Architecture ADE421 Z. Bundy, A. Smith / Horton

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OPEN SPACE

08

O P E N S PAC E

DESIGN TEAM: AUSTIN SMITH & ZACH BUNDY C L A S S I F I C AT I O N G U I D E

Lack of Public Space

Why Does it Matter?

The current urban condition of the Balata camp in Palestine is one of intense density. In less than a square mile, a population of 27,000 people clutter into small dwellings; entire families are confined into single rooms. With an extremely high birth rate, the conditions of the camp will only become more intolerable.

This project builds upon the legacy of successful refugee camp plazas such as the one created in Al Fawaar. Despite initial public resistance against these projects in their incipience, they have been eventually been recognized by locals as important community centers.

Usability

The simple solution of clearing rubble, paving, adding adjustable roman shades, and imprinting these plazas with marks of cultural heritage, is one which works towards making the hyper-dense environment of Balata more livable.

Despite its long history with the UNRWA and a long list of NGOs and charities, Balata has become so dense that it has become impossible for foreign aid to effectively work in the camp. Organizations are relegated to working on the perimeter, making it very difficult to access the public.

Israeli Occupation Balata is located in Zone B of Palestine, placing under the jurisdiction of both the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Periodic bombardment by the Israeli Military has caused the destruction and haphazard reconstruction of a substantial amount of Balata’s homes.

By designing an empty space, one which is inherently democratic in many ways, we are creating “invisible monuments” of resistance against an occupation which seeks to make even basic needs inaccessible to Palestinians.

Although we are architects, our team’s solution is not architectural in a traditional sense; in order to deal with increasing population and building density, our team aspires to selectively destroy, rather than construct new buildings. By maximizing the amount of non-programmed space, we are lowering the amount of space which is not being used at any time of the day, and allowing residents and business owners to appropriate space according to different needs and different times of the day. Simultaneously, we are increasing the ability of NGOs such as the UNRWA to function more effectively within the camp, rather than be relegated to operating outside of the perimeter. Current Conditions: Overpopulated, lack of public space. Small shops and dense residential run along center thoroghfare of camp.

Step 1: Bulldoze, targeting particularly run-down buildings.

Step 2: Pave, provide shade, and add small kiosk with reception desk, police office, restrooms, storage, and solar panels.

Step 3: Inhabitation: open-air events and non-permanent booths can be set up by NGOs and individuals according to time of day and needs.

Step 4: Different plazas are arranged to fit certain needs. For example, this space is geared towards providing space for merchant stalls in order to enhance the commercial district.

PLAZA & ALLEY

MOSQUE

ARTERIAL STREET

MARKET

I N T E G R AT I O N I N TO CAMP

PLAZA & KIOSK

KIOSKS & OPEN SPACE

T H O R O U G H FA R E

PLAZA & MARKET

THOROUGHFARE

INTEGRATION OF DESIGN

ADE 421: Fall 2017 Architectural Studio III

Students: Z. Bundy, A. Smith Instructor: Philip Horton


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