DS4
Ghost Workers The diary of 9212 by
Timothy Leung 13092068 2014/15
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Personal Geography
Chapter 2
Palestine in Context
Chapter 3
‘That Never Was’
Chapter 4
Journey to Palestine
Chapter 5
Cultivating Seeds of Possibilities
Chapter 6
Diary of 9212
Project 1
Never Part A device in a digital garden Project 1 was a live project which explores the notions of displacement and identity. Using the narratives of the individual and the collective the project seeks to question and open up geographical boundaries. Ordinary material objects becomes a portrayal and a vessel for their individual experiences. In collaboration with the Palestine Museum, the task was to design and to make devices inspired by the objects and narrative of a diaspora Palestinian community. The device seeks to document and share the narrative in an imaginative manner.
Chapter 1 Personal Geography Choosing an object that is of importance to us and by using the narrative behind it. The first task was to reinterpret and rerepresent the object creatively.
006
Object: Old Passports
T
he device explores the question of identity and the notion of belonging. Being born in Hong Kong and raised in a distinctly different culture in the UK. The passport was a reminder of my nationality. Seen as a status of power, dependent on the relationship between two nations and a country’s stature relative to the rest of the world. Treatment towards one varies dramatically depending on their citizenship, rather than them as an individual. Yet these documents and papers should not define our identity of who we are, but rather it is defined by the collection of attributes that defines how see ourselves; such as our memories, our knowledge, our believes and our desires. True identity is being true to oneself and should not be dependent on external validation (how other think we look, behave or belong).
007
008
T
he layers of nails represents the external validation that we seek to shape ourselves, changing and shifting depending on our circumstances. As the users moves under and through the layers of nails a sense of unstable and uneasiness, like you don’t belong there would be felt. This is a reflection of the feeling many migrants experiences when entering a new surroundings. The centre becomes a safe haven, of which suspended is an origami crane, in remembrance of my childhood and family. Made from the ripped pages of the passport this acts as a sign of demonstration that a piece of document should not define who we are.
009
Chapter 2 Palestine in Context ‘‘ The Palestinians are the only nation in the world that feels with certainty that today is better than what the days ahead will hold. Tomorrow always heralds a worse situation.’’ -Mahmoud Darwish
010
Location
P
alestine sits at the junction of three continents, between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea in Asia. Palestine territories include the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Strategically Located between Egypt, Syria and Arabia, the region has become crossroads for religion, culture, commerce and politics.
011
The Shrinking Map
History
T
he region has been under constant controversy and political instability due to the confusion about its boundary with Israel. The history of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict can be glimpsed through a series of maps. By the end of the war in 1948, Israel gained more and more territory, creating a large scale refugee problem. To this day, Israel continues gain more territories through the construction of illegal Jewish settlements and Jewish-only roads. Which Israel should we recognize? The Israel of 1917; the Israel of 1936; the Israel of 1948; the Israel of 1956; or the Israel of 1967? Which borders and which Israel? Israel has to recognize first the Palestinian state and its borders and then we will know what we are talking about. -Ismail Haniyeh
012
Quality of life
I
n a survey conducted by WHO in 2006, 25.6% of Palestinians interviewed consider their life quality as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ with more than 21.2% suffering from ‘a lot’ or ‘extremely’ negative problems towards their physical/ bodily health. Many do not enjoy their daily activities, feeling frustrated, anxious, fed up with life and bored. One in four Palestinians suffers from psychological strain as a result of the imprisonment of a close relative or the daily crossing and checkpoints crossed to pursue daily life activities. As a result they suffer severely from finical problems with 42.6% do not have money ‘at all’ to meet their individual and family needs. However, in spite of all this there is good satisfaction between personal relationships. Palestinian culture is collectively based, and social support and social cohesion are strong, and the political and economic history and realities that people have endured and continue to endure require high levels of community cohesion for communal survival.
013
Gaza. Trapped
G
aza, as part of the Palestinian territories is still considered to be ‘occupied’ by the UN. Israel to maintain direct external control over Gaza and indirect control over life within Gaza . Continuing in control of Gaza’s air and maritime space, land crossings, reserving the right to re-enter Gaza at will through regular military incursion and maintaining Gaza’s dependence on Israel for trade, water, sewage, electricity , currency, communication networks, Issuing IDS, and permits to enter and leave the territory.
014
‘‘ Without hope we are lost.’’ -Mahmoud Darwish
‘‘ Exile is more than a geographical concept. You can be an exile in your homeland, in your own house, in a room.’’ -Mahmoud Darwish
Chapter 3 That Never Was Salaman Abu Haleeb Yasser Arafat International Airport
by
Cherng Yu, Qatrun & Timothy
Salaman Abu Hleeb
‘‘Grounded in Gaza, but hoping to fly again: 400 Palestinians show up for work daily at non functioning airport’’
Yasser Arafat International Airport Object: Photos and documents of the airport
S
alaman Abu Haleeb was a pilot and the former president of Yasser Arafat International Airport. His attachment to the airport are reflected in the documents and photos of the airport he has kept since its bombardment during the second intifada. The following 5 years after the bombardment, around 400 Palestinian workers remained and continued to work at the non-functioning airport, in the hope that one day the airport may reopen. But as the situation in Gaza deteriorated building materials became scarce and the Palestinians were forced to rip up the tarmac for construction materials. The focus of the device looks to re-represent the narrative of the workers and the continuous cycle of hope and disappointments caused by the conflict.
One of the photo kept by Salman Abu Haleeb of Nelson Mandela landing at the airport
018
IDENTITY REMEMBRANCE THE FORGOTTEN DREAM UNFULFILLED POTENTIALS FREEDOM EMPOWERMENT PROGRESS & REGRESS TRAPPED BAGGAGE RESTRAINT
020
Head On (2006) - Cai Guo-Qiang
T
o create a space with suspended concrete paper planes, we came across the work of Cai Guo-Qiang’s ‘Head On’. ‘Head On’ is an example of a suspended installation with 99 life sized stuffed wolves barrelling into a glass wall, pushing on relentlessly and crashing with full force against the transparent barrier
Water Cathedral (2011)- GUN Architects
T
he water Cathedral is a structure made up of numerous slender vertical components, inspired by stalactites and stalagmites found in caves. The elements hang or rise, varying in height and concentration. The project also incorporates water dripping at different pulses and speeds from these elements, cooling the visitors below.
021
That never was
Concrete Plane
T
W
he Idea of ‘that never was’, was envisaged as a plane tied down by a piece of rubble which represents the struggle between hope and conflict. Whereby the plane represents; freedom, progress, statehood and peace. Whereas the rubble represents, the conflict, the aftermath and the destruction.
hat should have been made up of a very light sophisticated material was instead cast in concrete, a heavy dense and raw material to represent this irony in material, restricting it’s freedom and movement.
The airport... that never was The dreams... that never was The hopes ... that never was
022
Concrete Paper Plane
Transparent Box
A
T
concrete plane was too literal and formal, whereas a concrete paper plane become more playful and enforced the idea of hope and freedom further. Suspended in motion, a surprise of material is created but because it is cast in concrete there is this sense of fragility of hope.
he first design was an installation where visitors would enter into a transparent box and try to fly their concrete planes, but because of the weight and the invisible boundary set by the box, the planes would always be trapped and shattered. The box represents the invisible boundary which surrounds Gaza whilst the rubble symbolises the broken concrete planes and the Palestinian shattered hopes.
023
The Device
S
uspended concrete paper planes becomes the device in which to share the workers narratives. Visitor would experience the surprise of materials, whereby even though the material is suppose to be very heavy, the planes are somehow suspended in mid flight. To create a thought-provoking space a series of planes would be suspended to represent the hope of the 400 workers who had not given up and had carried on working at the non functioning airport.
024
Development
T
he initial installation was a flight path which was formed by a series of planes. On one end, an invisible boundary is formed which traps the plane causing it to crash and shatter into rubble, symbolising the shattered dreams of the Palestinian workers. Towards the other end the planes rises and lift-off from the rubble forming a continuous cycle and loop of hope and despair. Through further development we felt the initial model did not celebrate the life of the workers adequately, therefore the space we envisioned became a linear journey. Where the past model represented the past and present. This model also represented the future possibilities by placing blank paper planes towards the end of the journey.
025
The Installation
T
he final installation was to become a spatial experience through a collection of suspended fixed concrete planes. From past to future, darkness to lightness; blank paper planes are hung freely to enhance the contrast of materials. The floor is covered in rubble as a reminder of the fragility of hope. To introduce user participation, at the beginning of their journeys, visitors are provided with a torchlight to explore and find their own way though the installation. Layers of shadows are created to enhance the idea of confusion and chaos as well as emphasising on the amount planes within.
026
Stills from video
027
Diaries of Palestinian workers
T
hroughout the exhibition, narrations of the dairies of the Palestinian workers are played in the background. Through different speakers, different voices are heard at any one point of time to introduce an additional dimension of chaos and struggles.
028
A
set of drawings was developed for an outdoor pavilion to house the installation. The construction is made up of a simple steel frame with galvanised steel deck for the planes to suspended from top to bottom. Towards the end of the installation a skylight is installed to enhance the spatial atmosphere and to enforce the difference in the materiality of the installation.
029
030
Construction
T
he mould for the device can be easily made from everyday materials through laser cutting. The template will be provided to the museum, making it affordable, easy to cast and straight forward. Invitation can be sent out to local volunteers to participate in the making process in a one day workshop.
031
1
2
3 75mm
CONCRETE PAPER PLANE
?
FISHING LINE
75mm
4
5
6
FISHING LINE CRIMP
032
033
‘‘ Welcome to The World’s Largest Open Air Prison’’
Chapter 4 Journey to Palestine Field trip: Israel - Palestine
Journey into Palestine
O
n the first day of arrival, travelling from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, we were faced with the harsh realities of the lives of many Palestinians. Having to travel through checkpoints and border controls to cross into Israel, the isolation and fragmentation of the Palestinian communities can be clearly felt. For us foreigners, crossing through the checkpoint was an intimidating experience, yet for local Palestinians, this would be much worst and problematic. Their lives are made difficult by the Israeli authorities and military, where many are denied the rights of even passing through the checkpoints. Separated from families and loved ones.
036
Journey within Palestine
A
s we travelled within Palestine, journey time was much more longer than expected as the driver had to navigate around the many obstacles placed by the Israeli authority. Roads were segregated between Palestinians and Israelis. Where at some point, village entrance were blocked by boulders, isolating the community.
037
Palestinian communities
D
uring the time spent in Palestine we had the opportunity to visit the different local communities. Ramallah a thriving Palestinian city was full of life and character. The hotel we stayed in was situated at the heart of the city centre and the locals had made us felt welcome. Surrounding villagers would come into the city to trade, buy and sell goods in the market. Throughout the city there was a sense of patriotism as many took pride in their homeland. In comparison, Beit Iksa a remote village in Palestine is increasingly becoming isolated from the rest of Palestine due to the erection of the separation barrier. The historic centre, one of the few remaining areas of historic importance in Palestine lay in ruins. RIWAQ have set in place work for the restoration of the area to preserve the cultural value and characteristic of the village.
038
Palestine Museum
A
s part of the field trip we were taken by Palestine museum on a site visit to their new proposed museum. We were given a brief presentation on the concept, vision and the construction method of the museum. The following day we presented our project to the Palestine museum as part of their ‘Never Part’ exhibition and received positive feedback.
039
Project 2
Ghost Workers The Diary of 9212
Project 2 builds on the journeys taken across the landscape. The project brief and concept is emerged from the field trip based on our own interest and interaction on site with the local community. Working with users to create possibilities to heal, empower and stitch the landscape and the fragmented communities. Issues of employment, mobility, natural resources and identity are explored. Hidden dynamic topography born from everyday are exposed through the rereading and re-drawing of the map.
Chapter 5 Cultivating seeds of possibilities Palestine - West Bank - Beit Iksa “In the history of colonial invasion, maps are always first drawn by the victors, since maps are instruments of conquest. Geography is therefore the art of war, but can also be the art of resistance if there is a counter-map and a counter-strategy.� -Edward Said
Built-up Palestinian area Area within Israeli Settlement Area A Area B Area C
Fragmentation
S
ince the Israeli occupation in 1967, Israel has implemented a range of different methods to restrict Palestinian access to land and resources in the occupied territories. With the Oslo Accords ,the West Bank was divided into three areas under different jurisdictions into what are called Area A, B, and C. Within these areas different level of controls are given to the Palestinian Authority and over time more responsibilities and powers would be transferred to the Palestinian, but as of yet this had not happened. Area A is under full control of the Palestinian Authority and consists primarily of urban Palestinian areas. Area B is under Palestinian civil control and shared Palestinian and Israeli security control and includes the vast majority of the Palestinian rural areas. Area C is under full Israeli control. Palestinian agencies are responsible for education and healthcare.
043
02 Topography
03 Climate 02
03
044
04 Green Areas
05 Annual Average Rainfall 04
05
045
06 Water Resources
07 Water Infrastructure 06
07
046
08 Barriers
Segregated Roads 08
01 Land expropriated by Israel on either side of major roads
02 Underpass roads between Palestinian enclaves, with access often restricted by gates
03 Checkpoints along and adjacent to all restricted roads
04 Fully segregated roads running in parallel to one another
05 Road Blocks/trenches prevent access to main roads and travel between Palestinian enclaves
06 Israeli-only bridges and tunnels connecting Israeli settlements east of the separation wall
047
Avg High (째C)
Avg (째C)
Avg Low (째C)
Rainfall (mm)
Humidity (%)
Wind (km/h)
JAN
12
8
5
83
73
11
FEB
13
9
5
78
70
12
MAR
16
11
7
45
66
13
APR
22
15
10
15
53
13
MAY
26
19
14
8
49
13
JUN
28
21
17
1
52
15
JUL
30
23
19
0
54
16
AUG
30
23
19
0
60
15
SEP
28
22
17
0
61
13
OCT
26
19
15
8
59
10
NOV
20
14
11
27
62
10
Wind rose
Sun path diagram
DEC
15
10
7
71
70
10
Climate
P
alestine has a temperate, Mediterranean climate and remains enjoyable for most part of the year. The summer season in Palestine is relieved by the gentle wind from the Mediterranean Sea and although the days of the summer are hot, the evenings are cool.
048
Birds migration pathways
Bird Migration
P
alestine sits on the junction of three continents and each year, half a billion birds migrate through the land, making it one of the busiest corridors for bird migration in the world. With an increase development in the region, fewer patches of habitat where exhausted migrants can take shelter are available.
Israel-Palestine nesting sites
049
Through the exploration of the movement and behaviour of bird migration and the trans-boundary nature of their routes, possibilities of uniting people and neighbouring settlements are presented. From the migration of birds, could parallels be extracted and reinterpreted into the movement of illegal workers ?
Guano harvesting
Bird Migration
B
ird migration is a regular seasonal movement, often from north to south along specific routes, funnelled by natural barriers. Without migration, food supplies in breeding areas would rapidly deplete, increasing competition for nesting sites. In the end, the reason for birds to migrate come down to survival. In Beit Iksa, Palestine, the area is seen as a resting and refuelling site rather than a breeding area. One of the benefit of migratory bird can bring to Beit Iksa is the harvesting of Guano. Guano is the excrement of birds that contains high content of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, using this as a fertilizer. The movement and flight sequence of a bird is explored and analysed. The sequence is triangulated, creating points and connections forming an abstract pattern that indicates the direction and scale of the movement.
Bird flight sequence
050
Destroyed our natural habitats Blocked our natural paths above and below ground Demolished our nesting places in trees, caves and sub-terrains Separated us from our beloved ones on the other side of the wall Deprived us of our livelihood and our grazing grounds Resulted in the extinction of a few rare species -Suad Amiry
051
The wall ‘‘essentially turns Palestine into the world’s largest open prison. ‘‘ -Banksy
Chapter 6 Diary of 9212 Palestine - West Bank - Beit Iksa
DEAR DIARY ‘‘ I spent my whole life working for them, and now look at me; like a thief, I steal my livelihood in the dark, basruq ‘ishti sirqa. It used to take us half an hour to drive there, and now as you see, it takes us a whole night in the hills ... that’s if we don’t get arrested or beaten up.’’ - 9212
Barrier
I
sraeli Settlements are constantly being constructed illegally in the West Bank and continues to expand and settle in new areas, an estimate of 500,000 Israelis are living within these settlements. The presence of the settlements are seen as impediment to peace, dividing apart Palestinian communities and weakening their connection to the land. In 2002 plans were in place to erect a ‘Separation Barrier’ as a security measure to protect Israelis from Palestinian suicide bomber and to regulate the entry of Palestinians into Israel. In most areas, the barrier is made up of fences, pathways and trenches. In some areas 8 meter concrete walls are being erected. Built on confiscated Palestinian land, hundreds of Palestinians are cut off from their fields and marketing their produce to other areas of the West Bank. Daily life for Palestinians becomes a struggle as they are excluded from certain Israeli-only roads and forced to go through a number of security checkpoints. The poor living conditions for many Palestinians are contributed directly to the Israeli control of area C which contains valuable water sources, land for grazing and agriculture and land for development and expansion of the Palestinian communities.
056
DEAR DIARY ‘‘Illegality becomes a weapon to target our personhood.’’ ‘‘If the wall separates Palestine from Israel then why are they harassing us on our side?’’ -9212
Ghost Workers
B
efore the erection of the separation barrier, many Palestinians worked in Israeli cities and on Israeli construction sites. Today with the building of the barrier unemployment rate are rising due to the restriction in movement into and out of Israel. Only men over the age of 35 can obtain permits to work in Israel, leaving many of the younger generation unemployed and forcing them to enter illegally. Measures are taken to evade armed border patrol in order to sustain their livelihood. To many, work represents their reason for living, by giving structure to their lives.
058
9 Star Hotel
M
any of these workers are forced to camp in make-shift shelters near entry points into Israel without the basic necessities of life. Often made up of a mishmash of material scraps, conditions within are cramped and unhygienic. Yet it is within these setting that the workers gather, sleep, talk, sing, eat and share stories and information with each other. These shelter becomes a sense of place and unity for the workers within a fractured landscape.
059
DEAR DIARY ‘‘ I’d rather die here than go back empty handed.’’ ‘‘Anyway. What would we do if we went back home now ?’’ ‘‘ Die of boredom.’’ ‘‘ I’d rather die from a bullet than go back and sit on a stool in Ibrahim’s coffee shop. ’’ -9212
Hope in a Hopeless Situation
T
he project looks to celebrate and accommodate the invisible beings (illegal workers and birds) who are often ignored and marginalised. Strategically located in Beit Iksa, a village located 6.5km north west of Jerusalem. The project looks to explore the illegal movement and boundaries of the illegal Palestinian workers through Beit Iksa Through a network of interventions, strategically placed on and beyond the periphery of the village. The interventions will form an expansion buffer for the village in an attempt to prevent or shift the erection of the separation barrier. Dual aspect spaces are constructed as a form of subversion; creating moments of joy and integration with the villagers. By incorporating the existing terracing, the project looks to empower the villagers in reclaiming their lost agricultural land. In the hope to create a sense of place and unity within a fractured landscape.
062
Workers origin Employment opportunities Journeys within West Bank Journeys across borders Journeys within Israel Potential area for Intervention
Landscape of Opportunities
W
aking up in the early hours of the night, many Palestinians embark on a journey across the vanishing landscape. Travelling in groups, back and forth along the border in search of an opening, many would wait hours to avoid being detected. The routes travelled by the workers form an economical bridge between Israel and Palestine and it is among these areas of opportunities where the potential intervention can occur and grow.
063
Village Boundary
BEIT IKSA
Area B
RAMOT
Proposed Separation Barrier 1949 Armistice Line
Area C
Beit Iksa
B
eit Iksa is a Palestinian village located 6.5km north west of Jerusalem in the West Bank. Classified as ‘Area B’ whereby civil affairs are under Palestinian control and security control are handled by Israeli. Route 1, the main artery running from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv is less than a kilometre from the village and unlike many villages in the West Bank, Beit Iksa is not enclosed by the Israeli separation barrier, making it a transit point for many illegal workers to enter in search for work.
064
Beit Iksa as seen from Ramot
Ramot as seen from Beit Iksa
Confiscated Landscape
L
and in Beit Iksa is extremely precious yet constantly shrinking as a result of military confiscation and the illegal Israeli settlements expanding into the village boundary. Outside Palestinians are denied access through a checkpoint located to the north west of Beit Iksa, isolating the community and ensuring the loss of more land. Majority of the village land now falls in Area C and have been confiscated through de facto.
Valley of Beit Iksa and Ramot
065
Traditional Palestine Terraced Landscape
T
he areas surrounding Beit Iksa is predominantly terraced arable land. Many of the villagers livelihood are dependent on the crops grown. Olive trees, lemon trees, tomatoes and cucumbers are grown on this land. However with the military confiscation, their livelihood and layers and layers of culture and civilization are destroyed.
066
DEAR DIARY ‘‘I’ found myself in a landscape of uprooted olive trees’’ ‘‘Over one and a half million olive trees uprooted in less than a year.’’ ‘‘Is this how Israel made the desert bloom?’’ -9212
Site Location
068
Possibilities
T
he initial idea was to develop a series of follies dispersed around the outskirts of Beit Iksa that are interconnected by a network of tunnels. Each folly would have a specific function contributing and supporting the villagers of Beit Iksa whilst secretly hidden within the follies would become spaces for the illegal workers After consideration of the proposed structure; the scale and visibility of the follies conflicted with the main concept of the project of subversion and invisibility. Therefore the visible intervention of the project needs to be subversive and not pose as a threat or danger. In order to achieve this, the proposal will become responsive to the environment, celebrating the surrounding terraces.
069
Precedents Mahmoud Darwish Museum Jaafar Touqan
T
he Mahmoud Darwish museum is a three acre space on top of the hill that houses the grave of the late poet. The design is a reflection of the Palestinian landscape with its terracing and play in level. Retaining walls are tapered, emerging out from the land itself. The garden contains a collection of flowers and trees from the countryside of Palestine.
Sketch Plan of Mahmoud Darwish Museum
Perspective of Mahmoud Darwish Museum
070
Precedents Igualada Cemetery Enric Miralles
T
Section of Igualada Cemetery
he Igualada Cemetery challenges the traditional notion of a cemetery. Miralles conceptualized the poetic ideas of a cemetery for the visitors to understand and accept the cycle of life. A link between the past, present and future. Not only is the cemetery a place for those to be laid to rest, it is also a place for those to come and reflect in the solitude and serenity of the Catalonian landscape. Set in the Catalonian hill, the cemetery blends into the landscape as if it were a natural aspect of the land. Designed as a tiered landscape that unfolds into the landscape as one continuous and fluid progression
Plan of Igualada Cemetery
Detailed Section of Igualada Cemetery
071
In the drawings of Igualada Cemetery, beauty
DEAR DIARY ‘‘We walked for an hour. It was dark, and the area was full of thorns and vegetation. Walking at night in a dark, unknown place scared me. I knew that, at any moment, police could catch and shoot me. We walked in silence because we were afraid of getting caught. We turned off our cell phones and those of us who smoked put out their cigarettes, to avoid a lit cigarette being seen.’’ -9212
Beit Iksa
Reed Bed Courtyard
Bird Habitat
Bird Habitat
Flowform Water Collector
Re Space for workers
Settling Pond
Filtration System
Overall Proposal Development of narrative section
T
he initial design development attempts to incorporate the use of the existing terracing. The design aims to provide accommodation for the illegal workers who looks to seek work in Jerusalem and empower the villagers of Beit Iksa in reclaiming their lost agricultural land. Living spaces will be erected above and below ground but in order to remain invisible to the Israeli settlements. The surface and roofs will be covered by a layer of green, offering space for agriculture and migratory birds. Water collectors and sustainable wastewater treatment system are incorporated into the design.
eed Bed
Roof Gardens
Bird Habitat
Ramot
Agriculture Bird Habitat
Filtration System
Overall Proposal Development of narrative section
Overall Proposal Conceptual section
Overall Proposal Development of architectural language
080
081
Overall Proposal Development of architectural language
082
083
Overall Proposal Site Plan
T
he design proposal is scattered across the valley of Beit Iksa, serving the ghost workers travelling through to Jerusalem. Beginning from the historical core of Beit Iksa, entrances to the building are via the existing urban fabric and its rooftops. Embedded and carved into the landscape, following the lines of the contours, dual functional space are formed to create moments of joy to what would have been a treacherous journey. Covered in a blanket of greenery, the proposal becomes an empowerment to the villagers of Beit Iksa, reconnecting them to their agricultural land. Integration between the workers and the villagers are encourage in the many collective space and kitchen provided.
DEAR DIARY ‘‘Once again I am back in Beit Iksa’’ ‘‘You never know whether you’re going to get somewhere, or how long it will take. 45 minutes could be 45 hours, or it could be four hours, you may go and not come back. You may not go.’’ ‘‘At least this way we get to know the geography of our country’’ -9212
Overall Proposal Narrative Section
090
Radio Tower Sketch Development
T
he radio tower offers the first point of connection to the workers, providing them with up to date information on, potential crossings, the location of army patrol and the situation throughout the site. Updates are sent to the their mobile phone as well as their assigned accommodation plot. Portable storage boxes are provided for the workers to store their tools and belongings, as well as allowing them to leave items for their family to collect at a later date. A collective kitchen enable the women of the village to provide food for the workers in exchange for money.
091
Radio Tower Sketch model
092
D
C
B
A
E
B
A
1
C
D
1
2
3
C
D
1
B
A 2
B
A
C
D
2
UP
-1.79m
-8.53m -5.29m
-8.89m -6.49m
4
UP
4 5
4
5
1
5 +1.31m
6
UP -7.46m
-7.61m
6
6 2
DN
-5.29m
-1.79m
+1.31m
UP
7
DN
UP
UP
UP
-6.49m
UP
4
-6.49m
5
-7.46m
+1.31m
6
DN
8
+1.31m
0
Ground Floor
First Floor
Second Floor
093
0
1
2
5m
1
2
5m
1
E
1
2
2 UP
3
0m -4.0
-8.53m
3
-5.29m
4
-8.89m -6.49m
UP
D
A
E
5
6
UP
C
B
A
D
C
B
A
-7.46m
-7.61m
-6.49m
UP
UP
-9.0
UP
0m
0m -4.0
UP
UP
-6.49m
-5.29m
7
-7.46m
8
4
B
A
-5.29m
C
D
1
1
5
2 -1.79m
4
1
5
DN
UP
6
-1.79m
3
6
-8.53m
2
C
D
UP
3
2
B
A
1
3
2
-5.29m
4 5 +1.31m
6
DN
UP
7
+1.31m
4
-7.46m
-
4
2
4
8
5
UP
-5.29m
UP
-6.49m
0
5 1
6
6
UP
-6.49m
5
8
-7.61m
-7.46m
9
7
UP
UP
8
-5.29m
-4.00m
UP
7
UP
-2.00m
7
6 -6.49m
8
-7.46m
0
1
2
5m
8 Ground Floor
8
1 Information & maps 2 Worker’s storage facilities 3 Plant room 4 Collective kitchen 5 Communal seating area 6 Male WC 7 Female WC 8 Winter garden 9 Terracing
-4.00m
-2.00m
-2.00m
-7.61m
0 0
1
2
5m
094
1
2
5m
1
2
5m
1
B
A
D
C
B
A
C
A
E
D 1
2
2 UP
3
-8.53m
UP
0m -4.0
-8.89m -6.49m
5
6
UP
3
-5.29m
4
-7.46m
-7.61m
0m
UP
0m -3.0
UP
-6.49m
UP
UP
-9.0
-5.29m
7
-6.49m
-7.46m
8
4
B
A
-5.29m
C
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1
1
5
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2 -1.79m
4 5
DN
UP
6
-1.79m
6
-1.79m
-8.53m
2 2
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UP
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C
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-5.29m
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7
5 +1.31m
DN
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+1.31m
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UP
3
-5.29
-1.94m
5 5
0
1
2 -7.61m -1.79m
6
6 6 UP
8
DN
7
5
-4.00m
-2.00m
-1.79m
0
1
2
5m
8 First Floor 1 Access from existing 2 Information updates 3 Radio control room 4 Worker’s storage facilities 5 Prayer room 6 Terracing
-4.00m
-2.00m
-2.00m
-7.61m
0 0
1
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5m
095
1
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5m
1
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5m
1 A
E
D 1
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2 UP
3
3
-8.89m -6.49m
UP
0m -4.0
-8.53m -5.29m
4 5
6
UP
B
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C
B
A
C
-7.46m
-7.61m
UP
UP
-6.49m
UP
UP
UP
-5.29m
7
-6.49m
-7.46m
8
4
B
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-5.29m
C
D
1
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2 -1.79m
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DN
UP
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UP
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7
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UP
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8 3 +1.31m
-4.00m
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DN
7
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5m
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Second Floor -2.00m
1 Entrance from rooftop 2 Worker’s storage facilities 3 Seating Area
0 0
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096
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Radio Tower Development of narrative section
097
4
1
3
1 2
8 -82째) sun angle (7 Summer
Avg High Avg Avg Low
30 째C 23 째C 19 째C
Radio Tower Summer Strategy 1. Louvers are installed to encourage air flow during the night to ensure night cooling
5
2. Concrete floor slabs are used as thermal mass storage, reducing the fluctuation in internal temperatures 3. Internal walls are tapered to encourage air flow throughout the building 4. Shading is provided on the west facing glazing to reduce solar gain. 5. The overhang of the terracing provide shading during the summer months 6. Operable skylight at roof level act as solar chimney whereby stack ventilation is encouraged. 8
7. North west facing opening acts as a wind catchers 8. Green roof and vegetations provide evaporative cooling, reducing the air temperature entering into the building 0 500
2000
5000 mm
D4
D3
3
4
D2
4
2
째)
le
int
W
D1
un
s er
g an
38 4-
(3
Avg High Avg Avg Low
12 째C 8 째C 5째C
Radio Tower Winter Strategy 1. The winter garden act as a buffer zone to insulate the adjacent rooms from the cold 2. Concrete floor slabs are used as thermal mass storage, reducing the fluctuation in internal temperatures 3. Adjustable louvers to control air movement to create the occupants ideal internal condition. 4. Internal gains such as cooking inside the kitchen can be distributed throughout the building via louver wall and floor panels 0 500
2000
5000 mm
Your assigned plot is located on Grid C-3 Please take storage Box 253
Radio Tower Interior perspective
A
code is assigned to each of the workers to show their assigned plot to build their own accommodation
102
6
15 14
13
12 11
10
9
19
15 14 13 12 11 10 9
D1 D2
D1
8 16
18 17
8
D2
Radio Tower Detail 1 Winter garden 1:10 @ A1
7 6
5
4
3
2
1
1. 300mm growing medium 2. Filter fabric 3. Green roof container made of polystyrene 4. Waterproof membrane 5. 500mm reinforced concrete 6. Drainage 7. 100mm polystyrene insulation 8. Horizontal bi-fold doors 9. 300mm reinforced concrete 10. Rigid insulation with foil backing as vapour barrier 11. Waterproof membrane 12. Root barrier 13. Green roof container made of polystyrene 14. Filter fabric 15. 300mm growing medium 16. Aluminium flashing 17. Insulation (1m deep) to minimise cold bridge 18. Wet plaster finish 19. Cement coping
103
9 10 11
12
17
8
16
12
11
10
9
8 18 10 9
D1
Radio Tower Detail 2 Skylight 1:10 @ A1 D1
15
14
1. 300mm growing medium 2. Filter fabric 3. Green roof container made of polystyrene 4. Root barrier 5. Waterproof membrane 6. 100mm polystyrene insulation 7. 300mm reinforced concrete
13
7
6
5
4
3
104
2
1
8. Adjustable glazing louvers 9. Rigid insulation with foil backing as vapour barrier 10. Waterproof membrane 11. Supporting C channel 12. Reclaimed timber 13. 35mm cement board 14. Grit filling 15. Drainage 16. Sliding doors 17. Fibre cement board 18. Insulated sill
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5째 Fall
8
9
10
11
12
Radio Tower Detail 3 Roof 1:5 @ A2 1. Hidden box gutter 2. Reclaimed metal sheeting 3. Supporting Structure 4. 80mm ventilated cavity 5. Waterproof sheeting 6. 100mm polystyrene insulation 7. Vapour barrier 8. 200mm reinforced concrete 9. Insulation 10. Retractable satellite dish 11. Folding louvers wall panel 12. Adjustable louvers blade
105
11
10 12
1
2
13
3 5 6
14
7 8 4
9
Radio Tower Detail 4 Skylight 1:5 @ A2 1. Aluminium sheet bent to shape 2. Reclaimed metal sheeting 3. 80mm ventilated cavity 4. Supporting structure 5. Waterproof sheeting 6. 100mm polystyrene insulation 7. Vapour barrier 8. 200mm reinforced concrete 9. 10mm wet plaster finish 10. Hinged skylight frame 11. Double glazing 12. 25mm dowel 13. Pulley 14. Nylon rope
106
Structural columns Structural Walls Load Resistance Lateral
107
DEAR DIARY ‘‘I realized how much historic Palestine has changed for me. It is such a place where I feel like a stranger. ‘‘ -9212
110
Collective Space Sketch development
T
he Collective Space is a multi functional space serving both children, women and the workers. Within it, a laundry room is provided for the women as well as the workers to wash their clothes. Children study area and reading rooms are provided as a collective space. Walls within it are openable, expanding and contracting depending on the need of the occupants. An archive is also located within, recording the routes the workers have taken and employment opportunities.
111
1
2
3
4
5
6
Upper Floor 1 Laundry room 2 Children study area 3 Collective space 4 Courtyard area 5Workers accommodation 6 Terrace
112
1
2
3
5 4
6
Lower Floor 1 Laundry room 2 Children study area 3 Collective space 4 Courtyard area 5 Terracing 6 Children library / Archive
113
114
Plug in accommodation Development model
P
lug in accommodation provides temporary shelters to the workers. Designed as a space where they can eat, sing, share stories and sleep. Retaining walls carved into the landscape defines the setting and grid. Using reclaimed materials and those collected during their journeys, workers can build their own accommodation that plugs in between the retaining walls. With the hope that one day there will be no more barrier, the proposal has potential to expand and contract depending on future demography
115
DEAR DIARY Ramzi asked me: ‘Are you spending the night on the construction site or on the open fields with Murad? Or even better, in the abbarah’. ‘No, better come and see al-hursh area where we sleep. There are big mice, snakes, scorpions, you name it, it’s a zoo and we’re its monkeys’ ‘No water, no electricity, no bath, no toilet; its like the Stone Age -9212
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
NARRATIVE - WORKERS SHARING STORY & STORING BELONGING INTO STORAGE UNITS
Plug In Accommodation Exterior Perspective
118
119
3
2
1
3
3
Upper Floor 1 Inner courtyard 2 Collective kitchen 3 Plug In unit
120
2
1
3
Lower Floor 1 Plug In unit 2 Terracing 3 Green roof
121
D5
Plug In Accommodation Narrative section development
122
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Plug In Accommodation Detail 5 Window connection 1:10 @ A2 1. 300mm growing medium 2. Filter fabric 3. Green roof container made of polystyrene 4. Waterproof membrane 5. Vapour barrier 6. 300mm reinforced concrete 7. 100mm polystyrene insulation 8. In-situ concrete 9. Double glazing 10. Gutter
123
Plug In Accommodation Narrative section
Plug In Accommodation Collective Kitchen
Plug In Accommodation Interior perspective
128
129
Bird Tower Exterior perspective
D
esigned as a bird tower, the facade is covered in individual bird boxes suitable for indigenous birds such as the Palestine Sunbird. During bird migration season the tower will act as a refuelling and resting area for migratory birds. Villagers and workers are then able to harvest the guano excreted to be used as fertilizer for the surrounding agricultural land. Apart from this, the tower also acts as an observation tower, surveying the valley beyond for army patrol and movement, providing vital information and warning to the workers.
Bird Tower Development model
132
2 2
1
2
Floor Plan 1 Observation deck 2 Terracing
133
Bird Tower Section
134
135
Bird Tower Observation
DEAR DIARY ‘‘I realized how much historic Palestine has changed for me. It is such a place where I feel like a stranger’’ “There is no other place on this earth where I feel such a strong sense of being a stranger than in my historic homeland.” -9212
DEAR DIARY ‘‘ For us, going to work is like going to war. Like when preparing for war, you have to take into account that you can get hurt, get killed or be arrested.’’ ‘‘ When we leave our home we say goodbye to our children because we may not return...’’ ‘ma’a as-salaama -9212
DEAR DIARY ‘‘Suddenly there were hundreds and hundreds of dark silhouettes; there were ghosts here; there were ghosts there; and there were ghosts everywhere.’’ ‘‘Was it a carnival of exitence or a crnival for survival?’’ ‘‘ Was it a dance for life or a masquerade of death?’’ ‘‘ Was it for real or was it a vision?’’ -9212
142