Abstract
This research delves into the post-Oslo urban developments in Ramallah and Al-Bireh, Palestine, amidst significant neoliberal urban restructuring and the Israeli occupation’s land grab and mobility control. Within these urban socio-political and economic transformations, Palestinians struggle to establish their own state. In response to these changes, new architectural forms and meanings have emerged. Ramallah and Al-Bireh stand as an ideal case study, reflecting the Israeli occupation’s spatial control and the neoliberal forces’ impact on the city. The research focuses on Rawabi City and Um-Al-Sharayet neighborhood, which are considered facets of post-Oslo urbanization in the Palestinian urban context. The research’s theoretical framework, inspired by Heidegger’s notion of home, sheds light on the modern crises of dwelling. It explores the concept of inhabiting versus habitat. Conducted through ethnographic methods, the research examines the everyday practices of residents in two post-Oslo developments: Rawabi City and Um-Al-Sharayet Neighborhood. By analyzing these practices, the research aims to understand how resilience is sustained in everyday housing contexts, enabling residents to reclaim their right to dwell in a fragmented space and time. The research fieldwork involved observation, recording of field notes, interviews with residents, photography, and the collection of documents, archival materials, and online resources. This comprehensive approach contributes to a deeper understanding of how resilience manifests in everyday housing settings and illuminates the planning frameworks of cities.
Presenters
Shaden AwadAssociate Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering and Planning, Birzeit University, Palestinian Territory
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
URBAN TRANSFORMATIONS, NEOLIBERAL URBANISM, EVERY DAY PRACTICES, RESILIENCE, HOME
