Thesis Booklet_Part 3

here, like everyday Part 3

Initial Research

- Introduction to Lifta: RIWAQ

- Initial Understanding of Lifta

a) Location of Lifta

b) Pressing Matters of Lifta

c) Access to Lifta

d) Lifta’s Present Day Significance

- Identifying key communities involved in Saving Lifta

a) Save Lifta Coalition

b) Zochrot

c) Israeli Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace

- Significance of Walking Tour in Lifta

Intermediate Research

- Understanding Resistance in Lifta

a) What Saving Lifta is Truly About

b) The Disillusioned Israeli

c) Everyday Resistance

- Program

Sketch Design Research

- Potential Site Options

- Key Conceptual Themes

a) Parallel Narratives

b) Encrypted Resistance

Design Proposal

- Sketches

- Palestinian Coffee House Precedence

- Material Studies

a) Stone

b) Terracota Tile

Resolved Design Proposal

- Thesis Statement

- Final Drawings

Evolution of Thesis Statement

Sketches

Parallel Narratives Encrypted

Sketches

In terms of an architectural response, the idea of parallel narratives is realized through the action of “offsetting’ the main form of both the northern and eastern elevations. Thus, this provides an input to the overall form of the architectural addition to the site. This space is intended as an alfresco seating area.

For encrypted resistance, the architectural strategy employed is through the curation of materials that will be used to realize this proposed intervention. This sketch shows how the facade of the new addition is made up of chain link fence which will allow vines and climbers to start growing and obscure the view into the site.

The symbolic meaning of using chain link fence is an act of reclaiming materials which have been weaponized by Israel at borders or checkpoints.

The intention of obscuring views is a nod to the skewed illusions that have been created by the Israeli government. Hence, obscuring the vision of its own people.

In terms of material choices for a project in Lifta, the past research has shown that the newly proposed intervention should be respectful to its existing context as Lifta is a contested site and the purpose of this project is to provide ongoing support which facilitates in allowing Israelis to be aware of their skewed perceptions.

Palestinian Coffee House Precedence

Hence, the material choices should reflect that it is in harmony with its surrounding. In addition to that, seeing that this project is working with exisitng buildings, the design precedence that have been chosen to help inform how design interventions can blend with the context of Lifta.

Material Studies

For the stones that were required for the top level of the existing building, these particular stones can be found at Bayt Duqqu Quarry which is located in Ramallah.

As for the construction of the roof, crushed terracota tiles were found in the roof layer. According

to Stone Men:

The

Palestinians Who Built Israel by Andrew Ross , it was found that these terracota tiles were used as part of a special blend of eggs, crushed roof tiles and mortar to bind and seal the the surface of the water wells. This method of construction is a logical method to waterproof the roof of these homes as well.

RESOLVED DESIGN PROPOSAL

This is my home. No, this is my home.

At first they were parallel lines that never met. However when these lines start to bleed out, reclaiming its individual boundaries is nothing but an illusion.

Can you see me past the fog? The disillusionment?

In Lifta, the fog is thin

For the ruins and the coffeehouse are enough to say it all

This thesis seeks to propose a coffeehouse in Lifta that allows one to process a confrontation between the right of return versus the dream of a promised land. A place that calls for a long pause against what seems to be a game of eternal finger-pointing.

December 28th, 1947

It started at a coffee house. The regime of denial.

This is my home. No, this is my home.

“Coffee is a place. Coffee is pores that outside. A separation that unites what aroma....Coffee is geography.”

that let the inside seep through to the what can’t be united except through its geography.” - Mahmoud Darwish

Lifta stands today as a common room to engage in dialogue of parallel narratives between Palestinians and Israelis.

However the proposal of transforming Lifta into a modern Israeli neighborhood threatens to eradicate the only physical relic left of Palestinian life before the Nakba of 1948

as well as a reflection of issues posed after the Nakba - the refugee problem, the right of return, national memory and identity.

Thus, further deteriorating the fragile state of mutual understanding and acknowledgement.

This thesis aims to propose an architectural intent which does not serve to fortify dispute but rather as a backdrop of Palestinian cultural endurance which facilitates empathy from both sides.

Lifta stands today as a common room that realizes the parallel narratives between Palestinians and Israelis. It pushes beyond the ideas of return and of a promised land. It is where stories are blended together and empathy from both sides are fostered.

Two lines side by side but they never meet. Moving along the same direction, Where they start and where they end are undefined

What you see, I see What you feel, I feel

but our paths do not meet.

There is no middle ground, but perhaps a starting point.

This thesis seeks to propose an architectural intent that echoes the various narratives Lifta embodies through a commodification of memories. It attracts and it blends. It separates and it combines.

For as long as Lifta stands, the memories are preserved. For as long as Lifta stands, progress is made.

Lifta stands today as a common room that realizes the parallel narratives between Palestinians and Israelis. It provides an opportunity where stories blend and empathy is fostered.

Two lines side by side but they never meet. Moving along the same direction, Where they start and where they end are undefined

What you see, I see What you feel, I feel but our paths do not meet.

In Lifta, we do not need walls

For the ruins and the coffeehouse are enough to say it all

This thesis seeks to propose a coffeehouse in Lifta that allows one to process a confrontation between the right of return versus the dream of a promised land. A place that calls for a long pause against what seems to be a game of eternal finger-pointing.

Evolution of Thesis Statement

This is my home. No, this is my home.

At first they were parallel lines that never met. However when these lines start to bleed out, reclaiming its individual boundaries is nothing but an illusion.

Can you see me past the fog? The disillusionment?

In Lifta, the fog is thin

For the ruins and the coffeehouse are enough to say it all

This thesis seeks to propose a coffeehouse in Lifta that allows one to process a confrontation between the right of return versus the dream of a promised land. A place that calls for a long pause against what seems to be a game of eternal finger-pointing.

December 28th, 1947

It started at a coffee house. The regime of denial.

This is my home. No, this is my home.