3.25

B.3.50

B.3.48

D.2.33

D.2.34

D.2.23

D.2.17

D.3.30

F.1.37

F.1.42

F.1.04

D.2.19 D.2.18

D.3.24

D.3.23

D.3.22

F.1.43

F.1.50

D.2.31

D.2.36

D.2.35 D.2.22

D.2.16

D.4.38

D.4.37

D.4.36

D.4.35

D.4.34

F.1.25

F.1.23

F.1.36

F.1.39

F.1.49

D.2.32 D.2.20

D.2.24

B.3.72

B.3.67

B.3.56

B.3.51

B.3.34

B.3.25 B.3.06

C.2.23

D.3.17

D.3.16

D.4.28

D.4.29

D.4.30

D.4.31

B.3.70

B.3.14

C.2.28 C.2.17 C.2.16

D.2.41 D.2.21

F.1.35

F.1.44

F.1.48

D.1.20

D.2.15

D.3.20

F.1.26

F.1.19 F.1.34

F.1.45

F.1.47

D.2.40

D.2.14

D.3.19

D.3.18

F.1.28 F.1.27

F.1.33

F.1.46

D.2.37

D.2.13

F.1.29

F.1.30

F.1.32 D.1.17

D.1.18

D.1.19

D.2.39

D.2.42

D.2.11

F.1.31

D.1.14 D.1.13 D.1.12

D.1.11

D.2.38

D.2.10

D.3.13

B.3.71

B.3.66 B.3.26

C.2.27

C.1.09

B.3.16 B.3.13

C.2.03

C.2.26 C.2.22 C.2.14

C.2.15

B.3.68

B.3.52

B.3.12

B.3.08 C.2.25

C.2.21

C.2.13

C.2.12 C.1.08

B.3.69

B.3.55

B.3.53

B.3.32

D.4.27

D.4.26

D.4.25

D.4.24

D.1.09 D.1.08

D.1.07

D.2.44

D.2.43 D.2.12

D.2.07

D.3.11

D.3.10

D.1.10

D.1.06

D.1.04 D.1.03

D.2.46

D.2.47

D.2.05

D.3.15

D.3.14

D.2.09

D.4.32 B.3.54

D.4.23

D.4.22

D.4.21

D.4.20

C.2.07

C.2.09

C.2.11

C.1.06 C.1.05

C.1.07

D.5.41

D.1.01

D.2.45 D.2.49

D.2.04

D.2.01 D.3.08

D.3.12

D.3.07

D.4.13

D.4.14

D.4.17

D.4.18

D.4.19

D.5.50

D.4.33 B.3.28

B.3.18

C.2.05

D.2.53 D.2.54

D.2.02

D.3.02

D.3.04

D.3.06

D.4.12

D.2.48

B.3.29

B.3.09

C.2.08

D.5.40

D.5.29

B.3.31

B.3.11 B.3.19

C.1.02

D.3.03

D.4.11

D.4.08

D.4.07

D.2.08

B.3.30

B.3.20 B.3.10

C.1.01

D.5.30 D.5.19

D.4.01

D.4.02

D.3.05

D.5.52

D.5.43

D.5.39

D.5.38

D.4.03

D.4.04

D.4.06

D.5.53

D.2.06

D.5.42

D.5.18

D.5.17

D.5.06

D.5.31 D.5.28

D.5.49

D.5.44

D.5.37

D.5.32

D.5.27

D.5.54

D.5.45

D.5.09 D.5.03

D.1.05

D.1.02

D.2.52

D.5.12

D.5.10 D.5.02

D.2.51

D.2.50

D.2.03 D.5.11 D.5.01

A.2.52

E.1.23

E.1.24

E.1.26

A.2.32 E.1.25

A.2.08

C.3.28 C.3.82

road network

open space

C.3.30

C.3.29

C.3.64

C.3.63

phase 1 phase 2

C.3.78

C.3.77

C.3.31

C.3.46

C.3.62 C.3.34

C.3.37

C.3.43

C.3.33

C.3.47

C.3.61

C.3.60 C.3.35

C.3.59 C.3.76

C.3.42

C.3.38 C.3.32

C.3.79

phase 1 phase 2

C.3.41

C.3.39 C.3.40

C.3.69

C.3.81

C.3.48

C.3.36

C.3.44

C.3.49

C.3.58 C.3.57

C.3.45

C.3.56

C.3.50

C.3.53 C.3.75

C.3.52 C.3.55 C.3.54

C.3.51

reconstruction type

roads + open space

shop mixed use building apartment building public functions residential reconstruction intervention according to score possible future expansion site

open space Roads phase 1 roads phase 2 limited access road beachfront promenade neighbourhoods

C.3.74

site plan, 1:1000

6: two-phase plan

7: verifying and detailing

As a combined result of lack of allocated land, community hesitation concerning the PLA allocated site and new input from donor, the plan was amended to be implementable in two phases should it be necessary.

The plan shows a good understanding of feasible open space and reconstruction sites and typologies. After donor consultation, the widening of the Coastal road was removed from the plan. Having been subject to updates based on input from affected families, adjustments were made and more detailed spatial concepts were developed.

public institutions

infrastructure improvements

open space creation

housing improvements

street improvements

Reconstruction of public institutions include the Deir el Balah Camp Youth Centre, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programme Centre, RSSP offices, Health Centre and Sanitation office. The Youth Centre marks the entrance of the camp, and is designed to integrate public space, including a rooftop football pitch.

Electrical, water and sewage networks will be improved along with road construction. Solar street lighting will improve safety in the entire camp, while solar installations on public institutions will relieve electrical network. Urban greening units will ensure rainwater infiltration.

Each neighbourhood will have a flexible multi-purpose social space for gatherings. Small pockets of green and child friendly spaces are added where possible.

Shelter reconstruction and rehabilitation will include apartment buildings, reconstruction and repair of affected shelters and low quality shelters. Proposed solutions are based on mapping of physical structures, socio-economic data, environmental quality and resident approval.

A street network based on a minimal invasion strategy will widen streets to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and access to neighbourhoods and public services. Streets consist of primary, secondary and tertiary streets in addition to safe pedestrian routes, connecting open spaces.

8: fInal plan

The final number of people relocated out of the camp were minimized. In collaboration with affected families and shop owners, a redistribution of homes and shops were made in order to ensure the feasibility of improving the Souk street and creating the central market square.

45

3.2.12 LESSONS LEARNT

Land allocation

Neighbourhood committees

Although many camp residents wished to remain in the camp, the extreme population density makes it necessary to move a minimum of people out of the camp if any new roads or open spaces are to be created. In this project, the location and size had not been agreed upon before the participatory planning begun. This constituted a major obstacle to planning, as the team were forced to come up with a series of options that were feasible yet socially acceptable while simultaneously negotiating for land. Allocated land must be defined and agreed upon before developing the project with the community.

During the later stages of the planning process, discussions with affected families ended up requiring much longer time than estimated. This was partially due to changes in the plan related to the (lack of) relocation area, but also because of internal disagreements within the neighbourhoods.

As there was no established community mechanism to resolve such issues, the number of necessary meetings was much higher than the final count of affected families.

Furthermore, as the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; willingness to move is a natural prerequisite, getting an early overview of those volunteering to move would be a strong asset to make planning efficient. However clever the urban planning schemes, it does not matter if the people affected by them refuse to leave. The community should therefore be briefed on the area, the reconstruction criteria and type of housing offered at an early stage. The residents should be given some time to consider this, as it is a big decision which might also be influenced by their relativesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; willingness to move.

46

This process could have been made more efficient through a more formal form of communication within the neighbourhoods and between the residents and the team. As such, it is recommended that committees based on neighbourhood or block be established early on. The committee members should remain for the length of the planning process and be representive of the camp in terms of age groups, genders and professions. They should attend regular meetings with the project team, disseminate information and as such form a communication link between the team and the community.

In addition to this communication function, such committees could be given the responsibility of

resolving disagreements within the community. If, for example, one family refuses to move where a new street is planned, this will affect the accessibility of the neighbourhood at large. They should therefore be allowed to resolve this in a way that is understood and agreed upon by everyone involved, whether it involves discarding the idea, changing the course of the street or relocating the family within the neighbourhood. In addition to being more time efficient, this process would increase the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feeling of understanding and ownership towards the plan, which is crucial for implementation.

Data collection

Data management streamlining

The data collected before the participatory planning started was based on surveys a few years old, which were then updated. This proved to be generally successful, however a unified study would be more ideal than the merging of several sets of existing data. In some cases of outdated information, the team encountered legal issues such disputes over ownership or family size, or mistakes on the map where shelters had to be revisited and redrawn.

Data concerning the community and the urban planning was necessarily handled through various media; Excel sheets, GIS (Geographical Information Systems) technology and technical drawing programmes. This involves three simultaneous streams of information, which should be connected for efficiency. Manually transferring information between these media can be time consuming and cause errors.

A mistake committed at the beginning of a data collection process might cause larger errors down the line, which can cause delays. For ease and efficiency, it is therefore important to ensure a painstakingly accurate data collection from the start. The community should also be aware of the type of data collected and the importance of getting it right.

To minimize this risk, the data should be streamlined so that everyone involved have instant access to the latest information. Results of community meetings plotted in Excel sheets should be instantly communicable through maps, and vice versa; planning ideas should be instantly available to community workers for discussion.

All existing relevant maps, such as updated topograhpic measurements and underground infrastructure, should also be collected before the start of the physical planning.

47

CHAPTER 4

INTEGRATED DIAGNOSIS AND PROPOSED PROJECTS 4.1

Responding to the top community priorities (as shown on page 36) has been the main goal of the urban plan. The project identifies 42 priorities of which the top ten have been the main informants. In particular, street widening, housing improvement, the creation of open space and the improvement of UNRWA facilities and the Souk street are central developments.

Infrastructural issues such as improvement of sewage, water and electricity systems will be developed in collaboration with the responsible authorities and implemented in accordance with the street widening plan. Further to the improvement of these challenges, sustainable concepts such as rainwater harvesting and solar street lighting have been proposed to support the existing systems.

48

proposed interventions with integrated priorities

INTRODUCTION Issues which are not adressed or addressed to a low degree (being outside UNRWAs mandate or carried out within existing services) include construction of new schools and job creation. Although this project will not create jobs per se, local workforce will be used in reconstruction, and rooftop gardens can be implemented as a means of self-sufficiency.

As shown in the five urban planning themes, the top ten needs defined by the community have been the main drivers of the developed urban concepts.

Deir el balah camp improvement plan

beach front promenade

rssp offices

women´s programme centre

youth / community centre

health centre

market street

central square

site plan, 1:1000

public institutions

infrastructure improvements

open space creation

housing improvements

street improvements

Reconstruction of public institutions include the Deir el Balah Camp Youth Centre, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programme Centre, RSSP offices, Health Centre and Sanitation office. The Youth Centre marks the entrance of the camp, and is designed to integrate public space, including a rooftop football pitch.

Electrical, water and sewage networks will be improved along with road construction. Solar street lighting will improve safety in the entire camp, while solar installations on public institutions will relieve electrical network. Urban greening units will ensure rainwater infiltration.

Each neighbourhood will have a flexible multi-purpose social space for gatherings. Small pockets of green and child friendly spaces are added where possible.

Shelter reconstruction and rehabilitation will include apartment buildings, reconstruction and repair of affected shelters and low quality shelters. Proposed solutions are based on mapping of physical structures, socio-economic data, environmental quality and resident approval.

A street network based on a minimal invasion strategy will widen streets to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and access to neighbourhoods and public services. Streets consist of primary, secondary and tertiary streets in addition to safe pedestrian routes, connecting open spaces.

49

4.1.2 CURRENT LAND USE High population density, lack of green or open spaces and predominantly residential buildings are the main characteristics of land use in the camp.

land use map The camp has a higher density than the surrounding area, with narrow streets and no open spaces, except for fenced areas around public facilities. These are positioned at the fringes of the camp boundary. A central market street is the heart of the camp activities.

Most buildings in the camp are residential.

Many families along the main streets have taken advantage of their buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location and constructed shops in front of their house or on the first floor, predominantly homeware shops and restaurants.

4.4 %

54 %

2.2 % 3.3 %

9 % 14.3 % 12 % alleyways

roads

public facility space

public buildings unoccupied shelter / other

residential

50

1.7 %

commercial + residential commercial

The UNRWA compounds are important sites as they hold all public facilities except for mosques.

Facilities include two schools, Relief and Social Services office, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programme Centre, Health Centre, Sanitation and Maintenance office, as well as a sports area for youth.

Studying the schematic fabric of the camp, it is clear that most of the buildings are completely contiguous (back to back) with no space in between. This situation causes health and environmental problems, such as accumulated dirt and moisture in the walls, in addition to social problems. The percentage of buildings with shared walls is more than 75 % in the camp, reflecting the extent of urban congestion.

total built up 65 %

N

shelter public facility building public facility compound commercial commercial + shelter (partially) unoccupied shelter other (garage, shed etc) mosque road unused adjacent land palm tree grove, garden beach camp boundary

51

4. 1. 3 ANALYSIS SUMMARY

52

CHALLENGES AND NEEDS

STRENGTHS AND POTENTIALS

• Reducing overpopulation in the camp requires additional area and new strategies for reconstruction within camp (as population and building density pose unique challenges on local reconstruction) • The street network needs to be redesigned in order to reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility and safety in the camp • The relatively monotonous urban fabric should be improved to become more urban, safe and functional • As a central artery for movement and commercial activity, the market street is particularly important • The crumbling beach slope with its narrow road poses a safety hazard and must be improved - in a way that allows yet does not interfere with the future implementation of the Coastal road widening • Water, sewerage and electricity systems must be improved • Street lighting is needed all over the camp • Smaller pockets of green areas and open spaces are needed all over the camp • Health and youth centres and some CBOs need improvement

• The camp location by the sea shore - for recreation and fishing • The relatively small size of the camp makes piloting solutions easier to implement, control and evaluate • Presence of CBOs, NGOs, Host Government institutions, Mosque and Local committees • Good relations between the camp residents • The camp community have shown a deep understanding of their local environment • Residents’ ability to make use of small spaces • High level topography allows excellent views, provides better soil for planting and gravitational pull for water systems • Accessibility to the surrounding areas

camp components residential + commercial 1 floor buildings 2 floor buildings 3 floor buildings 4 + floor buildings

public institutions

camp components Breakdown of physical camp components by urban layers

UNRWA schools UNRWA institutions Community institutions Mosques

Open spaces Widened road pockets Youth centre Beach front

infrastructure Water network Sewage network Drainage Rain + sewage flooding area Drainage + sewage sea outlet

mobility + accessibility Camp entrances Main roads Vehicular access roads Bottlenecks Inaccessible to fire hoses Market street

EXISTING SITUATION Camp boundary Surrounding buildings Roads Sea

deir el balah

camp improvement analysis

53

4. 1. 4 URBAN STRATEGIES SUMMARY

New Urban Center A new urban center and a public square for the camp will be created around the already established mosque in the middle of the primary road, Al Souk Street. This urban core will include a green area and more concentrated commercial activities. The centre aims at transforming the camp core into a more attractive and functional urban area.

Central Market Street The improvement of the Souk Street aims to improve the current commercial activities clogging the street. The number of permanent multi-story buildings makes general widening impossible, but smaller open spaces along the street will be created where possible to boost the main urban centre.

By reconstructing poor quality buildings with an increased setback “pockets” are created, which will alleviate traffic congestion, improve pedestrian movement and create new commercial space.

Street Network Hierarchy Connecting the Souk street with the Coastal road in the west as well as opening it to the north and east, will alleviate vehicular pressure on the street and 54

improve circulation. Smaller roads will further divide the blocks to ensure emergency access. Although vehicular access must be improved, traffic going through the camp should be discouraged and streets largely remain walkable and mixed use. Pedestrian routes will ensure safe movement and connect open spaces throughout the camp.

Neighbourhood Improvement The new street network aims to improve the existing neighbourhood structure by creating access points and allocating suitable space for both reconstruction and open space within each block.

Sea Front Plan A continuous open space will improve safe pedestrian movement, connection to the beach and open space access. This area is valued by the residents due to the view and connection to the sea.

Open Space Types Several functions and sizes of open space are needed, both for rest, movement, commercial, activity and social purposes.

Optimized Housing Concepts Reconstruction options have to consider two highly contradicting factors: the serious lack of available land in Gaza and the residents’ wishes of separate buildings and staying in the camp. Concepts must therefore respond with creativity, and aim at finding optimal solutions which maximize privacy while ensuring a high density. New reconstruction should have a small footprint and a hight of two to four floors - whether shared or private housing. This will allow more families to stay in the area, and leave ground space for much needed recreational areas.

In other words increasing vertical density while decreasing general density. Design concepts will aim to maximize privacy and allow for future vertical expansion.

Infrastructural Improvements Existing water, electricity and sewage systems should be improved by local authorities in accordance with new road development. Sustainable concepts such as water harvesting, aquifer recharge, solar power and small scale agricultural initiatives will support this development on-site.

camp improvements shelter rehabilitation Total reconstruction Repair

reconstruction

camp improvements

Public institutions Apartment buildings Shops / mixed use buildings Affected shelter reconstruction

Summary of all physical improvements by urban layers Open spaces Central square Youth centre Neighbourhood squares Child friendly spaces Beach front promenade Green pockets Neighbourhood boundaries

infrastructure Water network Sewage network Rainwater infiltration area Electrical network Solar power (off-grid) Solar street lights

mobility + accessibility Primary roads Secondary roads Tertiary roads (emergency vehicles) Pedestrian routes Accessible by car Limited car access zone Market street

IMPROVED SITUATION Neighbourhood boundaries

deir el balah

camp improvement plan

55

4.1.5

INTERVENTION LAYERS

The first Objective of the Camp Improvement Plan, strenghtening the urban fabric of the camp, will be achieved through interventions on all levels.

On a large scale, the improvement of the market street, youth centre area and beach front will improve the major zones of mobility and social and commercial activities. To increase the number of larger open areas, especially concerning sport activities, it is furthermore recommended that the schools make their open spaces available outside of operating hours. Due to safety concerns, this can either be achieved by moving fences closer to the buildings or increasing guard presence.

All neighbourhoods will have improved access, particularly concerning emergency vehicle 56

access around the perimeter. Internally, zones for movement and stillstand should be defined. This will make mobility safer, create smaller semiprivate zones and also help protect household privacy. Each neighbourhood will have access to a small, multifunctional open space. These should be designed in a comprehensive manner, such as using paving patterns and facade painting to create a unified space. This can help prevent future encroachment of these spaces.

On a small scale, street lighting, pedestrian paths, and creation of public micro-spaces using planting and furniture aim to create safe and enjoyable spaces. Housing typology concepts will aim to preserve privacy while giving back to the surrounding public space.

Household

Shelter reconstruction Shelter repair Rooftop gardens

Neighbourhood

Reconstruction types Recreational space Access and safety Pedestrian network

camp

Road network Souk road improvement Beach front park Central market square Public facility improvements Street lighting Water system

57

NEIGHBOURHOODS

According to existing settlement patterns and streets, the camp can be divided into 13 neighbourhoods. All should have sufficient accessibility and open space and should ideally have a similar population density, as explored on p.

100. Circulation should be strenghtened between neighbourhoods, and pedestrian safety within them.

Pedestrian paths further strengthen the urban hierarchy internally by dividing neighbourhoods into â&#x20AC;&#x153;mini blocksâ&#x20AC;?, as shown on page 80.

58

3 1 4

6 7

2 5

10

8 11 12

9

13

59

4. 1. 6 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 4.1.6.1 PROPOSED PROJECTS Implementing partners: UNRWA

Objectives: Projects: Completing Souk street Widening neighbourhood streets Improving pedestrian paths Solar street lighting Creating market square Creating neighbourhood spaces Creating beach walkway Substandard shelter rehabilitation Affected shelter reconstruction Qastal reconstruction New Health Centre New Youth Centre New WP Centre New RSSP offices Water Network Improvement

Gedco + Palestinian Energy Authority

Electrical network improvement Sewerage network improvement Rainwater drainage

60

UNRWA + Camp Residents

Rooftop gardens

UNRWA Sanitation Office DEB

Sanitation awareness and local reuse

UNRWA + Camp Residents

Construction work

1: Strength- 2: access, en urban safety, fabric mobility

3: Housing improvem.

4: Infrastructure

5: Institutions

6: Public Space

7: self-sufficiency

4.1.6.2 PROPOSED BUDGET

No.

Item

Cost (USD)

1

Planning Phase

268,000

2

Improvement of housing

16,727,700

a

Construction of 169 dwelling unitsi Al Qastal Area

7,816,000

b

Construction of 106 dwelling units and 56 stores to compensate the affected shelters in side the camp

4,591,700

c

Re- Construction of at least 126 of substandard shelters on same land for poor families

3,558,000

d

Repair of 127 Shelters (Repair cost for the dwelling unit $ 6,000)

762,000

3

Infrastructure works inside DEB camp

4,632,500

3.a

Improving the drainage system (Infiltration units)

200,000

4

UNRWA Facilities which includes

2,352,500

a

Health center

1,845,000

b

RSSP Office

307,500

c

Sanitation and Maintenance Office

200,000

5

Community Institutions which includes

1,640,000

a

Youth Club

1,025,000

b

Woman Program Centre

615,000

6

Open areas (9000m2)

270,000

7

Improving the Beach

350,000

8

Rooftop on up to 300 houses

300,000

Sub-total

26,740,700

Site Supervision (7 %)

1,871,849

Contingencies 10% from Sub-total

2,002,878

Programme Support Costs (PSC) 11%

3,367,697

Total Cost

33,983,124

61

4.1.6.3 STAGES OF IMPLEMENTATION

Project

Process

Implementation period in months 1*

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Notes 15

16

17

18

19

20

* Can start immediately

1. Housing projects 1.1 Qastal *

* Critical path: will affect total project period Detailed design Tendering + agreements Construction

1.2 Shelter rehabilitation 1.2.1 Reconstruction

Agreements + drawings

Estimates based on recommendation of a self-help approach. If applying a contractual approach, two months for tendering must be added.

1. Installment 2. Installment 3. Installment 4. Installment 1.2.2 Repair

Identification of cases Agreements Construction

1.3 Reconstruction 1.3.1 Apartment buildings

Agreements + Detailed design Tendering Construction

1.3.2 Same site w/setback

*

* Can begin sooner, according to 1.1

*

* Can begin sooner, according to 1.1

Tendering Construction

1.3.3 Other site in camp

Tendering Construction

1.4 Rooftop gardens

Workshops, cases identification Implementation by self-help

62

2. Institutions 2.1 Comm/youth Centre

Temporary office locations should be defined prior to reconstruction.

Detailed design

** Must be implemented simultaneously.

Tendering Construction 2.2 Health Centre **

Design revision Tendering Construction

2.3 Womens P. Centre **

Design revision Tendering Construction

3.4 RSSP offices **

Design revision Tendering Construction

3. Open Spaces 3.1 Market square

Tendering

*

* Can begin sooner, according to 1.1 and 1.3

Construction 3.2 N.hood squares

Tendering

*

Construction 3.3 Beach front

Detailed design Tendering Construction

4. Infrastructure

Design revision

4.1 Sewerage network

Tendering Construction

4.2 Water network

Tendering Construction

4.3 Drainage

Detailed design Tendering Construction

4.3 El + telecom. Networks

Construction

4.4 Solar street lighting

Tendering

To ensure quality control and efficiency, it is recommended to implement all systems simultaneously â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and after implementation of 1.1.

However, immediate and incremental implementation is possible, according to road widening strategies as outlined in the CIP DEB report Chapter 4.1.

It is also recommended to start in the order described, beginning with sewerage, followed by water and drainage networks. A total of 12 months may be expected for infrastructural works unless all are implemented simultaneously.

Construction 4.4 Road paving

Tendering Construction

63

4.2 STREET NETWORK AND MOBILITY

“ when my father died, we had to carry his body trhough all these narrow alleyways. how can we live a life with dignity like this?”

- Camp resident, block F

4.2.1 STREET STRUCTURE TODAY The only three established roads in the camp are the coastal regional road, the internal Deir el Balah road and the central Souk market road. All the remaining open areas in the camp are in practice pedestrian roads with no or partial access to vehicles. The total road area is 54,200 m2 which forms 29% of the camp area, and also includes all the open space except for institutions and the beach. There is no parking space within the camp boundaries.

The central Souk road runs through the camp from south to north, and divides it into two main parts. As it hosts most of the camp’s commercial activities on both sides, it suffers from overcrowding and traffic congestion.

Minor internal roads have highly irregular widths, but in no other than the above mentioned roads are they wider than 4 meters and could as such be classified as pedestrian. These internal roads are not lit and often have steps or staircases. In providing the only available open space they are used for everything from commercial activities to football matches and wedding parties.

64

N

4.2.2 STREET CONDITION AND CONNECTIONS

EXTERNAL CONNECTIVITY

CONDITION OF ROADS

surrounding road network

The camp is located on the western side of the regional Coastal Al-Rasheed road, which connects the northern and southern areas of the Gaza strip.

Its current width in the camp is only 6 meters, which allows the passage of one car in each direction.

In 2001, UNRWA utilized funds received through the emergency appeal to pave roads and alleys inside the camp under the Job Creation Program.

The project, which was completed, paved most of the internal roads. 20% are paved with asphalt and the remaining with concrete or interlock tiles. Most roads are currently in need of repair. Some paving is broken due to emergency sewage or water pipe repairs conducted by families who did not repair the tiles or the pavements afterwards. In addition many staircases have been constructed outside shelters on the account of street widths.

Two major regional roads intersect in the camp, at the entrance to the souk street. The coastal road leading to Gaza city in the north and Rafah in the south, and the road to Deir el Balah town centre and Salah Edin road.

The camp is linked to Deir al-Balah town by Al Shuhada road, starting from the southern entrance of the camp down to the central Salah al-Din road, which is considered the most important main road in Gaza, connecting all cities and commercial crossings. Salah al-Din road is currently under development to meet the heavy traffic movement.

Al Shuhada road is frequently congested due to commercial activities and informal parking on both sides of the street.

Most streets and alleys are dark due either to unavailability of street lights or because the few that exist are broken. The municipality, which is responsible for street lighting, has a very limited budget and is not able to keep up with repairs.

Under this project the water and sewerage networks will be developed and some of the roads will be widened, meaning that all roads will be subject to rehabilitation.

66

COASTAL ROAD: AL RASHEED STREET

DEIR EL BALAH CAMP

AL SHUHADA ROAD

DEIR EL BALAH TOWN

4.2.3 STREET TYPES AND MODES OF TRANSPORT

By far the most common mode of transport in the camp is walking. It is estimated that no more than 50 people in the camp own a car, almost all of which are parked outside the camp. Surrounding the camp, cars form the main mode of transport.

There is no public bus system in or around the camp.

Buses for governmental workers and university students pick people up along the Coastal Road.

speed and capacity Showing maximum possible access and actual speed of motorized vehicles. Most internal streets are used for pedestrian movement and as open space - marked areas show where it is possible to pass with a car.

Access by car is limited, but smaller vehicles like motorcycles, bicycles, horse carts and tuk-tuks can often wind through the wider alleys. Single lane streets provide access for emergency vehicles, provided activities like parking, commercial and social activities make way.

< 2,5 m

68

2,5 - 4 m

>4m

>6m

narrow alley

wide alley

single lane street

double lane street

pedestrians bicycles motorcycles horse carts

pedestrians bicycles motorcycles horse carts cars

pedestrians bicycles motorcycles horse carts cars emergency vehicles

pedestrians bicycles motorcycles horse carts cars emergency vehicles

< 2,5 m

2,5 - 4 m

>4m

>6m double lane street

narrow alley

wide alley

single lane street

pedestrians bicycles motorcycles horse carts

pedestrians bicycles motorcycles horse carts cars

pedestrians bicycles motorcycles horse carts cars emergency vehicles

double lane street single lane street wide alley narrow alley

pedestrians bicycles motorcycles horse carts cars emergency vehicles

actual speed

< 10 km / h

10 - 20 km / h

20 -40 km / h

> 40 km / h 69

1

1

2

3

narrow alley

narrow alley

wide alley

single lane street

Residents have made efforts to improve accessibility, making the alleyways highly walkable, albeit barren areas.

Some alleys are wide enough for horse carts or small vehicles to pass, although cars would not be able to pass.

Most houses are accessible only through the maze of narrow alleyways.

70

Most streets in the camp are used for recreational purposes.

Vehicular transport is unusual, and access is further reduced by staircases, street poles and entrances spilling onto streets.

3

4

single lane street

double lane street

Although the Souk street is relatively wide, its multipurpose nature makes it too crowded to allow passage of more than one car at a time.

The Coastal road and Al Shuhada roads are currently the only streets which allow two vehicles to pass each other in opposite directions.

4.2.4 MODES OF STREET USE

72

As there is little open space in the camp, streets are widely used for social and commercial purposes.

Therefore the use of the streets becomes the most important aspect of understanding flows of movement through the camp.

There is no designated parking and almost no spaces with room for informal parking within the camp boundaries. The area around the souk street entrance is often used for temporary parking, intensifying the congestion in the area.

Most street areas are pedestrian or mixed use lanes: a combination of pedestrian and occasional vehicular movement, as well as social spaces where people congregate and children play. As such, the streetscape is socially significant, but dangerous in most places where cars can enter, as sight is limited and there are no barriers (like curbstones) or safe zones to protect pedestrians, street vendors and playing children.

Along the Coastal road, lack of open space forces people to walk in the road and use narrow, unsafe strips of land for recreation. In the map, green, orange and yellow areas show where mixed functions overlap with vehicular access, where most dangerous situations occur. Red areas are pedestrian zones which can partially be reached by horse carts or motorbikes, some of which should be widened to allow for access points and ventilation.

main street uses The map shows predominant use of street spaces in the camp. As streets form the only available open space, traffic movement constitutes a small part of street activities.

Sections illustrate street use in specific places.

a

b

c

souk road

mixed use wide alley

coastal road

N

c

b

a

recreational use commercial use social uses mixed: movement + social pedestrian movement vehicular movement parking camp boundaries

73

4.2.5 ACCESSIBILITY TODAY

The shelters of the camp have expanded illegally and irregularly on the account of the roads, creating inaccessible areas to cars and lanes barely accessible to pedestrians. Currently, many roads are fully or partially blocked by the extension of shelters, staircases or small shops.

The camp can be entered from three sides, however most traffic enters through the western access point by the sea. The northern entrance of the camp is not usually used by cars as it only allows for very slow passage, being very narrow and ending in the bottleneck by the central mosque. Although the central Souk street varies in width between 5 to 8 meters, it barely accessible for one car due to the use of the street space for trade stalls.

Most of UNRWA facilities, NGOs and CBOs ,which serve the camp’s residents and the surrounding areas, are concentrated in one compound in the southern side of the camp. During health centre opening hours the internal road in this area becomes a lively market filled with temporary stalls, blocking access to the services.

Several areas in the camp are inaccessible to fire engines or ambulances, and the interiors of most neighbourhoods cannot be reached by fire hoses.

74

Walking is the dominant mode of transport for many reasons, such as the small area of the camp, internal car inaccessibility and proximity of services.

It is therefore crucial to improve the safety and walkability of the overall mobility network.

The highest pedestrian flow is found along Al Souk road and in the area of schools and UNRWA facilities.

Despite the spatial qualities of the coastal road, residents do not use it because its lacking sidewalks, limited width and high traffic volumes and speeds makes it unsafe for walking.

Safety Every year, traffic accidents occur in the school areas and in the Souk and Coastal roads due to: • The limited road widths • The location of the school entrances • Unavailability of traffic signs or police points for regulating transportation at the school areas • Unavailability of sidewalks in the main roads • Unavailability of parking areas for public or private cars

The narrow streets and alleys within the camp’s fabric have created calm, walkable neighbourhoods which contribute in creating a safe atmosphere.

However, lack of open space forces communal daily activities such as social gatherings, kids playing, weddings and funerals into wider streets.

Refugees with disabilities are facing daily difficulties reaching camp’s built environment, including public spaces like the market and institutions and in many cases their own shelters. Few ramps and safe walkways are found in public institutions and streets, making accessibility with the existing topography a challenging task.

access analysis The map shows congested areas, bottlenecks and aeras inaccessible to vehicles. Blue areas are difficult to reach for fire engines.

N

inaccessible to fire extinguishers inaccessible to vehicles traffic congestion dangerous traffic points bottlenecks only parking area steep slope place of interest (see images)

4.2.6 PROPOSED NETWORK FOR SAFE MOBILITY

While collector roads provide a connection between the local streets of the camp and the traffic carrying roads, namely Al-Rasheed Road, the objective of local access streets is to provide access to properties. In the camp residential areas, these should be in a form to encourage a livable and safe street environment where the motor vehicle is secondary to the pedestrian and cyclist. Through traffic should be discouraged on these streets and a lower speed environment is desirable for safety.

Given the low traffic volume and potentially lower speed environment, it is appropriate for cyclists and pedestrians to share the road space. Similarly, specific facilities for pedestrians (crossings or concrete footpaths) are generally not required due to low traffic volumes and speeds.

76

some parking and create boundaries for pedestrians.

Where possible, they will be widened to create niches for informal social and commercial activities.

Secondary Streets Widened roads mainly to residential areas, with the main purposes of alleviating pressure on Primary Streets and improving general accessibilty and openness.

Tertiary streets

To improve road safety and accessibility, a 4 level road hierarchy has been proposed:

Where emergency vehicle access should be improved and pedestrian streets are narrow and dark, some streets will be widened as neighbourhood access points. These will also form pedestrian routes which should connect open spaces and be accessible to all (ie no stairs).

Primary Streets

Pedestrian streets

Current main access streets have built up a lively atmosphere with multiple functions, and will be considered Primary Streets. Their purpose is to allow safe access, and most importantly to function as social and commercial central cores. To minimize traffic accidents and congestion, they should allow

A network of internal pedestrian “arteries” will connect open spaces and create safe, car-free routes to the sea connecting north to south. Most other narrow alleys will largely be kept as they are, but will be improved where possible in terms of lighting, greening and creating small pockets of open space.

Traffic Safety The problem of traffic accidents is caused by pedestrians, vehicles or road condition. Therefore, the following points should be considered to reduce the traffic accidents: • Conduct awareness and educational sessions for students.

• Convert the entrances of schools to proper locations to reduce traffic accidents.

• Provision of paths for pedestrian to cross the coastal road.

• Specify the types of vehicles which will be allowed to enter the camp and their speed limits and times.

• Provision of alternative areas to the stalls of the merchants.

• Internal roads for pedestrians only should be found in the camp.

• Provision of traffic police points in the areas of schools at the time of students’ attendance as possible.

• The roads in the compounds of public facilities should be closed for the public vehicles.

• Fixing of traffic signs bumps and other tools to oblige the drivers to reduce the speed of their vehicles.

Deir el balah camp improvement project roads and open space plan

width ~5

youth / community centre

m

width ~6 m

width ~6 m

width ~3.6 m

width ~3.8 m

width ~6.3 m

width ~8 m

width ~6 m width ~5 m

width ~8 m

market street width ~6.3

width ~6 m

market square

width ~5.7

m

m

width ~8 m

width ~5 m

roads

open space

Primary roads Secondary roads Tertiary roads Traffic direction Limited car access Parking Pedestrian routes

Public + commercial area Neighbourhood squares Sports field Beach open space Green pockets Child friendly spaces

77

emergency access 4.2.7 IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY vehicular access

vehicular access

Vehicular access Two new secondary streets connect to the Souk road. One connects inwards towards Deir El Balah town is from the central mosque/Souk street. The other creates a new access point to the Coastal road and improves access to neighbourhoods 3, 4, 6, 7, 10 and 11. These streets will relieve pressure on the main road and Souk street, which both have frequent accidents.

Restricting traffic The proposed solution strives to underline the difference between access and traffic. While access needs to be improved, especially for emergency pedestrian vehicles, traffic flow through the camp should flow be discouraged for safety and quality of living environment.

pedestrian surface

Connected spaces Pedestrian paths between streets and open spaces create â&#x20AC;&#x153;continous spacesâ&#x20AC;? connecting across the camp - especially towards the sea, in accordance with resident wishes. fairly accessible

78

moderately accessible

highly accessible

continous space

emergency access

EMERGENCY ACCESS

existing accessibility

The limited access greatly impacts safety as fire engines and ambulances cannot reach all areas. The maps highlight areas exceeding 25 meters from emergency access roads, as they are are inaccessible to fire access hoses and especially vulnerable.

These comparisons show how the new street network and open spaces improve accessibility in all neighbourhoods. Only one area, facing the seashore, is still largely inaccessible due to the lack of possible street widening according to neighbourhood wishes. This will, however, be solved should the Coastal Road be widened in future. improved accessibility

emergency access

emergency access

79

4.2.8 PEDESTRIAN NETWORK AND MINI-BLOCKS

Existing blocks and movement Although a main street network challenge is general inaccessibility, the urban structure also has a lack of structural hierarchy. All lanes between buildings are equally accessible to pedestrians. While this makes each house accessible by foot, it is also an undesirable urban pattern for several reasons. In cities and towns, gardens and backyards often create a more layered structure with private and semiprivate spaces. In refugee camps this “flat” structure is the consequence of lacking urban planning and a remnant of tents evenly distributed in a grid. This means that in some areas, moving through the camp is like moving through a repetitive maze. A movement network where every corner of every building presents an intersection does not feel safe to walk in, nor does it make for logical movement patterns. It also further decreases privacy, which is craved by all residents. It is therefore recommended to improve some alleys and encourage movement there, while discouraging passage through others to improve privacy.

Pedestrian paths today Alleys in the camp are dark at night and feel unsafe.

They are unmarked and confusing to anyone who 80

does not know the camp intimately. They are also indistinctive and present few landmarks to navigate by or identify with. Shading, grass or areas for resting are almost universally absent.

Proposed improvements A network of internal neighbourhood paths is proposed. Improvements of pedestrian footpaths are described on p. 82. These improvements aim to achieve three things: 1. Safe movement within and between neighbourhoods 2. Distinction between more public alleys for movement and more private alleys for recreational use (“mini blocks”) 3. Increased privacy outside these paths Mini blocks In between the defined pedestrian paths, “mini blocks” can become zones of increased privacy.

Residents may decide together how they wish to treat these spaces. They may leave them as they are or turn them into narrow garden strips or screened social spaces. Access and view can be restricted by using planting or walls at a setback from the path.

before and after The pedestrian network, as shown in full on p. 77, here illustrated by Neighbourhood 11. The network creates a differentiation between pulic alleys for walking and semiprivate alleys. Defining routes of movement improves safety, while zones of calmness increases the feeling of privacy.

Neighbourhood

Car access

Pedestrian

Neighbourhood

Car access

Pedestrian

Semi-private

Open Space

Mini Block

81

PEDESTRIAN PATH IMPROVEMENTS

Pedestrian paths should direct movement, create mini zones for resting and improve microclimatic conditions. The power of making such places aesthetically pleasing should not be underestimated as a factor for improved living quality and desire to inhabit and preserve our surroundings.

Lighting

Paving

Shading and greening

Characteristic tiles, such as large, square tiles or otherwise patterned tiles, should be used to mark the paths. Coloured tiles can also be used to further distinguish paths. Compared with asphalt, tiles will increase surface runoff infiltration rate. Drainage direction should also be taken into consideration by tilting tiles towards the centre of the path. This will help avoid flooding in shelters and direct water to green areas.

In smaller resting zones, fabric may be stretched between buildings to provide shading. Trees should be planted wherever possible. This will create natural shading and resting space, and help regulate microclimatic conditions. Fruit trees are recommended as they add sensory stimulants such as colour, flowers and fresh fruit, and palm trees as their slender stems require little ground space.

Facades It might not be possible to paint every building in the camp, but painting all facades facing each pedestrian path in the same colour will help create a unique visual identity. Visual distinctions can help define movement patterns and calm the visual environment, which might strenghten the feeling of ownership and responsibility towards public space.

82

Solar lights will provide lighting regardless of the unreliable electricity network. These should be positioned close to intersections and about 30 meters apart.

before and after An illustration of how simple measures can make a significant difference to the safety and environment of pedestrian paths.

White and grey shades are shown, but more colourful variations can also be used.

83

IMPROVEMENT OF THE PRIVATE - PUBLIC BARRIER

Enclosed mini block yards As an added option to accentuate the difference between the public pedestrian paths and the semiprivate nature of internal alleys, neighbourhood residents can choose to create a visually protective barrier between buildings. These would mark the entrance points to the now semi-private to private â&#x20AC;&#x153;internalâ&#x20AC;? space in between the mini block buildings.

The proposed design uses recycled materials, and has a translucent or semi-permeable surface. The entrance provides seating, lighting and greening, which will add to the environment of the pedestrian path outside as well as the private space beyond.

Design by Master students at Oslo School of Architecture and Design

84

External window frame One of the major problems experienced by camp residents is a lack of privacy in their homes. This has lead many to simply block their windows, which worsens the already severe lack of light and ventilation. Blocking every window may also create â&#x20AC;&#x153;dead spaceâ&#x20AC;? and an unsafe feeling in public space.

This design proposes an external frame which will give shading and visual protection to the private houses, and a shaded bench for the outdoor space.

This will improve the perception of privacy, while simultaneously improving the walkability of the street outside. The simple design can be constructed off-site, which allows for easy production.

Design by Master students at Oslo School of Architecture and Design

85

4.2.9 SOUK STREET

Existing situation

Proposed Interventions

Most of the commercial activities are concentrated in the Souk street. The street includes shops on both sides of the road, except from the part between the mosque and the northern end of the camp. This area is very narrow and forms a bottleneck without room for any commercial activities. One car can barely pass, and pedestrians are subject to hazardous conditions.

Small areas should be designated for informal commercial activities and steps should be taken to separate traffic from pedestrian activity.

The Souk shops cover the daily needs of the residents of the camp like grocery stores, fruit and vegetable vendors, butcheries, stores selling household appliances, clothing and pharmacies.

Many shops spill over into the street, using the pavements as an extension zone. As such, it cannot be expected that increasing width of pavements necessarily will improve pedestrian safety.

Additionally, local farmers, fishermen and street vendors fill the street with carts and temporary stalls. This creates a lively atmosphere, but also dangerous situations. The Camp Improvement Plan cannot aim to change behavioural patterns on this scale, and should take the spatial use into consideration. Therefore, a more considerate response than simply widening the roads is requred.

86

Ideally, the street should be an entirely pedestrian shopping street. However, due to the lack of supporting streets for access, this is not in practice advisable and might not be upheld by locals.

Therefore, a mixed use street with a pedestrian focus is proposed.

Opening the northern end will strenghen the street as the main commercial and pedestrian artery. By placing shops in the middle of this street section, a wide pedestrian market is formed, and encroachment of the street is prevented.

Shops in serious disrepair can be reconstructed with small setbacks. This allows widening in some areas, which gives the street small “pockets” of room for resting, shopping and loading. These areas should be protected from future encroachment by forming integrated and functional parts of the street.

Finding alternative places for informal commercial activities will improve the functionality of the

street, create a safer pedestrian atmosphere and make it easier for vendors to sell their goods. These alternative sites include smaller pockets created by partial street widening, areas in open spaces and in the widened northern end of the street.

While car access should be increased, traffic should be avoided and a pedestrian atmosphere encouraged. Two secondary streets therefore enter the Souk street from east and west to alleviate traffic pressure. The Souk street should also only allow one- way traffic.

Pedestrian zones will be created using planting and seating rather than sidewalks. This allows for a flexible mixed street use, while also creating a continous safe space for school children and shoppers to walk along. A narrow “pavement” is proposed in the form of a formalized extension zone for shops. All shops will all have an outwards extension limit of 1 m, marked with curbstones.

1

commercial zone

2

bottleneck

mosque

1

2

existing situation The map shows existing shops along the street, most of which have an area below 20 m2, and the bottleneck area by the mosque.

mixed street use Being used for formal and informal commercial activities, transportation, loading, shopping, socializing and walking to school, the street is lively but hazardous.

87

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS, SOUK STREET

improved footpath

small arcade

temporary parking

increased setback

a

b

b

c

detail detailp. p.86 90

d

a

c 88

shading shops and stalls

pedestrian zone

pedestrian zone

d

emergency access

e

detail p. 92

green zone

f

f

e

89

Zoning The plan shows a part of the Souk street design to illustrate the zoning concept. As a mixed use street, it will remain on one level, in principle allowing vehicular access everywhere. Due to the limited width of the street and its commercial activities this is necessary. However, the following measures will be taken to limit traffic: 1. Allowing one-way movement only 2. Separating a continous pedestrian â&#x20AC;&#x153;safe zoneâ&#x20AC;? by using trees, planting and urban furniture at regular intervals along one side of the street.

This will protect pedestians from traffic while allowing temporary parking.

3. The pedestrian zone will have a distinct, uneven paving material, such as cobblestone, suggesting use without preventing access.

As all curbed pavements are currently respected as the limit of shop extensions, this informal strategy will be formalized by allowing an extension zone of 1 meter for all shops. In this way, all shop owners have equal access, and space will be freed for pedestrian movement and informal activities.

90

shop extension zon

shop extension zone

1 m â&#x20AC;&#x153;pavementâ&#x20AC;? facing street

movement zone

movement zone

One-way street Mixed use

pedestrian zone

pedestrian zone

Safe movement Loading Socializing Informal commercial activities

91

existing situation

New commercial zone

improvement plan F.2.33 B .1.42

83 m2

B .1.14

B.1.41

B.1.28

B.1.27

83 m2

75 m2

88 m2

338

B.1.01.2

80

B .1.13

F.3.15

186

120 m2

B .1.29

At the northern end of the Souk street, a row of shelters will be demolished to allow the natural extension of the commercial artery. To encourage a safe environment, the street is split between car access on one half and a pedestrian zone on the other. Both permanent shops and shading for informal commercial activities can be positioned on the pedestrian side.

open space

114 m2 F.3.05

B.1.36

70 m2

70 m2

B.1.30

88 m2

F.2.37

B.1.32

70 m2

B.1.31

93

80

80 m2

B .1.33 B .1.34

165 m2

83 m2

apartment building

F.3.52

B .1.17

B .1.21

92

75 m2

80 m2

B .1.18

B .1.10

96 m2

75 m2

F.3.54

F.3.35 82 m2

B.1.05

open space

F.3.42

104 m2

B .1.07

B.1.35

75 m2

B.1.21.3

A.1.40.2 B.1.35.1 F.3.01

B.1.66.1

B.1.65

F.3.01

F.3.02

F.3.03

B.1.65.1

B.1.66

F.3.04 F.3.04.1

F.3.05 F.3.20 F.3.21 F.3.22 F.3.22.1 F.3.35.1 F.3.35 F.3.36 F.3.36.1 A.2.19

F.3.55

A.2.27

A.2.38

F.3.56 F.3.57

A.2.41

B.1.07.1

A.2.40

A.2.40

A.2.40.1

F.3.56

80 x 2 m2

This strategy aims to achieve three goals:

B .1.42

Relocation site: Out of camp

In camp

Reconstruction type: Same site

F.2.33 B .1.14

B.1.41

B.1.28

B.1.27

83 m2

75 m2

88 m2

338

B.1.01.2

80

B .1.13

F.3.15

186

120 m2

B .1.29

open space F.3.05

B.1.36

70 m2

70 m2

B.1.30

88 m2

F.2.37

B.1.32

70 m2

B.1.31

93

80

80 m2

B .1.33 B .1.34

165 m2

83 m2

F.3.52

B .1.17

B .1.21

apartment building

92

75 m2

80 m2

B .1.18

B .1.10

96 m2

pedestrian

75 m2

F.3.54

F.3.35 82 m2

B.1.05

open space

F.3.42

104 m2

B .1.07

B.1.35

75 m2

B.1.21.3

A.1.40.2 B.1.35.1 F.3.01

B.1.66.1

B.1.65

B.1.65.1

1

B.1.66

car access A.2.27

A.2.38

A.2.41

B.1.07.1

A.2.40

A.2.40

A.2.40.1

F.3.56

80 x 2 m2

apartment building

A.2.54

A .2.58

52 + 88 m2

47 + 78 m2

E. 1.01

F.3.57 100 m2

140 m2

shading structure

92

F.3.57 100 m2

140 m2

114 m2

A.2.19

A .2.58

52 + 88 m2

47 + 78 m2

E. 1.01

1. Keep pedestrians safe, especially the many school children frequenting the street 2. Prevent existing shelters on both sides of the street to expand into the street 3. Encourage use of the street as a social and commercial space, rather than a traffic highway 83 m2

A.2.54

apartment building

new shops

From Souk Street

1

conceptual design The new pedestrian area is protected from cars by a series of small shops and simple shading structures for informal commercial and social activities. This makes for a safe, yet flexible and active zone.

93

Optional design strategy; reusing buildings Conceptual design developed in collaboration with master students at the In Transit Studio of Oslo School of Architecture and Design and NORCAP, to propose tailored solutions to specific challenges unique to the context of Deir El Balah Camp.

The northern end of the Souk street can be seen as representative of a certain type of street; a new primary street with commercial and pedestrian functions rather than those of a traffic highway.

As such, the concept shown on the previous pages may be detailed through the design strategy of reusing parts of the demolished shelters. This will fit naturally with the existing urban structure and is an economically and environmentally logical way of reusing materials. The row of houses may either be entirely demolished and replaced by new shops and urban elements, or as this design proposes, leave some walls and roofs behind to serve new purposes.

Half a wall may form the basis of a bench, a room of a house may remain to become a small shop, a roof may remain for shading or a doorway may simply form a visually interesting barrier for traffic.

Design by Miquel Benedito Ribelle, Oslo School of Architecture and Design

94

new and old A design idea exploring how parts of existing buildings can be left behind to support new functions, instead of constructing entirely new buildings.

detail An example of how a part of an existing wall can form part of new urban furniture.

95

4.3 SHELTER SAFE ADEQUATE DWELLING UNITS FOR ALL

96

97

4.3.1 SHELTER OVERVIEW

Within all camps in Gaza there is disparity in housing properties and quality. Unfinished houses, shelters built of cement and covered with asbestos stand next to multi-storey buildings of reinforced concrete.

Some houses protude into streets while others still follow a strict grid imposed long ago. All the camps originated under the same political, economic and social circumstances, growing in a spontaneous and unplanned manner without laws or regulations governing the process of urban development. A dominant feature today is their high population density with a growing orientation towards vertical expansion. Most buildings are unfinished on the outside with exposed cinder blocks, creating a mostly grey, uninspiring atmosphere.

As a result of high poverty and unemployment rates, the closure of Gazas borders and unavailability of construction materials, most families have been not able to reconstruct, renovate, or even maintain their shelters . Consequently, a large number of refugee families in DEB camp now live in substandard housing in crowded residential areas. Many of these shelters are structurally unsound, poorly insulated and not waterproof. The roofs are frequently irreparable and in need of replacement.

98

Ventilation is inadequate, so that the shelters are damp and musty, cold in winter and hot in summer.

In addition, many families are crowded into too few rooms. Such overcrowding and poor conditions in shelters have social impacts including limited privacy and gender separation, both causes of stress to the population. These conditions also have a number of health impacts, such as exacerbating respiratory conditions.

Key figures in regards to housing: 921 residential buildings exist in the camp, consisting of 1311 dwelling units.

According to the field survey of 2015, more than half of the buildings consist of one floor. Less than 8 % of the buildings have more than three floors.

39% of all buildings are of good or acceptable quality while 61% are of poor quality (numbers which merely reflect structural properties and do not take quality of location or site use into account).

68 % of the existing shelters have non-permanent roofs (asbestos and zinc sheets or mixed concrete and asbestos).

43% of the existing buildings are considered well below minimum standards in terms of space and living quality.

r score:

neighbourhood stats:

per 100 m2 a

0

number

7894

of residents neighbourhoods

camp TOTAL

as divided by

14 m2

built up area

road network

per resident

camp avg.

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4.3.2 INITIAL ASSESSMENT

A numbering system was implemented for all the buildings in the camp. Each building number refers to block, sub-block, building number and floor number.

These were used as references for the subsequently undertaken surveys.

A resident survey and updating of a previous technical survey were conducted for all the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s households and shelters. The resident survey focused on collecting socio-economic data about the residents and their priorities for camp improvement.

This was integrated with UNRWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RSSP Department, which provided existing information from its RRIS, Poverty Assessment and other systems, describing the status of Deir El Balah Camp households in order to generate one comprehensive database. This is used to support the mapping of residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; priorities, alternatives and eventually plans for camp improvement. The update of the technical survey covered all the information included in the previous detailed survey of 2013 concerning buildings (building use, size, material, number of stories, conditions and ownership).

implemented numbering Each building is given a number representing its block, sub- block, building number and floor number.

100

101

4.3.3 SHELTER QUALITY MAPPING

A technical survey was conducted for all the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelters in 2013 and was updated in 2015. All the collected information was managed by Database and GIS, creating a basis for analysis in the urban planning for the camp.

The original and updated assessments were undertaken by engineers who were responsible for the technical part of a questionnaire in addition to sketching out rough plans for existing shelters.

This technical part of the questionnaire includes questions on the condition of the shelterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical safety and environmental condition. That includes among others structural safety, types of materials in main building elements, access to and state of sanitation, ventilation, overcrowdedness, dampness, daylighting and ownership.

The data of the questionnaire was then converted into scores based on each indicator, in order to generate comprehensive priority lists. The scores assist in identifying the shelters targeted for improvement. Some of the mapped indicators are represented here, along with the total shelter scores.

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roofing material: concrete mixed zinc no data

Zinc

Mixed

ventilation quality: very weak weak acceptable good no data

Concrete

No data

Very Weak

Weak

Acceptable

Good

No Data

Roofing material

Ventilation

Most shelters have temporary roof structures made from zinc and asbestos, which create poor indoor climates and cannot support water tanks. As solid walls are needed to support a concrete roof, the type of roofing is often informative of the building quality in general.

Due to poor building materials, lack of open space and narrow alleys, and no consideration of ventilation in building design, most shelters have low ventilation quality.

N

Legend shelter quality scoring

Poverty Status

score

SSN

1-9 10 - 19 20 - 29 30 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 - 69 null

Absolute Null

lighting quality: very weak weak acceptable good no data

Very Weak

Weak

Acceptable

Good

#N/A

No Data

Absolute Poor

SSN cases

No Data

1-9

# houses 168 155 185 208 109 18 4

10 - 19 20 - 29 30 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 -69

Lighting

Poverty status

Total score

Lighting conditions are influenced by the same factors creating poor ventilation also impacts. Small or no setbacks and increasing building heights create constantly worsening conditions.

The vast majority of the camp residents are poor, falling into UNRWAs classification system as “Absolute poor” or “SSN” (Special Safety Net) cases.

These cases have priority in terms of rehabilitation.

The scoring system combines structural information about building materials with socio-economic and environmental quality factors to give each shelter a total score from 0 (best quality) to 75 (worst quality).

This formed a central guideline for planning.

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4.3.4 POPULATION DENSITY

The Gaza Strip with an area of 365 km2 is home to a population of more than 1.76 million people, including 1.26 million Palestine refugees. Over half a million Palestine refugees in Gaza live in the 8 recognized Palestine refugee camps, which have some of the highest population densities in the world.

DEB camp is now home to about 7,900 refugees, who all reside in an area of only 0.176 square kilometres.

This means that the population density is about 46,000 people per square kilometres, among the most densely populated areas in the world.

population per 100 m2

People / km2

The map shows density as family size divided by total shelter area, and density statistics urban POPULATION DENSITY COMPARISON of actual residents per neighbourhood. The campproject has a high density overall, with an deir el balah camp improvement average space of only 14 m² built up area per resident (not counting public institutions).

3 100

global urban avg.

4 800

gaza strip tokyo

Megacity

6 200 11 500

gaza city zaatari camp, jordan

World´s 2nd Largest Refugee Camp

unrwa gaza

Reconstruction Project Average

manilla deir el balah camp deir el balah improved

15 200 20 000

Densest City In The World

46 000

Current Population Density

46 400 42 900

Proposed Population Density

PEOPLE PER KM2 0

10 000

20 000

30 000

40 000

urban POPULATION DENSITY COMPARISON People / km2

104

global urban avg. gaza strip

deir el balah camp improvement project 3 100 4 800

50 000

N

POPULATION DENSITY

503 11m2 people

/person

people

503 10m2 people

people

/person

/person

/person

648 13m2

899 14m2 people

553 11m2

651 12m2

people

/person

/person

786 14m2 people

/person

582 14m2

718 11m2 people

people

/person

/person

654 11m2 people

/person

533 12m2 people

/person

470 19m2 people

/person

938 11m2 people

/person

shelter score:

neighbourhood stats:

Inhabitants per 100 m2 built up area 0-2 2-4

number

7894

of residents neighbourhoods

camp TOTAL

4-6

as divided by

6-8 8 - 10 10 +

14 m2

built up area

road network

per resident

camp avg.

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4.3.5 SHELTER PERMANENCE AND DENSITY

High built up density

Low “vertical density”

65 % of the camp area is covered by buildings. The camp is also low in permanence. More than half of the shelters have one floor and zinc/mixed material roofing and are as such considered impermanent buildings.

Floor Area Ratio (FAR) measures density within plots - the sum area of all floors divided by plot size.

In the case of Deir El Balah Camp, no distinction can be made between plots and buildings. Therefore FAR simply equals the number of floors. The average number of floors is 1.6, which is quite low for a camp. Reconstruction strategies should therefore aim to increase open space available by decreasing footprints and increasing number of floors. In other words the FAR can be increased, but only to an acceptable level. An average above 3 is discouraged due to lighting and ventilation conditions.

permanence 56 % of all shelter buildings are single floor buildings with an impermanent roof. More permanent structures are mostly clustered around the central market street and in the south-western corner of the camp.

horizontal density Section AA shows a typical built up density in the area, and BB shows that 1) the camp has a high “horizontal density” and 2) despite a high population denstiy the camp has a low “vertical density” or FAR.

section aa

section bb

106

camp

N a

b

permanence: concrete roof zinc/mixed roof 1 floor 2 floors 3 floors 4 floors 5 floors +

a

b

107

4.3.6 PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS

Overview

Type of intervention

Architectural space Guidelines

The housing intervention under DEB camp improvement project will target two groups:

1. Off-site reconstruction. New buildings on governmentally supplied land or in a few cases, on land owned by beneficiaries. In this case movement of shelter occupants will be made after construction of the new house.

2. Reconstruction on the same site. Many cases require increased setbacks or plot rearrangement, but have room for a building of sufficient total size.

3. Reconstruction on a new site in camp. Due to the community’s expressed concern for moving families within the camp, this has been avoided as much as possible. Only in a few cases this proved the best solution.

4. Moving to apartment building in camp.

5. Rehabilitation: repair or reconstruction, according to measured shelter quality.

Spatial requirements are based on the family size in additional to the size of the existing building.

Therefore, the following guidelines apply, with the exception of familes whose existing shelter exceed the proposed area:

• Reconstruction of all shelters affected by urban interventions such as widening of streets and creation of open space. The condition of each existing shelter has been taken into consideration in the preparation of these interventions, to ensure that nearly all affected buildings are substandard.

• Shelter rehabilitation for repair or reconstruction. Poor families identified by UNRWA to be living in structurally unsafe, unhealthy, or otherwise substandard shelters will be prioritized. These will be selected using a mapping system, measuring technical aspects like infrastructure and physical conditions, and socio-economic issues like poverty and overcrowding.

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Rehabilitation can further be divided into: • Major repair and supplementary structure: comprehensive upgrading repair (such as new windows, plumbing, and plastering) and installation of supplementary structures such as columns to support new concrete roof slabs.

• Adaptation: adaptation of spaces to suit special needs of a family (disability or age)

Family size: Area (m2): 1-2 60 3-5 80 6-8 100 9-12 120 13 and above 140 When the area of the demolished shelter exceeds the area calculated by these criteria, the family can choose between one building according to total size (up to 200 m2 ground floor), or (according to UNRWA policy) relocating each family in a separate flat (in which case each flat will be calculated according to family size).

In multi-generational families, married sons with families are eligible for one additional room. Two married sons can receive a unit with two rooms, kitchen and bathroom.

Affected shelters

site of reconstruction

Buildings for total or partial removal according to proposed urban interventions;

Relocation sites for families in affected households:

street widening open space apt. building site souk widening market square

Qastal (off-site) Same site other site in camp apt. building in camp

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4.3.7 SHELTER RECONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR

reconstruction plan reconstruction plan Affected shelter

110

Total Repair Affected Apartment Unaffected Unaffected Reconstr. mixed use Total Repair buildings Affected public Apartmentshelter Unaffected Unaffected Affected Reconstr. mixed use buildings public shelter shelter

RECONSTRUCTION TYPOLOGIES

Apartment buildings

Mixed use / shops

Single family house

Families with a deteriorated house of less than 70 m2, who prefer to stay in the camp, can choose to be relocated in small apartment buildings. These will have an open ground floor for common rooms and be connected to small open spaces where possible.

Around the Souk street, a number of deteriorated single floor shops will be reconstructed in order to improve the street. These include both single shops and mixed use buildings, with residential units above ground floor shops.

Families whose shelter will be partially demolished due to road widening, can choose reconstruction of a building of the same total area on the remaining land. In some cases this will mean spreading the building volume over two floors.

111

4.3.8 UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF CAMP RECONSTRUCTION

As camps differ from other urban areas (or indeed the empty, rural plots often used for reconstruction in Gaza) redesigning within their borders constitutes a fundamentally different challenge and must as such be approached in a fundamentally different way. Below follows a brief summary of the main challenges of designing in a camp. These are issues which cannot be solved by merely reconstructing a more solid version of the same type of building.

Privacy

Small, unique plots

The minimal areas available means the camp has evolved in a spirit of “take what you can” where private buildings encroached on public space. In reconstruction projects like this, families might be entitled to a larger area than there is room for. In any case, most families consider the possibility of expanding the house vertically in future as essential.

This means that buildings should not only be planned horizontally, but planned in terms of volumes which preserve qualities for the future.

As each plot is differently shaped, has a different family density and is surrounded by buildings of varying heights, each plot becomes an individual design project. However, there are common challenges which allow the development of appropriate housing typologies.

Microclimatic conditions As a consequence of the high built-up density, poor lighting and ventilation conditions prevail.

This in turn leads to deteriorating structures and uncomfortable microclimatic environments, where people suffer from overheating, trapped moisture and dark living areas.

112

Culturally, protecting private life is of great importance to the camp population. The desire to prevent people looking in often leaves people simply blocking windows, which further increases microclimatic conditions.

Density and expansion

Boundary wall “dead spaces” Standard housing projects in Gaza often repeat building plans in rows, with external walls around each house for privacy. These walls usually surround the entire house, often by as little as 1.5 meters, which can make for narrow, unusable garden spaces.

Although a family might have 50 m2 of garden space, they cannot use it. On the outside, these walls create so-called “dead streets” where there are no functions or activities along the walls. This turns streets into “chutes” for movement and create an unsafe environment which should be discouraged, especially in the already problem-ridden camps In order to avoid this, privacy concerns and open spaces must be integrated into building designs.

Main challenges of camp reconstruction are; • Private vs. public sphere; buildings should create privacy while still giving back to the public sphere (creating assets to public life in stead of “dead street” boundary walls).

• Providing small but functional private spaces within the plots. This will improve lighting and ventilation, and compensate for lacking public space. Integrating space within building volumes, such as internal courtyards, balconies and rooftop gardens should be encouraged.

• Building footprint and volumes should prevent future overcrowding while allowing flexibility.

Possible solutions to these challenges are proposed in this chapter. More information on each typoolgy can be found in Annex 2.

lack of air, light and access lack of privacy Family building

Family building

Plot “Dead street”

Standard reconstruction projects

Refugee camp reconstruction

Local reconstuction projects are normally built on empty land, where building plans can be repeated in a predictable manner. Standards for access, safety and infrastructure can easily be controlled.

All plots being unique necessitates a focus on flexibility and adaptation. Shelters usually fill their entire plots, and are surrounded by little or no public space, narrow alleys and buildings of varying heights.

This type of construction is efficient to design and construct, but can create alienating “dead streets” and inefficient use of open space - both within and outside plots. These are undesirable effects, particularly in a camp context.

In addition to privacy concerns, the density creates poor lighting and ventilation conditions, problems which cannot be solved by reconstructing the same type of building.

113

4.3.9 APARTMENT BUILDING CONCEPT

A total of 6 apartment buildings will be constructed.

One apartment building is here illustrating the conceptual design.

Plots are chosen across the camp to spread construction evenly and allow people to remain in their neighbourhoods. All plots are based on families who agreed to move out of the camp.

green area

All apartment buildings will have a small common room on the ground floor which, where possible, will be connected to small open spaces.

The design strives to achieve privacy for its residents, while simultaneously allowing as much light and air as possible. The main instrument for this purpose is a decorative brick - facade, which screens inhabitants from view. This facade will also have a cooling effect on the building.

Design: Tommy Sandløkk and Liv Framgard

entrance

common room

tech. room

green area

pedestrian path

site plan, ground fLoor

114

elevation west

elevation south

plan

115

Double facade Bedroom 1: 11,5 sq.m

Balcony Living area Outer facade

Bedroom 2: 11,5 sq.m Sliding doors Inner facade WC

Bedroom 3: 11,5 sq.m

Living area/ guest room

Inner facade Entrance

Kitchen

The limited amount of open space and gardens in the camp, coupled with cultural privacy concerns, makes a layered facade a good solution for apartment buildings. Apartments being the least preferred typology (due to the desires for future expansion and social separation), should compensate for their perceived lack of privacy and open space by creating inviting air and light in, yet protecting from view.

The double layered facade allows residents to choose between opening the internal layer, creating an â&#x20AC;&#x153;outdoorsâ&#x20AC;? feeling to their living rooms, or accessing the space separetely where and when they want.

Overhangs and panels create shading, cooling the entire building. The openness of the shading still allows comfortable, indirect light to penetrate further into the building. Ventilation conditions will be significantly improved as the separated cavity within the building volume generates a ventilated space, cooling the spaces within. Allowing larger areas on the facade to open will also allow air to flow through the building, improving cross-ventilation.

Finally, the layered facade creates visual continuity around the building volume, setting the building apart and inserting a tranquil element into the chaotic camp fabric.

116

facade concept The project “Gabriela House“ by TACO architects illustrates the beauty and functionality of using decorative bricks as facade elements. air fLow The openness of the facade to the west allows air coming in from the sea, creating natural cross-ventilation and improving the temperature indoors.

guest access

privacy Bedrooms and kitchen zones will be protected from view - both from the outside and from guests. A flexible living area allows the creation of two separate rooms. Windows are covered by traditional decorative “mashrabiyas”, which allow air and light to enter while protecting from view.

117

4.3.10 RESIDENTIAL DESIGN CHALLENGE 1

3. The Unit/Shelter The Unit/Shelter is being developed in two levels. The first level has the common spaces, such as the kitchen, the living room and the dining area. On the second level, the dwelling takes place. The room space is being minimazed to the very basic dimensions, to ensure maximum privacy and to shelter the maximum available number of people. The second floor has enough open space . Activities like urban farming and gardening can take place on the balconies or on the tarraces.

PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE SPACE

The area that the 1st floor covers is 45 spm, the 2nd floor 30 spm and the Open Space on the 2nd floor is 26 spm.

This unit can host at minimum 4 people and at maximum 8 people. The recommended number of people living in this Units/Shelter is 5-6.

Conceptual design developed in collaboration with master students at the In Transit Studio of Oslo School of Architecture and Design and NORCAP, to propose tailored solutions to specific challenges unique to the context of Deir El Balah Camp.

5

5

This typology concept explores how a small home can move away from the typical, solid block shape, towards a more fragmented volume which allows for better conditions inside as well as more functional alley space outside. Narrow strips of spaces are given to alleys, forming shaded, semi-private boundaries in which to rest and socialize. Proposing small internal courtyards, the design ensures that air and light can enter into all rooms, and provides each house with a mini garden space. Furthermore, this allows the facade to be closed on all sides, so that strangers cannot look in. It also allows for vertical expansion around the courtyard. This will ensure good internal environmental conditions in the future, even within a denser urban fabric.

5

5 6

3

2 4

1

Design: Menandros Ioannidis, Oslo School of Architecture and Design Exploded Axonometric / Scale 1 : 50

118

5 4

5

North

5

st Floor Plan

Typlogy 1

1. Living room 5

4

5

2. Kitchen/ Dining Area

5

3. Atrium 2

2

2

4

2

4. WC 5. Bedroom 6. Terrace

3 1

3

4 5

4

North 1

5

3

1

3

1

The Units/Shelters vary in sizes. From left to right : 75 sqm/6 people, 115 sqm/11 people, 85 sqm/9 people, 80 sqm/7 people. Average : 10.7 sqm/person and in total 23 people.

1m

5m

Nishes

Road

Neighborhood

Walls

Structure

4

10 m

119

4.3.11

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN CHALLENGE 2

REDUCING BUILDING FOOTPRINT Conceptual design developed in collaboration with master students at the In Transit Studio of Oslo School of Architecture and Design and NORCAP, to propose tailored solutions to specific challenges unique to the context of Deir El Balah Camp.

This housing typology concept illustrates how plots can be used more efficiently in Deir El Balah camp.

By redistributing the building area over several floors, a smaller plot can be used and public space created. This strategy is viewed with skepticism by some camp residents due to the desire for future expansion. However, it is a highly efficient strategy implemented successfully around the world, and can be solved in both functional and beautiful ways.

Rather than leaving the public space empty, a seating arrangement is created which also holds a storage space underneath. This is intended to prevent encroachment of the space and is suggestive of the area as a calm seating zone rather than a busy market square.

Design: Maja Andresen Osberg, Oslo School of Architecture and Design 120

Plot 1 - Ground floo

1st floor

2nd floor

3rd floor

Plot

Plot 1 - sections 121

4.3.12

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN CHALLENGE 3

PRIVACY AND PRIVATE OPEN SPACE Conceptual design developed in collaboration with master students at the In Transit Studio of Oslo School of Architecture and Design and NORCAP, to propose tailored solutions to specific challenges unique to the context of Deir El Balah Camp.

Filling the entire plot, this typology concept achieves good environmental conditions by creating an internal courtyard. This allows air and light directly into every single room, while also providing a highly functional and accessible garden space which can be used as a dining or play area.

Using the facade as a shield to the surroundings, circulation is moved to the perimeter of the building.

This provides a double layer of visual protection for internal rooms, and will function as an insulating layer regulating indoor temperature. Shading the inner rooms, this will naturally cool the building in summer, while providing an extra layer of insulation and protection for the rainy winter months.

Design: Victor, Oslo School of Architecture and Design

122

123

4.4 OPEN SPACE 4.4.1 PUBLIC SPACE ANALYSIS Existing uses Most of the camp area is used for housing. There are no park or playground areas in the camp.

Public institutions have some areas, which are fenced off and largely inavailable to the general camp population. The Youth Centre has the most accessible area (due to a hole in the wall); a small sports field/playground which is in constant use.

Most of the available open space is a mixed use streetscape, used for everything from falafel making and football playing to wedding parties. The beach is an important spatial feature of the camp, used for fishing, swimming and recreation. It is relatively inaccessible, particularly to elderly and disabled persons, and potentially hazardous due to the steep and crumbling slope.

Except for the beach and the confined public facilities on the camp fringes, all open space in the camp consists of narrow streets, used for everything from playing football to wedding parties.

Population segments like women, girls and disabled persons have few or no suitable places to go outside of the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programme Centre or Rehabilitation Centre, both of which have limited open space and operating hours.

land use distribution COMPARISON deir el balah camp improvement project

urban guidelines

50% built up area*

deb camp: current

Age preferences The youth club and its playgrounds is the major paly area for male children and youth. The children also use roads and alleys for playing. As for adult and

lack of open space

elderly men and women, the mosques, in front of shops and homes are most often frequented.

73% built up area*

Deb camp: proposed

68% built up area*

124

* Including both residential areas and public institutions

30%

20%

streets

open space

13,5% streets

15% streets

12%

2,4%

alleys open space

12% 5% alleys

open space

N

public space institutional space* alleys

5 m²

Roads + alleys

2.9 m²

All public + institutional

open space per resident

0.5 m²

Public pockets

roads**

2.4 % 11 % 6% 16 % 62 %

built up area spatial distribution

* fenced off areas within UNRWA and public institutions only ** coastal road not included

125

4.4.2 ASSETS AND POTENTIALS

Social nodes

Irrregular street structure

Many small areas inside the camp are frequently used for informal social gatherings. These are often relatively protected areas in or near roads.

The angular street shapes which have emerged as a result of the gradual shelter expansions, create small semi-private pockets of open space. These are used by all residents and have in some cases been creatively developed. The angles of the narrow alleyways can create dangerous situations, but also slow traffic down. This particularity is an identifying feature of the camp and should be reflected in the new plan.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Human scaleâ&#x20AC;? spaces Over the years the camp residents have become accustomed to small spaces and have created some areas that in an urban perspective are miniscule, but still serve as a meeting point for a large number of people throughout the day.

Sea view / beach front The beachfront is the most important space in the camp to many of the residents. A variety of functions and spaces are hosted there, most of which are informal as the area is not developed.

126

Lessons learnt: Khan Younis camp open space development Over the past five years, UNRWA has been working with the municipality and community to identify areas for improvement. In this picture, three houses have been removed to create an open space. This space is used for everything from wedding celebrations to football, improving the neighbourhood life. However, the space should be redesigned using simple measures like greening, paving and urban furniture to accommodate the needs of the people and also to prevent families from claiming the land for construction.

â&#x20AC;&#x153; for the first time, light reaches my house!â&#x20AC;?

- Camp resident, Khan Younis

127

stairs become seating and directs traffIc trees provide shaded seating area

edge defInes shop area

128

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;human scaleâ&#x20AC;? potential Camp residents have become adept at making use of small urban spaces available to them. This example illustrates how a small intersection of about 70 m2 holds room for both shopping, movement, resting and socializing, using simple means.

70 m2

129

4.4.3 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

Types of open space

Neighborhood squares

Qualities of different types of spatial functions should be considered in the positioning, size and design of all open spaces. The types are identified as social, commercial, activity, rest and movement spaces. Both roads and open spaces will be improved with planting of trees, flowers and grass, to improve microclimatic conditions such as temperature and air quality.

Smaller open areas will be located within each neighborhood, where possible. These will be used for recreation, games and social occasions such as wedding parties.

Beach Front Park “green buffer zone” A new continous pedestrian space will double as recreational space and protection from the speed and noise of the new regional road. Running along the beach front it will include access points to the beach.

Central market square A multi-functional central square will serve as the main social node. Being positioned in the heart of the camp, next to the souk road and central mosque, the main square will be a space for markets and sales, playing, praying and gathering.

130

Playgrounds and sports The only sports field available is a small area in the youth centre, which will be improved. It is recommended to find space for new sports fields in the surrounding area, as no larger sports spaces can be created within the camp. However, smaller areas for playgrounds can be located within the neighbourhood spaces.

Green pockets In some places where shelters are removed due to road widening, small “leftover” areas will be used for mini recreational or informal commercial space.

Public facilities It is recommended to open areas in public facilities such as schools to the public after working hours.

open space types by function:

social /mixed use

commercial

movement

activity

rest

continuous space

131

light

4.4.4 CENTRAL MARKET SQUARE

Concentrated around the central mosque and split by the Souk road, the area will be mainly commercial but also a place for prayers, playing and gathering. A series of small, new shops will face both parts of the space, creating a commercial and social arena. The area should be protected from traffic but accessible to vehicles at need. Therefore, seating which doubles as road blocks make entering possible but difficult, preventing traffic and parking.

Colourful tile patterns, pedestrian paths, planting and a seating area opposite the mosque are used to define the space as a pedestrian, social arena.

This is important for several reasons; to prevent encroachment by shop owners and others, to provide a formal public space for the population and as an incentive to maintain the area.

commercial square

shops

seating area

mosque

multipurpose area

planting, rain collection Path

shaded seating area

132

133

4.4.5 NEIGHBOURHOOD SQUARES

Connecting a street with a pedestrian path, the concept aims for a continous spatial design with a relatively large uninterrupted surface. By proposing a that the main area be paved in a continous pattern, the idea is that an area which is visually connected will encourage maintenance and prevent private encroachment. To further strenghten this concept, all facades facing the square can be painted white (or any colour preferred by the community - proposed palette for DEB camp below). This will have a positive effect on the space itself, while marking the outer border clearly. There is no way to guarantee the preservation of the space, yet such design measures aim to increase the desire to take care of the place while putting potential perpetrators in the spotlight.

The risk of interrupting the space will decrease the risk of the gradual â&#x20AC;&#x153;privatization processâ&#x20AC;? in the camp. Shading and planting is placed around the edges of the space to provide a protective buffer zone between the public space and the private houses. Green areas and planting boxes also function as rainwater infiltration units below the surface.

shaded area footpath

proposed colour palette for open spaces and facades

134

Large tile pattern

planting, rain collection

solar light

135

4.4.6 BEACHFRONT CHALLENGES AND POTENTIALS Only stairs to beach

Crumbling area

Fishermensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; huts

2

Mosque 3

1

136

1

2

3

View of mosque and the only existing staircase to the beach. The area in front of the mosque is ideal for recreation, and needs reinforcement as the fragile surface is crumbling away.

Fishermen preparing their nets in front of their huts.

The narrow strips of land next to the road have great sea views and are used for recreation.

Most accessible area: polluted by sewage

5 6 4

4

5

6

A steep hommade staircase to access the beach.

These narrow areas are the most frequently used and appreciated areas of the camp. Facing a steep hill, they are littered with rubbish from the road and overflowing waste containers along the road.

The most accessible area of the beach is polluted by sewage, which clogs the rainwater drainage system and flows directly into the sea.

137

BEACH FRONT DEVELOPMENT Beach access The cascading terraces built into the slope will expand the usable area while prevening erosion.

Stairs and ramps allow beach access for everyone, including wheelchair users. Each level provides seating. The lower terrace will double as a service area for fishers during mornings and an open air stage for community use.

Camp entrance An open area by the camp entrance will serve as a multifunctional space, hosting morning sea food sales, mosque gatherings at prayer time and social events in the evenings. Positioned opposite the Youth Center, the area will become of the two main public squares in the camp.

138

Edge

Shaded area

The road shoulders should be improved and stabilized where possible, according to topography.

Including access points, seating and greening, the narrow area will protect pedestrians.

A small shaded area will create much needed resting space by the beach while also widening the road shoulder above. The area will serve as a shaded waiting area for students, fishermen and beach guards, as well as a protected area for families.

139

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT “Stage 1” shows the development planned within this project. The beach front improvement is an independent project and not related to the planned regional development of the Coastal road, but takes the future planning into consideration.

“Stage 2” shows plans for road widening according to governmental plans. The Coastal road project will widen the road by to up to 40 m along the entire coastline of Gaza. Meetings with local authorities have been held, during which it was agreed that the width of the road should not exceed 27 m along the camp border (the smallest width possible according to the governmental strategy). This will limit the number of families relocated from the site, and also minimize the physical barrier between the camp and the beach. Speed control and several crossing points are recommended. The road should not have islands or fences, which would further add to the disconnection.

After the implementation of the road, the “leftover” spaces from shelter demolition should be utilized in a way which is consistent with the Camp Improvement Plan, benefits the public and connects to the beach.

“Stage 3” illustrates how this can be done.

140

1: beach promenade On the western side of the current road, a minimal surface is leveled out.

2: road widening The Coastal road will be widened by local authorities, which have agreed to limit the width of the road to maximum 27 m (including pavements) from the current western edge of the road.

3: green pockets With the inevitable relocation of families living along the Coastal road, small pockets of space will be opened. These should be used for public functions and activities, such as basketball, mini-playgrounds or picnic areas. This will improve the atmosphere of the area and prevent future encroachment.

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4.5

UPGRADING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

4.5.1 OVERVIEW Social infrastructure is crucial to the building of a healthy community and sustainable environment.

Referring to community facilities and services that help individuals, families, groups and communities meet their social needs, maximize their potential for development, and enhance community wellbeing, social infrastructure is provided in response to the basic needs of communities. This includes essential facilities and services such as education, training, health, welfare, social services, open space, recreation and sport, safety and emergency services, learning, religious, arts and cultural facilities, civic and democratic institutions, and community meeting places.

142

Field

Institution

Health

UNRWA Health Centre

Sanitation

UNRWA Sanitation Office

Education

4 Schools

Women

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programme Centre

Children

One Kindergarten

Sport& Youth

Community / Youth Centre

Religious

2 Mosques

People with disabilities

DEB Rehabilitation Society

General Affairs

Two Local Committees

N

Mosque

Kindergarten

UNRWA Health centre

Social hall + gym

Youth centre

UNRWA Boys’ school UNRWA Boys’ school

unrwa Maintenance office

Kindergarten

unrwa Womens’ program unrwa relief centre unrwa sanitation office

Mosque

UNRWA girls’ school

UNRWA girls’ school

143 site plan, 1: 1000

4.5.2 SITE PLANNING

EXISTING SITE USE The institutions in need of renovation are at the southern end of the camp, near the beach. Most buildings and sites are too small for their uses, and all buildings are in disrepair.

rssp offIces

womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programme centre

As described on page 140, the Coastal road will be widened in future. This presents a challenge to planning, as both the Youth and Health Centre sites will be affected - whether the width of the road be 27 or 40 meters. Buildings should naturally not be constructed in this zone as they would be demolished to make way for the road. The remaining site of the Health Centre in particular will not be sufficient for its reconstruction.

health centre

social area

fooball fIeld

cafe area

youth / community centre

144

PROPOSED SITE USE health centre

Due to the planned Coastal road widening, the site is planned to fit with the new 27 meter wide road, and buildings are positioned within the limits of the 40 meter line. The widening of the Coastal road decreases the total site area, and so redistributing functions to optimize the use of space is necessary.

The Health Centre has been moved to the previous site of the WPC and RSSP offices. This allows a more efficient site use, and is in accordance with health personnelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wishes.

The WPC and RSSP offices have expanded in terms of building size but will remain on relatively small plots. As these premises must have perimeter walls, the use of the space within will be limited to daytime access for certain users. The majority of the beach front site should be accessible to the public, and is therefore planned as a Community/ Youth centre. gym, shops

womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programme centre

rssp offIces

40 m 27 m

celebration hall library OfFice

fooball fIeld

cafe, sales area

social area

youth / community centre

145

4.5.3 COMMUNITY/YOUTH CENTRE

EXISTING SITUATION The centre was established in 1951 as an athletic, cultural and social club. Currently it is a vital place for many of the camp residents, and also serves the surrounding area. It contains a playground/ sports field, gym, library, kindergarten (currently not in use), cafeteria, hall for cultural activities and celebrations and an area used by the elderly.

On average the centre is visited daily by 150 young people, 160 children, and 30 elderly.

Several sports teams use the club, including a football team, basketball team, volleyball, swimming

team, tennis and chess teams and women’s cross country team. Moreover there is a cultural forum called “The Palm Cultural Forum” which serves all age groups by preparing cultural encounters and poetic seminars and exhibitions.

The club consists of two buildings with a combined floor area of 570 m2, both deteriorated and close to the the end of the typical UNRWA structural life time of 25 years. Severe corrosion in main structural elements were noted due to the environmental conditions close to the sea. The cafeteria is a temporary shed, which is rented and invests its income in the centre’s activities.

PROPOSED INTERVENTION The new centre consists of two buildings, one of which is a one-floor structure built into the slope of the site. This allows the roof of the building to be accessed from the ground level, and as such increases the accessible site area. A small football field will cover the roof, and the building below hosts a gym, cafeteria and small shops. These can be rented out in support of the centre activities. The cafeteria and shops face a small open area towards the Coastal road and the sea, which can be used for serving cafeteria customers and informal sales such as local produce and fish.

The main, “social” building features a hall for wedding celebrations on the ground floor. This can be opened towards the sea, and closed off for privacy. On the first floor are offices, a library and a gym. The building will have a solar roof system.

Design: Tommy Sandløkk, Ayman Hanoush and Liv Framgard

146

147

4.5.4 UNRWA HEALTH CENTRE

EXISTING SITUATION Since 1950, UNRWA has been the main healthcare provider for the Palestine refugee population.

Basic health needs are met through a network of primary care clinics, providing access to secondary treatment in hospitals. UNRWA provides refugees with assistance in meeting the costs of hospitalization either by partially reimbursing them, or by negotiating contracts with government, NGO and private hospitals.

The DEB camp Health Centre is located by the coastal road in the southern side of the camp adjacent to the youth center. It was constructed in 1993 by donation from the Italian government as a concrete one floor building with an area of 986 m2. It serves the refugees of the camp and the surrounding areas, and also provides services for non- refugees (5% of total daily visits). It is staffed by 39 health care workers assigned to a morning shift; 7 of which are doctors. The health centre provides the following services: out-patient clinic, dental clinic, maternal & child health (MCH), family flanning, laboratory, dispensary, health education, specialized services (ophthalmology, diabetes, cardiac, pediatrics).

It is recommended to move the Health Centre from its current location for several reasons. First, while 148

the general condition of the building is relatively good, the plot is too small for expansion and the structure is not suitable for vertical extension.

Second, with the implementation of the Coastal road project, part of the health centre will be demolished, further decreasing the available site size. Finally, the high humidity levels next to the sea shore results in continuous erosion of the equipment.

The building itself lacks several central functions that should be added. Staff use the hall of the Youth Centre for workshops and meetings, especially for vaccination campaigns, as they do not have one of their own. Residents report long waiting periods, too small waiting areas and have requested that the centre work on a double shift basis.

PROPOSED INTERVENTION The current Health Centre area is not sufficient to meet all the requirements. The new location suggested within the camp boundary (site of current Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programme Centre and RSSP office) is easily accessible for both of employees and patients.

The building, designed by ICIP, will consist of five floors with elevators following the latest design standard developed to achieve health programme requirements, including all site facilities and parking.

Total built up area will be around 2,500m2 in addition to service buildings. The site Plan is 1,380 m2. The new design provides yard space for generator, guard, parking, and outdoor waiting areas.

It is recommended to conduct coordination with the health department to increase the numbers of doctors and make a plan to provide all types of medication along throughout the month.

Design: Subhi Namra

149

4.5.5 WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PROGRAMME CENTRE AND RSSP OFFICES

EXISTING SITUATION

PROPOSED INTERVENTION

The Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programme Centre (WPC) and Relief and Social Services Programme (RSSP) offices are adjacent to each other and were constructed on the same plot of an area 1415 m2. The WPC was constructed in 1992 as one floor with an area of 327m2 and RSSP office with an area of 170 m2. Both buildings are in poor condition and do not provide sufficient room nor appropriate spaces for the activities taking place there.

As the existing buildings are of substandard quality, it is recommended to demolish them and reconstruct rather than commencing on a comprehensive maintenance approach.

The existing site of the Health Centre will be invested for reconstruction of the WPC and RSSP office, due to the needs of the Health Centre and the proximity to the Youth Centre.

The whole new site area will be 1,310 m2, which will be enough to accommodate site facilities to serve both buildings (RSSP 170 m2, WPC 430 m2). The design has been prepared based on discussions with the with end-users of the centres.

Design: Feda Buhairi

150

151

4.6 INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOCAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY 4.6.1 OVERVIEW Three of the top ten priorities of the community cover resource related infrastructural systems: improvement of sewage, water and energy networks.

Along with community priority 12 (generating job opportunities), this reflects regional problems facing Gaza as a result of the geopolitical situation. Gaza will have half a million more people by 2020 while its economy will continue to grow slowly. Without remedial action now, water, electricity, education and health problems will get worse over the coming years. Although it is not the aim of this project to solve these issues in themselves on a larger scale, they cannot be ignored as infrastructure and resource management form necessary parts of development projects. The situation is desperate and every effort should be made to improve it.

Small scale, off-grid solutions should ideally be implemented in Gaza for a number of reasons.

The unstable infrastructural networks are not only functioning below standard, but systems based on wells, pipes and power stations infrease vulnerability to military attacks. Although several factors limit the potential for physical and social change within this project, as a pilot it holds a unique position to investigate and propose suitable options.

152

social sustainability

$ economic sustainability

environmental sustainability

water

organics

energy

inorganics

sustainability goals The diagram illustrates how the ultimate goal of social sustainability can be achieved through enabling methods of environmental sustainability, with economic sustainability as a driving force for change.

open drainage to sea Sewage mixes in with the stormwater drainage and flows directly to the sea.

This creates hazardous and unpleasant conditions on the beach, contaminates sea and groundwater and constitutes a loss of a valuable resource.

153

4.6.2 RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES IN GAZA

Gaza 2020 The United Nations report “Gaza 2020: A liveable place?” summarises trends in Gaza and forecasts for the year 2020. Gaza’s population will increase to 2.1 million people in 2020, resulting in a density of more than 5,800 people per square kilometre.

Infrastructural services like electricity, water and sanitation are not keeping pace with the needs of the growing population. The demand for drinking water was projected to increase by 60 per cent while damage to the aquifer would become irreversible without remedial action now.

Water resources Gaza faces huge challenges both in terms of water quantity and quality, with the 2014 destructions forming the top of the iceberg of the problems. The Gaza Strip is located on the western edge of a shallow coastal aquifer, from which the majority of water is pumped. Being the only natural source of water supply for all activities (domestic, irrigation and industrial supply), the aquifer is rapidly depleating due to over- abstaction. Its water level is reportedly dropping by 20-30 cm per year. In addition, the groundwater quality is so poor in some areas of Gaza that agricultural yields suffer. The water is infiltrated 154

by sewage, pollution, and sea water, mainly wastewater from the local population. Nitrate concentration is above 100 mg per liter, over twice as much as defined by WHO for drinking water. Chloride is at 1500 mg per liter, against 250 mg as the acceptable level.

Waste water The daily water consumption per capita in Gaza is about 80 litres, which is less than the minimum value (100-150 litres) recommended by WHO (ILO 2012). Sewage collection and treatment is considered one of the most serious infrastructure problems in the Gaza strip. At present, only 25 per cent of Gaza’s wastewater is being treated and re-infiltrated for use in green areas and agriculture. Some 90,000 m3 of raw or partially treated sewage is released daily into the Mediterranean Sea, creating pollution, public health hazards and problems for the fishing industry.

Solid waste A conservative estimate of the amount of waste generated in the Gaza Strip would be 750 tons per day, which would result in around 100 tons per day of organic compost production should it be possible

to collect and process all of the organic waste. There is currently no sizable compost production taking place from household organic waste and only a limited recycling of plastic, meaning the majority of waste produced goes to landfill (at official and unofficial sites) or the living environment. In the refugee camps, solid waste collection and transport is carried out by UNRWA, using the three existing disposal sites in Gaza, Deir El Balah and Rafah - two of which were reported full in 2010 (Oxfam 2010).

composition of solid waste in gaza The majority of waste in Gaza is organic. Treating this as a resource for agricultural production could make a big difference to local food security.

Source: Municipality of Gaza

Agriculture and food security

Energy sources

Unemployment and economy

Since the 1990s, agriculture in Gaza has been in a steady and serious decline. While Israeli military restrictions on access and movement have been destructive in all economic sectors, the agricultural sector has been one of the worst hit. Seventeen percent of Gaza is largely off-limits, including 35 percent of its agricultural land, while more than 3,000 fishermen do not have access to 85 percent of the maritime areas agreed in the 1995 Oslo Accords. As a result, fewer crops are now grown and the fish catch has decreased dramatically. A food security survey in 2013 showed that 57 per cent of the households in the Gaza Strip suffered from food insecurity and another 15 per cent were vulnerable to food insecurity.

Unvailability and price of agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizer, in addition to inaccessibility of irrigation water, has since impeded recovery (Gaza initial rapid assessment). Overall, land and sea restrictions affect 178,000 people, 12 percent of Gaza residents, and result in annual estimated losses of almost $80 million from agricultural production and fishing (The National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, 2014). Urban agriculture is practiced widely in the Gaza Strip, yet planning for urban agriculture is almost non-existent (University of Palestine, 2007).

Since 1967 the Gaza strip has predominantly been dependent on the Israeli electric company for electricity supply. However, after the establishment of Gaza Company for Electricity Generation (Gaza Power Plant) in 2002, part of the electricity demand has been provided locally. The required fuel is bought from Israel and provided to the power plant by the Palestinian authority of energy and natural resources. The total electricity load supplied to the Gaza Strip today is about 197 MW coming from three sources: the Gaza power plant (60 MW), the Israeli electric company (120 MW) and Egypt (17 MW) (ILO 2012).

Since the elections and Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2006, and the resulting escalation in tensions, the situation for the population has worsened, with marked increases in unemployment and poverty levels. The Gazan economy has been greatly affected during this period due to a combination of unemployment, closures, and restrictions placed on workers and industries. The naval blockade prevents access to deep sea fishing, denying fishermen 85% of their income source. The participants of the thematic workshop on unemployment proposed the following solutions:

Construction materials Most construction materials have traditionally been imported, especially from Israel. Such materials include cement, gravel, reinforced steel bars, aluminium, wood, marble etc. However, since the start of the blockade, only limited amounts of construction materials have been obtained through the Israeli border crossings, leaving Gaza with a huge scarcity of materials. Conventional building methods used in Gaza consume large amounts of energy and materials and generate vast amounts of waste (ILO 2012).

• The implementation laborers and other staff should be from the camp as far as possible • Financial support for the establishment of smallscale projects under the plan should be provided • A vocational training centre is recommended, and capacity training courses should be held • Coordination should be made with other organizations which can implement productive projects for the camp’s residents • Improving the camp in general will affect positively on the residents’ livelihood possibilities, increase commercial activities and attract external customers 155

4.6.3 EXISTING SITUATION IN DEB CAMP

156

Sewerage network and flooding

Waste collection

The existing sewerage network was designed and implemented by UNRWA 20 years ago, is currently functioning below standard and is subject to frequent blockages. The municipality is responsible for the operation and the maintenance of the existing sewerage network and lacks proper equipment needed for routine maintenance. The width of most existing roads is not sufficient to fix pipes and manholes.

UNRWA carries out sanitation services in the camp.

The Sanitation Office is staffed by 15 employees and takes care of daily collection of refuse, cleaning of roads and alleys, transporting the refuse from the camp to municipal landfill sites and rodents and insects control. They also monitor the water supply through chemical and bacteriological testing and operate petrol water pumps to pump storm water from the flooded area during the rainy season.

In the north western area of the camp, there is a sewage flooding problem, as a result of the low topographic location and shortages of the sewerage system. Due to lack of pressure, this area is not well connected to the existing sewerage system and many have created illegal sewerage connections onto the stormwater drainage system to prevent their homes from flooding. The drainage has two outlets to the sea, one of which ends in a box culvert which leads the water under the road. This connection is closed in summer, which causes it to fill with sewerage and flood the streets and houses. During winter, the area suffers rainwater floods, often mixed with sewage as the network is overloaded.

The refuse collection is done manually by the sanitation labourers because the tractors canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move through the narrow alleys. Almost all the waste containers are distributed around the boundaries of the camp, as there is no space inside the camp to distribute additional containers. The community complains about overflowing containers creating unhygienic conditions, attracting rodents and flies.

Water network In addition to the general water quality problem in Gaza, there is a quantity problem in the camp. The municipality pumps water from wells once every two days through the water network. The water shortage affects all families, especially those whose

shelter has temporary roofing materials incapable of supporting rooftop water tanks. Parts of the existing network is old and built from steel pipes, which makes corrosion a major problem.

Electrical network The camps are connected to the PNA electricity distribution company, which cuts off the electricity randomly several times a day due to overloading.

About 90% of the refugees using the power supply are not paying due to poverty. All areas of the camp are subject to poor and dangerous electrical lines.

The electrical poles are close to shelters due to the very limited width of the street, and uncontrolled connections increase the dangerous situation.

Due to lacking transformers and overcrowding, the whole camp also suffers from low voltage (weak electricity).

Street lighting is the municipalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility.

There are few street lights, many of which are disrepair due to their limited repair budget. The dark streets and alleys add to the insecurity of the streetscape and make many, especially girls, feel unsafe.

waste containers inadequate waste collection (+ 100m) sewage + rainwater flooding area open sewage drainage to sea Water network Sewage network

4.6.4 PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS

1: Improvement of existing systems In connection with the plans for road widening, several underground infrastructural elements will be improved in collaboration with the relevant authorities. Piping for sewerage and water network will be laid incrementally as streets are being widened or improved. The new road widths should as such be suitable for fixing different types of pipes, manholes and poles. Where possible, existing electrical lines should be transferred to underground network. Camp residents should be employed to any extent possible during construction work.

2: Micro water infiltration Small dry ponds, or retention basins, will serve the multiple purposes of preventing flooding, recharging the aquifer, greening the camp and improving pedestrian safety. The units, as described on page 160, are small infiltration wells â&#x20AC;&#x153;disguisedâ&#x20AC;? as planting areas that, where possible, include seating.

3: Solar power and street lighting Street lighting is essential for safety and wellbeing. Solar street lights will provide lighting independently of the electricity network or funding 158

from municipality. A design to retrofit the system to electricity poles will save costs and minimize the number of poles in the streets. See page 162.

In line with existing UNRWA plans for public buildings, solar panels should be retrofitted onto the roofs of the four existing schools and integrated in the design of the new Health, Youth and WPC and RSSP centres. This will provide energy for the institutions during opening hours, and can feed excess energy into the existing electricity grid.

4: Urban agriculture initiative In order to improve social, environmental and economic self-sufficiency, a family-based rooftop garden project is proposed. Up to 300 families from UNRWAs Social Safety Net can construct a garden which will provide them with a steady source of nutrition and potential income. See page 164.

interventions overview Renewal of existing infrastructural network, with the addition of solar street light, solar installations for instutitions and small scale water infiltration.

Deir el balah camp improvement project infrastructure improvement plan

630KVA TRANS. K2 3M.V Switch K1558

K1555 K1561 3K160/3B M.V Switch

roads

Water

sewage

electricity

Vehicular street Pedestrian street

PVC - U pipe Ø 160 mm PVC - U pipe Ø 110 mm PVC - U pipe Ø 63 mm Manhole Fire hydrant

Sewage pipe Flow direction Manhole

Medium tension network Transistor Solar street lights Solar power installations

4.6.5 RAINWATER INFILTRATION CONCEPT

The expected rainwater that could be harvested from the camp area is about 37,000 m3 per year. While sufficient areas do not exist to collect and infiltrate all of this, significant improvements can be achieved using low-cost, multifunctional methods. The main strategy is to design small dry pond gardens in locations exceeding 5 metres above sea level. These will be positioned according to topographic variation; where streets and alleys lead the water. Trees such as poplars and several local plants can be used. Dry ponds need about 2% of catchment area. Tiling the streets will further increase infiltration rates.

Purposes: • Aquifer recharge (infiltrating water back into the depleted groundwater source) • Catchment reduces water flow to lower areas • Greening of open space and streets • Protect pedestrians and create resting space For the topographically lower northern end of the camp, the water table is too high to allow infiltration and dry ponds will not work. In this area, flooding will be prevented by planting trees which can cope with the salinity of the water, such as willows. They will absorb the seasonal surplus of water and improve the microclimatic conditions of the area.

160

Design: Akram Abu Amira, Khaled Abu Isied and Liv Framgard

shaded seating

planting runoff catchment plant aggregate

conceptual section A unit of 2 x 2 metres is shown, which would collect up to 4800 litres of water at a time. The units do not have to conform to these dimensions, and can be narrower or longer according to available space.

150 mm wall sand, aggregate

geotextile perforated barrier

capacty: 4800 l

storage chamber

gravel geotextile

aquifer recharge

gravel

g

geotextile

g

water storage

w

geotextile

g

alley unit

street unit

open space unit

This type of simple unit can be implemented anywhere, especially in narrow alleys where there is no room for seating, but a need for drainage and some room for greening.

Where a need for seating or the protection of pedestrians exists, particularly along the Souk street, rainwater harvesting units can be supplemented by benches. These must naturally allow water to pass underneath.

Larger units should be positioned at the topographically lowest point of open spaces, to provide maximum efficiency and flood protection. Seating is not necessary but can serve to protect plants from wear while providing a comfortable setting for rest.

gravel

gravel gravel

geotextile

geotextile geotextile

water storage

water water storage storage

geotextile

geotextile geotextile

161

4.6.6 SOLAR SYSTEMS

Solar installations in public facilities

Solar Street lighting

In line with existing UNRWA plans for public buildings, solar panels can be retrofitted onto the roofs of the four existing schools and integrated in the design of the new Health, Youth and WPC and RSSP centres.

Most of the camp is unlit and the public power supply is unreliable. Independent solar powered street lights will function consistently and as such, improve safety immensely. Generating all needed power, they will also relieve the pressure on the existing electricity network. They are also slightly dimmer than ordinary street lights, which will prevent uncomfortable glare within the camp.

This will provide energy for the institutions during opening hours, and can feed excess energy into the existing electricity grid. Energy to be gained from the four schools is about 100 KWp (25 KWp each).

Energy to be gained from the new health center is 40.5 KWp, as the available roof area will be 562m2.

The cost of implementation is estimated to 85,000 USD. The payback time is undetermined due to the so far rejected trade-off agreement with the electricity utility networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner where the only agreement is the interconnection permission.

Solar roof units should be positioned high to create rooftop shading, which will give institutions more room for outdoor activities.

This project proposes to - where possible - retrofit a solar system onto existing and new electricity poles in the camp in stead of buying new poles. This will minimize the number of poles in the roads, and save costs. Street lights will be positioned with regular intervals at strategic points in the camp, such as intersections, providing lighting for the largest area possible.

conceptual design A solar panel, two battery packs and a lamp will be attached to existing and new electricity poles in the camp.

162

4.6.7 URBAN AGRICULTURE PROPOSAL

The purpose of this project is to improve social, economic and environmental self-sufficiency in the camp. By providing assistance to the poorest of the poor families, registered with UNRWA on its Social Safety Net (SSN), this project will increase food safety, health, nutrition and financial opportunities for those in need. On a larger scale, the importance of the project should be seen in light of the acute lack of agricultural land and unavailability of organic produce in local markets.

In order to counter the negative impacts of overpopulation and food insecurity from an urban development and climatic point of view, green roofs have become popular in cities around the world.

Using roof areas for growing vegetables, fruit and herbs have considerable benefits both in terms of environment, microclimate, health and local economy.

164

The project will contribute to advancing social, economic and environmental sustainability in the following ways: Social Sustainability and Health • Active community participation: Preparing, building and maintaining the project will rely entirely on direct participation by families • Mental health: Nature and green space have proven benefits to mental health. As larger green spaces are scarce, private gardens will make a significant difference in people’s lives • Physical health: Providing a space for exercise and recreation • Nutrition: providing fresh, organic food • Social inclusion: Some groups, particularly young women, are excluded from public spaces and will benefit greatly from private or semiprivate green spaces • Education value: learning about urban agriculture and efficient farming • Food safety: Providing a consistent source of nutrition

Economic Sustainability • Increasing local food production and sale • Increasing local food security • Potential source of income: sale of organic vegetables and herbs • Improving roof durability • Access to private open space/views increases property value • Reducing building cooling load and energy costs Environmental Sustainability • Improved heat regulation: planting on roof improves insulation and will help keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in winter • Pollution reduction: Planting of surfaces works to purify urban air pollutants, every 1 square meter of green areas removing 100 grams of air pollutants each year. Every 1.5 square meters of green area produces enough oxygen to meet the respiration needs for a person for a full year • Reducing negative impacts of agriculture: pesticides, transport pollution • Reduced urban heat island effect: Planting reduces heat in areas where most surfaces are covered in concrete or asphalt

URBAN AGRICULTURE: a multi-purpose solution Deir El Balah camp suffers both a high degree of unemployment, a lack of public and private green space as well as poor microclimatic conditions. Rooftop gardens can respond to all these issues, creating private recreational spaces along with an income opportunity. Due to the increasing lack of agricultural land in Gaza and low food security, urban agriculture is a cost-efficient way for Gaza to improve its self-sufficiency.

benefits: family SELF-SUFFICIENCY job opportunities lost farmland substitute starter kits

training

economic

inputs:

food security energy + WATER EFFICIENCY STRESS RELIEF, RECREATION nutrition

social

sun, water, soil

green space

REDUCED URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT

environmental

improvED air quALITY

165

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The proposed Target Case Load is up to 300 of the SSN families, implemented in various locations throughout Deir El Balah camp.

Project Implementation and Planned Activities: 1. Methodology to identify beneficiaries: •

•

•

•

166

Starting with cross-referencing data of eligible cases, identifying SSN cases which have a rooftop (or in a few cases, backyard or balcony) suitable for intervention (either before or after shelter rehabilitation according to quality) Acceptable standard of roof materials and condition, roof access and sun exposure Institutions or schools can also be selected to pilot the approach One or several workshops, particularly with targeted cases, should be conducted for camp residents in order to spread awareness about urban agriculture, food security, and nutrition, and also to study the willingness to participate.

This must preceed the implementation as the intervention requires maintenance and dedication on the family’s part With selected families, a training on urban agriculture methods must be conducted by an agricultural engineer or equivalent

2. Design: • •

•

Recommending suitable design alternatives The architectural design takes into consideration the space for rooftops and restrictions, ventilation, lighting, privacy, social aspects, accessibility Meeting with beneficiaries to explain entitlements and obtaining their agreement

3. Construction Phase • •

Construction will either be implemented on a self-help or contracting basis.

In case a contractual implementation is selected, non-governmental organizations registered with the Minister of Interior Palestinian National Authority in the Gaza Strip, all of them Palestinian-owned, will be invited to tendering bids which will be awarded competitively

4. Maintenance and production •

After receiving training, each familiy will maintain their private garden. They may choose their level of agricultural production and whether to sell or keep produce.

•

•

Composting is highly recommended as a part of the project, but not required for implementation.

In case composting is not implemented, soil must be provided by UNRWA. Composting can happen either individually or collectively. In case of a collective approach, families will be held responsible for sorting their waste into organics and non-organics. UNRWA DEB Sanitation Office provides household waste collection and will be responsible for finding a small, appropriate site for composting, collecting and maintaining the compost and redistribute produced fertilizer among participating families.

URBAN AGRICULTURE: circular economy By creating individual gardens which are connected through a system of waste collection, a small-scale circular economy can be established. Waste from produced food is collected and turned into compost, which creates nutrient rich, low cost soil for food production. Each step in the chain generates value in multiple areas.

values created: • shading, cooling values created:

• public space substitute

• agricultural resource

• social space

• knowledge

• microclimatic conditions

• waste treatment savings

• agricultural production • low-tech advances compost production

values created: • hygiene • knowledge

rooftop gardens

• water efficiency

values created: waste separation

• food security food production • organic food

• landfill decrease

• income generation

• decreased pressure on

• health, nutrition

public system

• self- sufficiency

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DESIGN CONCEPT

Serving the dual purpose of creating recreational green space and providing healthy food, the design concept should be easy to adapt to different rooftops and possible to change or expand.

A simple framework allows residents to choose which parts to cover or leave open. Cladding can be made from plastic sheets to create a greenhouse effect, or fabric or climber plants to create shading.

The framework can be made from wood or reclaimed materials such as metal pipes. Building from reclaimed materials, as described on the next page, is sustainable and keeps the price of construction to a minimum.

Seating, shelves and planter boxes can easily be made from pallets. To increase agricultural yield, a homemade hydroponic (water based) wall system is also proposed. This can be made from old pipes, and requires a water tank and small pump. The system can be installed on walls, including in backyards or on balconies. Rainwater should be collected from the roof and used as the local groundwater may not be suitable for all plants.

PIPES pipes

hose HOSE PIPES

electrical ELECTRIC pump PUMP

WATER tank TANK water

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home hydroponics vertical growing

conceptual design A typical rooftop illustrates the idea of constructing a simple framework that can support cladding (plastic for greenhouse effect, fabric/ wood/planting for shading or visual protection).

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UPCYCLING LOCALLY AVAILABLE MATERIALS

Upcycling, or turning materials which would otherwise be waste into products of a higher value, is a win-win practice in Gaza, where the lack of new materials and high poverty make construction costly for refugees. The designs proposed use typical available materials such as wood pallets, plastic bottles and used water tanks. This will help reduce solid waste issues, and more importantly, allow residents to construct or expand their rooftop gardens without relying on financial assistance.

Design and illustrations: master students at Oslo School of Architecture and Design. See Annex 2 for more information.

PLASTIC BOTTLE

ROPE

PUMP

HOSE PIPE BREEZEBLOCK

or

6x 800*145*22 4x 1200*100*22 8x 1200*145*22

or combined

1200mm * 800mm * 166mm

SACK

BUCKET

TYRE

repurposing the palette promoting re-use 80 currently in storage

easily accessible materials

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FABRIC

PEAS

RESULT

HERBS

LETTUCE

TOMATOES

plastic bottle potential

c bottle potential

promoting re-use

promoting re-use

PEAS

RESULT

171 HERBS

URBAN AGRICULTURE TECHNIQUES

The main approach will be “regular” soil based agriculture. However, as this requires a lot of space and water, small scale efforts should be made to include water efficient farming. This will boost production and improve efficiency.

Hydroponics Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in water. Plants are grown with their roots in the water or in an inert medium, such as gravel. Hydroponics saves water; it uses as little as 1⁄20 the amount as a regular farm to produce the same amount of food. In regular farming, the water table can be impacted by the water use and run-off of chemicals from farms, but hydroponics may minimize impact as well as having the advantage that water use and water returns are easier to measure. This can save money by allowing reduced water use. With pest problems reduced, and nutrients constantly fed to the roots, productivity in hydroponics is high.

In Gaza, ground water pollution is a challenge, and so the water quality must be measured and if necessary, improved. Alternatively, hydroponics could be implemented during the rainy winter season, using only rain water.

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Aquaponics Systems that combine hydroponics with aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, snails, crayfish or prawns in tanks) in a symbiotic environment.

In normal aquaculture, excretions from the animals being raised can accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity. In an aquaponic system, water from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic system where the by-products are broken down by nitrification bacteria into plant nutrients, and the water is then recirculated back to the aquaculture system. In other words, the plants provide nutrition for the fish, which in return provide nutrition for the plants, making the system self-supporting.

Composting Nearly 70 % of all waste in Gaza is organic. This can be directly turned into fertilizer for agriculture.

Dealing with the issue locally will have significant consequences, by reducing landfill impact, relieve the waste collection system and save costs.

Composting is a simple, low tech method that has been used for the entire human history.

Producing fertilizer for the camp can be achieved either collectively or by individual family. Collective

composting is recommended, as it is more efficient, hygienic and requires less effort on the families’ behalf. Since the UNRWA DEB Sanitation Office reported that collecting separate organic waste will be easily implementable for their workers, all required is a small site for the compost, and the participating families sorting organic waste into a spearate bucket. A colour-coded bucket and instructions on what constitutes organic waste must be given.

A private composting scheme may be preferred by some of the residents. This is a slightly more technical approach which requires some training, but is also suitable for the camp. Composting can also be combined with livestock farming. Chicken and geese can already be found on some of the camp’s roofs, and their waste is a useful nutrient in the compost.

The project has been discussed with a youth group from the community. Lacking awareness is the main challenge inthe camp, but many people will be willing to participate. The idea might therefore first be tested in a small group to spread awareness.

soil based roof greenhouse Using simple plastic sheets, this rooftop greenhouse produces organic vegetables.

rooftop aquaponics This successful project by FAO in Beit Lahia allows this man to produce vegetables and fish on his roof. Two small pumps run by small solar panels drive the system.

hydroponics in gaza

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4.6.8 SUSTAINABLE RECONSTRUCTION

Construction work

Soil, sand and adobe

Although this project will not generate permanent jobs, the various construction work of roads, institutions and open spaces will generate possibilities to hire refugees from the camp. This will temporarily alleviate poverty, and more importantly build capacity by giving workers new skills and experience. It is recommended to prioritize labourers and any other staff involved in the implementation phase from the camp in all contracts except where the necessary skills and knowledge are not available.

Using locally available, natural materials is highly applicable in the construction sector in Gaza with a large number of benefits, as they need less energy for production, transportation and construction. Their adoption also lessens the dependence on imported or smuggled construction materials and have good thermal and acoustic insulation, advantageous for residential buildings. Their use might also create new job opportunities as production and construction to a large extent is carried out manually.

Reuse of rubble

Supporting the local economy should be a priority in reconstruction. A recent innovation from Gaza, the “green cake” project produces lightweight, low-cost building blocks that look like standard concrete blocks, but replace the traditional sand and aggregate with ash. Ash is a byproduct of coal and wood combustion, of which the project reports 600 million tons are produced annually in Gaza. Reusing this in construction will therefore have the added economic and environmental benefits of reducing landfill mass as well as reducing dependency on imported materials. It is recommended that locally produced materials, such as these ash blocks, are used to the maximum extent possible in the reconstruction work.

Due to the large amounts of rubble (which needs to be removed before construction can begin) crushing and reusing this material is a highly relevant method for producing affordable construction materials, saving costs on transportation, landfills and import of materials. It has recently been used on a small scale, where private rubble crushers (at 3,500 – 4,000 USD) manned by around 6 people have been used to efficiently produce aggregate for cement (ILO 2012). Currently it is recommended that rubble be recycled as raw materials, for use in the reconstruction, at least as subgrade in roads or in the foundations of new buildings.

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Bricks made from soil are also an option in Gaza.

Local engineer Emad Elkhaldi has created a new type of soil brick based on available natural resources.

The bricks have been used in local projects, but their capacity is limited to buildings of one floor. As such, it is recommended to consider use of these bricks in non- load-bearing walls such as infill walls and interior walls, and for exterior uses.

Another option is rammed earth; a technique for constructing foundations, floors, and walls using natural raw materials such as earth, chalk, lime, or gravel. It is an ancient method that has been revived recently as a sustainable building material. Rammed earth is simple to manufacture, non-combustible, thermally massive, strong, and durable. Manufacturing involves compressing a damp mixture of earth that has suitable proportions of sand, gravel, clay, and/or an added stabilizer into an externally supported frame or mould, forming either a solid wall or individual blocks. The method has recently been investigated for local use at the University of Palestine in Gaza, and piloted in UNRWAs new school design. This approach can be used for low builings or as infill walls in a framework structure.

rubble crushing Rubble from demolished houses should be crushed into gravel, which can be reused as aggregate in foundations, bricks or compacted subgrade in streets.

gaza ash bricks The award-winning project “Green cake” creates low-cost building blocks from ash, a byproduct of coal combustion.

rammed earth Testing local soil at the University of Palestine. The only “ingredients” are soil and a small amount of crushed rubble from demolished houses. Soil is pressed down by hand or mechanically within a reusable framework structure. Rammed earth has many advantages, including low costs, reuse of sand from excavation sites, low energy manufacturing and health benefits.

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LITERATURE, LINKS AND REFERENCES Reports, articles, publications: “Urban Planning Guidelines for Palestine Refugee Camps - first draft”, UNRWA Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme, HQ Amman “Gaza 2020: A Liveable Place?”, The United Nations Country Team in the occupied Palestinian territory, 08.2012 https://www.unrwa.org/userfiles/file/publications/gaza/Gaza%20in%20 2020.pdf

Dr. Husam Al-Najar: “Urban agriculture and Ecosanitation: the strategic potential toward poverty alleviation in the Gaza Strip”. RICS Research paper series, Volume 7, University of Palestine, 08.2007 http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/halnajar/files/2010/03/Urban-agriculture-andecosanitation-the-strategic-potential-toward-poverty-alleviation.pdf

Haysom and Sarraj: “Sanctuary in the city? Urban displacement and vulnerability in the Gaza Strip”, HPG 12.2012

https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinionfiles/8042.pdf

Muhaisen and Ahlbäck: “Towards sustainable construction and green jobs in the Gaza Strip”, International Labour Organization 2012 http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_emp/---emp_ent/ documents/publication/wcms_184265.pdf

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The National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/system/files/documents/files/ PA%20-%20National%20Early%20Recovery%20and%20Reconstruction%20 Plan%20for%20Gaza%202014-2017.pdf

UN Habitat: Gaza Urban Profile, 12.2014

https://www.dropbox.com/s/uzyl35hx3khbmjm/Gaza%20Urban%20 Profile%2006.01.2015.pdf?n=84441623

OCHA oPt: Gaza Initial Rapid Assessment

http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/gaza_mira_report_9september.pdf

UNDP: Detailed Infrastructure Damage Assessment http://www.ps.undp.org/content/dam/papp/docs/Publications/UNDP-pappresearch-dammageassessment2014.pdf

“Solid Waste Management Project Gaza”, Oxfam 2010 - Draft, not published - Courtesy of Gary Morris-Iveson and Martin Bjerregaard “Water Status in the Gaza Strip and Future Plans”, Coastal Municipalities Water Utility, 2010

http://commerce.iugaza.edu.ps/Portals/20/Users/016/16/16/WATERS~1.PDF

Food security Challenges and Innovation: The Case of Gaza. Zurayk et al, 2012 http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/cfs_high_level_forum/documents/ FS_Challenges_Innovation_-Gaza_Arab_Group.pdf

Norwegian Institute of Public Health: “A Systematic Literature Review and Recommendations on Water Usage in the Gaza Strip”, 21.09.2014 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/system/files/documents/files/ PNIPH%20-%20WHO%20-%20Gaza%20water%20report%20final%20 210914.pdf

Kharouby: “Post-War Rubble Removal And Potential Use Of Recycled Construction Rubble In Gaza Governorates”, The Islamic University Journal (Series of Natural Studies and Engineering) Vol.19, No.1, pp 197-212 , 2011 http://resportal.iugaza.edu.ps/articles/%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7 %D9%86%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%8A. pdf

“The Gaza Emergency Technical Assistance Programme (GETAP) on Water Supply to the Gaza Strip. Component 1 – The Comparative Study of Options for an Additional Supply of Water for the Gaza Strip”. Palestinian National Authority & Palestinian Water Authority, July 2011 http://www.humanitarianresponse.info/system/files/documents/files/ PWA%20-%20CSO-G%20updated%20Final.pdf

Nassar & Hamdan: “Socioeconomic Aspects of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in the Gaza Strip”.

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering, vol. 3, issue 10, 2013 http://www.ijetae.com/files/Volume3Issue10/IJETAE_1013_52.pdf

Dr. Mohamed Ouda: “Prospects of Renewable Energy in Gaza Strip”, Energy Research and Development Center, The Islamic University of Gaza, 2010 http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/mouda/files/2010/02/NET2001_con_paper.pdf

National Water Strategy for Palestine, Palestinian Water Authority, 2012 http://www.humanitarianresponse.info/system/files/documents/files/ PWA%20-%20National%20Water%20Strategy.pdf

Barnham: “Gaza - renewable energy for a just and durable peace”, The Ecologist 04. 09. 2014

http://www.theecologist.org/blogs_and_comments/commentators/2538142/ gaza_renewable_energy_for_a_just_a_durable_peace.html

Mohammad Yamin: “Renewable Energy in Palestine”, EcoMENA 08.03.15 http://www.ecomena.org/renewables-palestine/

Dr Alexander Betts: “Put innovation at the heart of refugee protection work”. The Guardian, 04.01.2013 http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionalsnetwork/2013/jan/04/refugees-camp-innovation-creativity

“UDOC: Urban Displacement & Out of Camps Review”, The Global CCCM Cluster 2014

UNOSAT, UNITAR: “Impact of the 2014 Conflict in the Gaza Strip”

http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNOSAT_Gaza_ Report_Web_Final_2014.pdf

Salemdeeb: “Gaza’s Challenge”, 04.2013 http://www.academia.edu/5454747/Gazas_Challenge

Salemdeeb: “Toil & Rubble”, 12.2014

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gaza-toil-rubble-rami-salem

“Urban agriculture in the Gaza Strip through vertical gardens and aquaponics”, FAO http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/FCIT/PDF/Fact_sheet_on_ aquaponics_Final.pdf

Somerville and Ferrand: “Aquaponics in Gaza”, ENN Online, 09.2013 http://www.ennonline.net/fex/46/aquaponics

UN Habitat 3 “New Urban Agenda”, 10.19.2016

https://www2.habitat3.org/bitcache/97ced11dcecef85d41f74043195e5472836 f6291?vid=588897&disposition=inline&op=view

Weinthal et al: “The Water Crisis in Gaza: Prospects for Resolution”, Ground Water, 2005 http://sites.nicholas.duke.edu/avnervengosh/files/2011/08/Gaza_GW2.pdf

http://www.globalcccmcluster.org/tools-and-guidance/publications/urbandisplacement-out-camps-review-0

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Online Resources: ISOCARP: Knowledge for Better Cities

www.isocarp.org

Good Practices for Urban Refugees: Database for professionals working with urban refugees http://www.urbangoodpractices.org/

Urban Street Design Guide, NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials) http://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/

Global Street Design Guide, NACTO

https://islandpress.org/book/global-street-design-guide

Public Space Policy Framework. By UCLG United Cities and Local Governments

https://www.uclg.org/sites/default/files/public_space_policy_framework.pdf

Culture: Urban Future. UNESCO

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002462/246291E.pdf

Open Trip Planner: tool for city accessibility mapping and planning http://www.opentripplanner.org/

Lund University Housing Development & Management: free publications www.hdm.lth.se/publications

Penn Institute for Urban Research http://penniur.upenn.edu/publications

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Related Projects: UN Habitat Urban Lectures

http://unhabitat.org/urban-knowledge/urban-lectures/

Urban Health and Wellbeing. A Systems Approach

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Cakeâ&#x20AC;? Ash Brick

http://www.middleeasteye.net/in-depth/features/green-cake-cheaperalternative-help-reconstruction-besieged-gaza-681019806

http://urbanhealth.cn/Skins/Paslications.aspx?n_lx=6&ParentID=6

https://www.facebook.com/greencakeblocks/

The Palestinian Economic Council for Development and reconstruction (PECDAR)

Anera Environmental Projects

Disaster Waste Recovery

The Mobile Factory

Zero Waste MENA

Green Intifada

http://www.pecdar.ps/en

http://www.disasterwaste.org

http://www.zerowastemena.org/

EWASH: Emergency Water Sanitation and Hygiene in the occuped Paliestinian Territories http://www.ewash.org/en/

Akvopedia Water Portal

http://akvopedia.org/wiki/Water_Portal

Water Compass

http://www.watercompass.info/technologies/

http://www.anera.org/category/economic-development/environmentalprojects/

http://www.demobielefabriek.nl/index_main_e.php

http://greenintifada.blogspot.co.il/ http://bustanqaraaqa.weebly.com/

Compressed earth bricks innovation, Gaza 2014 http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/12/palestine-gazareconstruction--siege-new-technology.html#

http://fsrn.org/2015/01/gaza-engineer-has-a-plan-for-rebuilding-homeswithout-scarce-cement-and-steel/

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