Regeneration of Deir Ghassaneh Historic Center

REGENERATION OF DEIR GHASSANEH HISTORIC CENTER BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY - SUMMER 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS • • • • • • • • • • • •

BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY TEAM ACKNOWLEDGMENT CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2 : GENERAL BACKGROUND CHAPTER 3 : HISTORICAL BACKGROUND CHAPTER 4 : SITE ANALYSIS CHAPTER 5 : CIRCULATION & ENTRANCES CHAPTER 6 : COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION CHAPTER 7 : SWOT ANALYSIS & VISION DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 8 : CONCEPTUAL DESIGN CHAPTER 9 : BYLAWS & REGULATIONS REFERENCES

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BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY TEAM BZU Teaching Staff : Dr. Salem Thawaba Arch. Rula Alkhalili Arch. Ala’a Abu Awad

Students: Rula Hawareth Isra Harfoush Amneh Khrais Salwa Hussain Lina Abugharbieh Halimeh Hamdan Ishraq Awashreh Zaid Kababjeh

Acknowledgement Birzeit University team would like to extend gratitude and appreciation to all those who provided support to complete the work on the topic of “ Regenrartion of Deir Ghassaneh Historic Center�, which was a result of a collective effort of many entities: The Belgian Development Cooperation (BTC), Ministry of local government (MoLG), Municipal Development & Leading Fund, West Bani Zeid muncipality, and HYDEA.

Birzeit University Team would like to express also their deepest appreciation to many people who provided support during the implementation of the work and provided information and special interviews.

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CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

OBJECTIVES In light of challenges that threaten the Historic Centers in the Palestinian Local Governments, it has become necessary to develop a strategy which Protect, Conserve and Revitalize Historic Centers in Palestine from social, economic and environmental aspects, especially with the urbanization and overpopulation which adversely affects the continuity of the Historic Centers and hide its features and identity, thus buried part of the Palestinian rich and important history. Therefore the main objectives of the project revolve around: 1. Addressing the regeneration of the urban fabric in Deir Ghassaneh Historic Center with appropriate guidelines.

2. Developing a vision which brings life back economically and socially to the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh?

3. Developing a vision which Protect the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh and its rich history?

QUESTIONS This Project aims to tackle several questions which focus on Protect and Revitalize the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh, and in light of challenges facing the Historic Center, the project seeks to answer for several questions.

These questions are: • What is the best method of attracting people to live (new residents) and visit or use the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh?

• What type of functions and spaces would strengthen local and foreign tourism, and protect the history and memories of Deir Ghassaneh?

• What type of functions the project will include in order to provide job

opportunities, and services for residents?

• How will these functions and interventions work effectively without affecting the rural identity of the region?

• What are the appropriate approaches, methods and bylaws to protect the cultural and historical landscape of Deir Ghassaneh Historic Center?

DEVELOPMENTAL METHODOLOGY The overall methodological approach for developing a protection and revitalization strategy for Deir Ghassaneh H.C, depends on a combination of tools starting from data collection, interviews, analysis and vision development.

The data collection process relied on interviews with different targeted group with different ages and backgrounds, from the community of Deir Ghassaneh, in addition to interviews with the official bodies such as municipality of Western Bani Zeid. Moreover, Previous studies done by official bodies and institutions (e.g. Riwaq and ministry of local government) were also used to study the existing local economic and social situation in Deir Ghassaneh and its surroundings in general, and the Historic Center specifically. Field visits also took place in data Collection process, through which the visual quality of the H.C was evaluated based on cultural and natural landscape, as well as human interventions.

Developing the final vision depends on a combination of two visions developed by two separate teams, by analyzing the strengths of each.

And finally a detailed design is taking place on many levels ( residential, tourism, economic and social level) under the framework of Protection and revitalization of the H.C.

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RESEARCH STRUCTURE The body of this work is divided into four folds. The first chapter is an introduction that highlights the objectives of the study, research questions and structure. The second chapter introduces a general background about Deir Ghassaneh and the Historic Center (H.C) by discussing the regional relation with the surroundings. The third section reviews the historical background of Deir Ghassaneh H.C , then we move to the fourth chapter that brings into light a detailed analysis for the H.C of Deir Ghassaneh from Historical, physical, visual, social and economic aspects. And, the next

section will analyse the circulation network ,approaches & entrances for clear understanding of the H.C urban fabric. Then we‘ll conclude the analysed data in SWOT analysis, that help us formulating our vision for the H.C, proposing new solutions for the existing problems.

Finally the study comes out with number of recommendations and bylaws in order to revitalize the H.C of Deir Ghassaneh under the Framework of Preservation and Protection.

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CHAPTER TWO

GENERAL BACKGROUND

DEIR GASSANEH: THE LOCATION Deir Ghassaneh village is located 25km to the north west of Ramallah city (Figure 2.1), which considered to be a home for 2000 inhabitants, and covers an area of 12,802 dounom, with large surrounding agricultural lands especially olives, which made it popular in oil and olive products (Figure 2.3).

Deir Ghassaneh which forms with Beit Rima village, West Bani Zeid Muncipality, is also part of Bani Zeid Region which include also the villages of Qarawa Bani Zeid, Kufur Ein, Al Nabi Saleh and Aboud.

SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (SDF): The SDF strategy for villages to the North- West of Ramallah city, which includes the West Bani Zaid, Aboud, Qarawat Bani Zeid, Kafr Ein, Nabi Saleh, Deir Ghassaneh and Beit Rima, seeks to develop an overall strategy to protect and develop the cultural and natural heritage in the region, meanwhile developing the economy and investment environment .In general, the SDF reflects two different approaches which focus on tourist- agricultural dimension, and historical links between villages (Figure 2.5).

In general, the villages of Bani Zeid is dependent on Ramallah and Salfit as regional centers, mainly in the health and educational sectors, but on the local scale all the villages have equal hierarchy on the services level which focus on serving its own residents, with exception to some high schools that they share.

PREVIOUS PLANNING STRATEGIES: MASTER PLAN, 2010: One of the proposed planning strategy for Deir Ghassaneh , which involve West Bani Zeid Muncipality ( Deir Ghassaneh and Beit Rima), suggested to merge the two villages and be connected by the main street , with preserving small part of the agriculture lands. Also the Historical Centers of both villages were determined with special conditions (Figure 2.2).

Within the scale of the Historical Center of Deir Ghassaneh, the adjacent lands of the Historical Center were proposed to be residential to absorb the population expansion. The northern and eastern lands were suggested to be residential B with 5 floors, and southern land with residential C with special conditions (Figure 2.4).

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Figure 2.1 : Deir Ghassaneh Location

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Figure 2.2 : Bani Zeid Building Expansion & Built up Areas

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Figure 2.3 : Deir Ghassaneh Land Cover Source : GeoMoLG edited by : Birzeit University Team

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Figure 2.4 : Deir Ghasseneh Existing Master Plan Source : Bani Zeid Municipality

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Figure 2.5 : SDF Plan

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CHAPTER THREE

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

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EIR GASSANEH: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

MAIN SQUARE ( AL SAHA)

The importance of the historical site of Deir Ghassaneh begins with being one of the Thrown villages ( Al Karasi) , under the rule of Al-Barghouthi family,which gave Deir Ghassaneh its own specialty and distinction . t The Historical Center of Deir Ghassaneh was divided into three neighborhoods as shown in map() , the one in the middle is for Al-Barghouthi family in which the most are palaces reflecting the power of the family , their palaces have distinctive architectural style counter to the simplicity of Al- Shu’ibi and Al-rabi neighborhoods which represents vernacular houses of the Palestinian farmers.

Moreover, the social and economic difference was reflected on the spatial configuration, as in AL- Shu’ibi neighborhood where houses are clustered around a common courtyard , unlike Al-Barghouthi where every house has its own courtyard having a higher degree of separation .Al-Rabi neighborhood have weak definition of

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houses and courtyard configuration.

Also the social and classless status of Deir Ghassaneh’s women affected on the spatial composition of the houses , as Al-Barghouthi women did their daily activities in their court yard , conversely the other women’s activity was not confined to their courtyards , they were involved in agriculture and collecting water from the springs , all of that creates the differences between the architecture of Al Barghouthi and other families .

place for weddings, social events , public host, and where the youth of the village meets , socialize and discuss the political situations .as well being close to the mosque , made Al-Saha a gathering node for the prayers .

Furthermore, The main square (Al Saha) was the vital core of the Historic Center ,it was the center of most social , political and spiritual activities, a

MAIN SQUARE ( AL SAHA)

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AL-SEBAAT

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AL SHAYTAN HOUSH

AL-SAHA

AL-SAHA

ALSEBAAT

SALEH AL BARGHOUTHI PALACE

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CHAPTER FOUR SITE ANALYSIS

In efforts towards protecting and revitalizing the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the existing social, economic and environmental aspects, in addition to analyzing the visual value of the Historic Center and its surroundings.

OBSERVATIONS: FIRST IMPRESSION The first impression from fist visit always reflects unique and special understanding for landscape, which express spontaneous feelings.

The Methodology used in reflecting the observations depends on developing mental maps and statements, which reflects feelings, impressions, positive and negative points of the site.

MENTAL MAPS

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MENTAL MAPS

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VISUAL ASSESSMENT In the visual assessment, different levels of analysis were taken into consideration; including the visual relation with the context, the factors affecting the visual value of the historical center such as the residential expansion, and the overall fabric of the historical center.

VIEWS

Based on the observations, the historical center of Deir Ghassaneh has a high historical value with captivating views; but unfortunately it started losing its value through the years.

The first factor to be noted is the residential expansion directly around the historical center.

While approaching, its presence is not as compelling as it was before, as shown in the figure (4.3), as it’s promoted by the proposed land use classifications (residential B and C) according to the master plan; if this continues to be applied, the historical center will be completely covered with high rise buildings. On the other hand those buildings are also blocking its exposure to the natural surroundings.

extensions, materials, and location of additions.

This is also related to the lack of awareness of the community toward the historical center, which have led the people to make random extensions to the old buildings to meet their needs in inappropriate ways; this causes a distortion of the overall view of the historical center.

MINIMAL INTERVENTIONS

Moreover, there are some elements such as walls and concrete extensions that were added by the local inhabitants which affected the perception of space and became negatively dominating it instead of the original experience. In addition, other disturbing elements are also affecting the Figure 4.1 : Disturbing Elements visual perception of the valuable architecture such as the electricity wires, wall paintings, and solid wastes.

The overall fabric of the historical center consists of noble and vernacular architecture. Most of Noble architecture is concentrated in the center of the town and belongs to Al-Bargouthi families, mainly palaces. In the eastern side of the old town, the majority of buildings are vernacular clusters, belonging to AL-Shuaibi families.

The visual value of the historical center is also harmed by the absence of the detailed bylaws that should promote the preservation of historic buildings and architectural fabric of the HC, such as the restrictions for the vertical and horizontal

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Figure 4.2 : Disturbing and Dominant Elements

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VISUAL COMPARISON

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Figure 4.3 : Visual Comparison

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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CURRENT SOCIAL & ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

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CURRENT SOCIAL BEHAVIOURS

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PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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CHAPTER FIVE

CIRCULATION & ENTRANCES

Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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ENTRANCES ASSESSMENT The Historical Center of Deir Ghassaneh is prominent with its seven entrances that makes it more open to its context.

Each entrance has its own characteristics related either to its surrounding , image or even the feelings through it , hence the analyzing and the assessment of the entrances was a substantial part of our study.

ENTRANCE #1

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ENTRANCE #2

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ENTRANCE #3

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ENTRANCE #5

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ENTRANCE #6

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ENTRANCE #7

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CHAPTER SIX

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

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INTERVIEWS RESULTS So the planning process can be effective, the community should be the main source of ideas; therefore, the community participation which targeted different groups and ages, was an important part of the study, to insure that thinking and development process are well grounded.

Q: Why Streets are empty? Where are the residents?

ceremonies in and outside Deir Ghassaneh. In addition to small economic activities such as mini markets.

Q: How people of Deir Ghassaneh spend their free time?

In Deir Ghassaneh, there is no diversity in recreational spaces, residents depends mostly on Al-Khawas Park which is a little far, when in same time they have a park but is closed now from the government .

First noted, is the dormant life of the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh so important part of interviews focused on the reasons behind. In general, Emigration is highly common in Deir Ghassaneh Community, this is due to: • Lack of job opportunities • Lack of houses for living.

Q: Houses in the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh are empty, what “Lack of houses for living” means?

All houses in the historic center are private ownership, and for no reason owners refuse to rent their empty houses; leading new married couples to live in nearby villages or Ramallah, in spite of their willing to live in their town near their families .

Q: What type of existing investments and economic activities are in Deir Ghassaneh?

High and continuous emigration lead to an economic crises in Deir Ghassaneh, investments always fail for lack of customers, so previous investing experience is preventing young people from thinking of any future project despite of their skills and potentials; The economy is weak.

The only investment in Deir Ghassaneh which survived is the Women Society Center, which is mainly concentrated in food industry for weddings and

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CHAPTER FOUR SWOT ANALYSIS & VISION DEVELOPMENT

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STRENGHTS & OPPORTUNITIES

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WEAKNESSES & THREATS

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ISION: ATTRACTING NEW RESIDENTS & BUILDING LOCAL ECONOMY

According to the main objectives of the project, which focus on Protection, Conservation and Revitalization of the historic center of Deir Ghassanehunder the framework of sustainability. The project vision will covers four levels; residential, Job creation, tourisim, and finally protection for historic and cultural landscape of Deir Ghassaneh. Meanwhile protecting the rural identity of the region.

First, One of main issues which threaten the historic center is the high rate of migration from Deir ghassaneh, which gradually transform the village into desolate space, so the vision focuses on attracting people to live in the historic center and its surroundings, by providing living spaces with acceptable rents, and good residential environment. The targeted groups for housing include two categories, new married couples, and original owners.

Moreover, lack of job opportunities is another reason for immigration.

Thus, establishing an economic system and creating jobs is important, by exploiting investment capacity and potentials in Deir Ghassaneh. The vision discuss investment potentials, by providing a market for local light industries, opening of a restaurant which reinforce women institution food industry, grocery store, traditional bakery store, and strengthen the recreational services –as attraction function- for visitors from surrounding villages and cities.

experiential nodes and alleys is important.

Finally, in efforts towards protecting the cultural landscape for the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh. It is important to have a protection plan taking into account the possibility of new development. This plan must stop sprawl, control extensions on historic buildings, developing special regulations for new buildings within and surrounding the Historic Center, as well as Assigning protected buffer zone around.

THE FINAL CONCEPTUAL WORK PLAN The overall methodological approach for developing the final workplan depends on a combination of both workplans, by analyzing the strengths of each. The main criteria which is used in the assessment process relied on the relation with the context, the strategies adopted in attracting residents , dealing with entrances and approaches and meeting the society needs (recreational , social , economic and environmental), and finally how it was translated spatially .

Additionally, the high cultural and historical value of the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh, as one of (Al-Karasi) villages which return to an important period of Palestinian history, should not be neglected and must be learned and protected, since history is an ingrained part of each person, and explain future existence. Therefore, the vision seeks to support tourism for local and native people, and developing an experiential trail based on several

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FIRST CONCEPTUAL WORK PLAN

SECOND CONCEPTUAL WORK PLAN

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VISION LAYERS

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FINAL CONCEPTUAL WORK PLAN

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CHAPTER EIGHT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

ENTRANCES As attracting people to the core of the historic center is an important component of the vision development , reinforcing the entrances was an indispensible part .Three entrances where chosen as main based on the accessibility , relation with the open spaces ,and the outer context .the vision focuses on promoting the entrances from a visual aspect , to act as an attractive element , each on having its own identity.

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FIRST ENTRANCE DESIGN

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SECOND ENTRANCE DESIGN

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SECOND ENTRANCE DESIGN

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TOURISM The importance of concentrating on the tourism sector came from the serious threats of extinction that facing the history of historic center of deir ghassaneh and a supportive factor for economic revitalization ,by attracting locals mainly and foreign tourist.

Also being an integrated part of the tourism trail that was assigned by the SDF consolidate the vision .through Choosing different spots in the historical center of deir ghassaneh , each one has its own distinction, leaving a special experience in the visitors.

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OUSING PROPOSALS FOR HISTORICAL BUILDING

As the vision focuses on attracting residents (new married couples and small families ),it is essential to determine where they will live and suggest a spatial solutions for the extensions that can be added , to meet people needs taking into consideration the features of each building, different scenarios were suggested: 1. internal vertical extension (underground ) : which concentrate on expanding the interior spaces within the boarder of the building taking into account the structure , the stability of the building and soil conditions , meanwhile developing environmental solutions for lighting and ventilation.

2. Merge (combine):removing the partitions between rooms and adjacent houses if possible to provide larger spaces for specific needs.

3. external extension: vertically and horizontally taking into consideration the skyline ,visual relation and the spatial configuration of the historical center .

SCENARIO 1

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SCENARIO 2

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SCENARIO 3

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SCENARIO 4

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SCENARIO 5

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EXTENSION MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES DESIGN PROPOSALS FROM INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDIES

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OPEN SPACES & POCKET GARDENS There are many open space in the historic center of deir ghassaneh which have a great potential supporting the vision of reinforcing the residential and social life , creating a social pockets within a cluster of houses , a space for socializing , for children to play and community gardening .

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RAINFED PLANTS

GRAPE

NIGELLA SATIVA 50-100 CM

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS 3M

VACCINIUM 1-2 M

ALOYSIA 0.5-15 M

CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS 30-150 CM

PUMPKIN

SALVIA OFFICINALIS 0.61 M

NEW PROPOSALS FOR AGRICUL� TURE ACTIVITIES SUITABLE FOR DEIR GHASSANEH ENVIRONMENT

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ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS 1.5 M

PINUS 70 M

BOUGAINVILLEA

THYMUS SERPYLLUM 20 CM

PELARGONIUM 10-90 CM

ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS 100-150 CM

RHUS 1-10 M

CUCUMIS MELO FLEXUOSUS

PYRETHRUM 45-100 CM

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ALLIUM CEPA 15-45 CM

SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM 100 CM

DELONIX REGIA 5-12 M

RUBUS FRUTICOSUS 15.2-20.3 CM

ALLIUM SATIVUM 1.2 M

PILOCARPUS 18 M

NIGELLA SATIVA 20-30 CM

THYMUS VULGARIS 16-30 CM

CERATONIA SILIQUA 15 M

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CHAPTER NINE BYLAWS & REGULATIONS

NEW BYLAWS & REGULATIONS In light of challenges facing the H.C of Deir Ghassaneh , it is necessary to develop bylaws for the area to limit the future expansion within and outside the borders of the Historic Center, as well as limiting individual random interventions. These bylaws include two categories: 1. Bylaws for organizing the future expansion outside the borders of the Historic Center: One of biggest challenges facing the Historic Center of Deir Ghassaneh is the urban expansion around which weaken the visual value and the exist. And within the local conditions in Palestine it is difficult to stop expansion in the areas around the Historic Center. As a result, by taking into consideration the local conditions the project suggests some bylaws and regulations for buildings around the Historic Center with special conditions such as low height and small percentage of built up area.

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2. Bylaws for protecting Historical building and landscape within the borders of the Historic Center: Essential part of project vision focus on attracting residents to the Historic Center, and in order to strengthen this dimension it is important to provide extra spaces to meet families’ needs. So Part of bylaws include regulations for additions such as height, architectural style, color and used materials, commensurate with the historical landscape and buildings.

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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Data Source : GIS & Auto CAD produced by :MoLG, Edited by: Birzeit University Team

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REFERENCES

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