Al-Amari Refugee Camp

 Phase I: Archival Background

                              Figure (1):  Al-Amari Refugee Camp (Sorce: palestine remembered)

Figure (2): Aerial Map of Al-Amari Refugee Camp Location(by researcher)

Al-Ama'ri Refugee Camp is a Palestinian refugee camp in the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, which is located 15 km north of Jerusalem at Jerusalem's main street, 2 kilometers South, and 1.4 Km East of Ramallah. Furthermore it’s surrounded by Al-sharafeh and Um Il-sharayet. (See Figure 2).

Before immigration, the camp was known as WadianNika’, due to the large amounts of water that gathered there. The camp land was planted with olive trees, fig and grape trees, and vines. It was established in 1949; its residents are originally from various places including ArRamla, Lid, Jaffa, and Haifa.

 According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), the Camp had a population of 5,719 inhabitants in mid-year 2006. The al-Am'ari camp has 10,377 registered refugees. Al-Ama'ri camp was established on an area of 90 dunums within the municipal boundaries of al-Bireh. By 1957, all tents in the camp were replaced with cement block shelters. (See Figure 3) However despite laws that prevent the expansion of the camp today, it increased due to population growth and high density to 96 dunms according to UNRWA statistics for 2006. According to the absence of laws and regulations and the limited area that are specified to the camp, people are expanding vertically, they build multi high stories.

 Figure 3: Developments of camp from 1949 till 2006 (by researcher)  

Al-Ama'ri camp as any camp in Palestine face many challenges and problems such as: unremitting poverty and grim living conditions are the reality for the majority of refugees, people live in overcrowded camps and have to deal with discrimination, isolation and social exclusion. Families crowded into what was designed as “temporary housing” have to cope with open channels of sewage and rotting piles of garbage, which make conditions ripe for the spread of disease. In addition to poor housing conditions, leaky pipes, deteriorated water and sewage treatment systems, contaminated water, and jerry-rigged electrical connections all contribute to sub-standard living conditions. The smell of open drainage ditches filled with garbage permeates the air. There are very few open areas in the camps for playgrounds and parks, so youth play in the streets, in dark alleyways amid open sewers, drainage ditches and damaged buildings, which only increases the risk of injury and illness. (See Figure 4)

       Figure 4: Al-Amari location within it's context.(by re

Phase II: Social Mapping

While walking in the camp, we have noticed some interesting spaces that one cannot find in other places, and it was worth documenting. The following pictures contain the spaces' location in the camp, a short description and some pictures of it. The most interesting image we found in the camp is the way they create their own green spaces. 

   Figure 5: Private Garden (By researcher)

   Figure 6: Old Analgesic House (By researcher)

                                 Figure 7: Open Space- Ranching Space & Old House (By researcher)

                                                             Figure 8: Grape Tree (By researcher)

                                               Figure 9: Analgesic House- Dump Site (By researcher)

                                                               Figure 10: Kids Play Zone (Glool)

                                                           Figure 11: Car Dumping Site (By researcher)

                                                                  Figure 12: Court (By researcher)                

Phase III:Intervention- Vertical Greenery in the Alleys

Concept: Our intervention is inspired from the camp itself; residents in the camp plant different kinds of climbing trees especially grape trees. Those plants provide shaded spaces, improve air conditions and some of it provide eatable fruits. Throughout our many visits to the camp, we have noticed that people have used creative ways to grow plants vertically; some planted it near a wall and tied it with rope to allow it to grow and reach high levels, other build a metal structure that allows the grape tree to grow and spread to create a shaded area under it, while others grow the plants on pipes.

The intervention was intended to plant around 47 plants in different locations in the camp. The locations were selected based on the need for a green space in it. Among the location we chose some spaces that had dead plants, other locations were in alleys that don’t have any plants or space for planting, so we had to build a small area using bricks and filled with soil. Other locations were chosen beside pipes and we had to build planting beds for it too. The map below shows the 47 location that was chosen in the camp.

Figure 13: The selected locations for planting.(source: UNRWA, modified by researcher)

The following video shows the intervention we did in the camp, the reactions of people towards it, and the process we followed to get it accomplished. 

                                    Click here to watch the video

Description: 

The first thing we had to do was collecting plants from different institution in the city; the Department of Agriculture in Ramallah donated 20 Grape Trees for the camp. Many privately owned arboretums also donated about 27 plants to be planted in the camp, they are:

• Abu Zaki arboretum, Ramallah , donated 5 grape plants.
• Al Junaidi arboretum, Nablus, donated 10 plants of grapes and climbing plants.
• Noor Shams Alhadeeth arboretum, Ramallah, donated 3 plants.
• Shakaek Alnumaan arboretum, Albeireh, donated 5 grapes and climbing plants.
• Art Ward arboretum, Albeireh, donated 4 climbing plants.

On the day of the intervention, we talked with --- owner of a pickup car, he met us near Art Ward arboretum in Al-Bireh, and we loaded the plants in it truck. Then we went to the others arboretum and collected the plants, and he drove us back to the camp. The owner of the car refused to take any money for his work; he said that it is a donation from him to the camp.

                                  Click here to watch the video     

We made a visit to the camp before we went to plant, to organize the intervention and supply us with the help we need. Then we went and talk to residents and agreed with them to help in supplying material needed to build planting bids, bricks and a pocket of soil if they can, and took their approval to plant near their house. Most of the people wanted us to plant grape tree, because they intended to grow it up to create a shaded space.

                                   Click here to watch the video

The Committee managed to bring the kids from the scout team to help us in unloading the plants from the truck to the Committee building. They also went to a land near the camp beside the football field and brought enough soil for planting. They brought a wagon to help us in moving the plants, soil and bricks between the alleyways in the camp. 

We made the kids part of the process of planting, so they can take care of it. Most of the adults in camp were afraid that plants will not live for long, since kids are used to take off any planted trees in the streets. 

    Click here to watch the video

Objectives: 

The intervention intended to increase the green spaces in the camp, and providing shaded areas that people and kids can use, encouraging people to take care of the alleyways and entrances. This intervention also strengthen the relation between the residents of the camp and the residents outside the camp, by the donation they made whether the arboretum owners or the pickup driver. 

The pictures below show the effect of the intervention on the spaces:

 Before                      &                      After

Reflection on People:

People were very happy and thankful to this intervention. They came out of their houses, helped us in planting and cleaning, and provide us with the water needed for the plants. Most of the people we worked with said that they always intended to plant in front of the their houses, but they never had the time or the money to do so. While planting many people came to us asking for plants, they were encouraged to be part of this intervention although they were not excited for it at first.

Finally we would like to thank everyone helped us to complete this event, starting with Dr. Yazid, Arch.Dana, Ra'ed Jad AlHaq, Al-Am'ari Refugee Camp Committee, the children from the scout team, Abu Zaki, Al Junaidi, Noor Shams Alhadeeth, Shakaek Alnumaan and Art Ward arboretum. 

Phase IV: Documentary - The MAP

After the thorough analysis for the camp, we made this short documentary to describe the spaces in the came through an old game that the residents used to play 30 years ago and their kids are still playing it until now called “The Map”.

We thought that such a game could introduce the viewers to the urban fabric of the refugee camp.. to follow the players as they go through the different paths and places that hides within the dense mass of concrete.

Press the link below to see the trailer:

Click here to watch the TRAILER

To watch the full documentary press the link below:

Click here to watch the Full Documentary

Phase V:Legibility, Problem Maps & Community Interviews Analysis

#1 Legibility Analysis Map:
" Legibility is a term used to describe the case in which people can understand the layout of a place. The City of Stoke-on-Trent is sometimes confusing to outsiders due to its multi-centred structure, which differs from more conventionally structured cities." (Kevin Lynch)

This analysis aims to understand the way that people think about the camp. Our legibility analysis sample contained 30 people from different regions inside the camp. Each person was asked indirect question to obtain their understanding for the edge, path, nodes and landmarks in the camp.

Figure 14: Legibility analysis questions and categories.( by researcher)

 According to their answers the following map was draw: 

Figure 15: Legibility analysis map (source: Researchers)

Legibility map shows that the camp is divided into seven districts that are recognized by citizens. They also defined two landmarks of camp mosque and red crescent center.On the other hand the edges were defined easily by boys and girls schools and the architectural characteristics between the camp and buildings that are surrounding. About the paths and nods, they are hierarchical due to their frequent use.

#2 Problem map:

According to our observation  and walks through the camp, we recognized many of space problems that are illustrated below.

Figure 16: Problem map (source: by researcher)

DESIGN ISSUES:

• The site is located next to a social node
• The site creates direction ambiguity due to the hidden alley way
• Point of confusion

#3 Community Interviews:

In order to recognize the urban needs of the area that we will design in, we followed a semi structure interviews with the residents in the neighborhood. 

Semi-Structure interview: Like focus groups, direct observation and literature review, semi-structure interviews can be used to gather qualitative information. 

Figure 16: Community interviews participation (by researcher)

Figure 17: Community interviews questions and categories( by researcher)

               

Category 1: _ Housewives

Number of members:_ 5

Ages: 43-51-31-26-35

Answers:_ Housewives complained a lot of the garbage piles and mice in the neighborhood. On the other hand they said that the best proposal to resolve this issue is to destroy the dump completely and make it as a public way or to rebuild the house. They also said that they need wastebaskets to throw garbage in, because as they said that all camp residents get rid of garbage in this site. About the new house design they put some determinants that may affect them such as opening and entrances. They also want to enhance their own social space in the neighborhood.  

Category 2_Dealers

Number:_3

About the current dump site, they said that sometimes they throw their garbage into this site because it is full of garbage and it is near. They get rid of big cartoons in this site according to lack of wastebaskets in the region. On the other hand, they did not complain about the existing situation of the dump. But they want containers to throw their garbage in. 

Category 3:_college students

Number 1

Age:-21

           She complains of garbage and the smell in the alley. And she proposes to rebuild the                   house in.

Category 4:_Children

Number: 4

They complain about the dump existence and said that if it was a playing area that is will be better. 

Category 5:_Aged

Number 2

Age: 73 _67

They complained a lot of the garbage piles and mice in the neighborhood. On the other hand, they said that the best proposal to rebuild the house. They also said that they need to make the alley wider if possible, especially at the dump end with the social space. 

DESIGN ISSUES: 

• Clean the garbage
• Put Garbage containers in the site
• Preserve the neighbors privacy
• Enhances the social space for the housewives and child's space in the neighborhood 

Phase VI:Design Workshop

Design Issue:   

Our design issue was obtained by the previous research and walks through the camp. This issue concerns a destroyed house in the camp that is later on considered as a dump site for the whole camp.Our goal is to redesign the destroyed house and finish the functionlessness of this space inside the camp.

                                     Figure 18: Social map of the dump site (source: by researcher)

Phase #1: Design Workshop:

Sample:

Figure 19: Workshop sample (by researcher)

Observations:

• The family lives at the grandfather house, along with the uncle family. The house is very small for three families to live in.
• The father has Polio, therefore he can't move around the house easily.

Interview:

The workshop was divided into two phase; an interview with the family we're designing for. We started with a small discussion about their needs, interests and their vision to their new house. The questions are:
1. How many is the family members?
2. What is the job of the householder?
3. What are their hobbies?
4. What kind of building they prefer?
5. What kind of material they prefer? Is it concrete, bricks, or steel structure?
6. We discuss with them some furniture examples that can fit with the small interior           spaces.
7. We discussed the circulation options.

Discussion: 

A sample of picture were showed to the family, to give them more options of what there house could look like. These pictures covered both the interior and the exterior sides of the house: 

• Circulation: Since the father suffered from Polio, three options where given to the interior circulation; elevator (if the budget allows it), ramp (based on the area), stairs with 40cm depth. 

• Interior And Furniture: The area of the land were working on is very small, so the best solution for the interior was the movable furniture:

• Building Design

•  Building Material

Design Issues From Workshop

• The special case of the father forced to have three options for the circulation: Elevator/ Ramp/ Wider stair landing (50 cm) - our last option.
•  The family wants green open space for laundry, planting and gathering space-since the plot area is very small, a roof garden will be the only option for such spaces.
•  The family has three daughters and one son

Phase #2: Site Analysis

Figure 20: Surrounding buildings hight (by researcher)

Figure 21: Surrounding buildings materials (by researcher)

Figure 22: Garbage collecting path (by researcher)

Figure 23: Legibility Analysis (by researcher)

Phase #3: Concepts- Concepts were obtained from all the previous analysis, as a solution for the design issues. 

Figure 24:Concept of approach

Figure 25: Function and circulation concepts (By researcher)

Figure 26: Private and public concepts (By researcher)

Figure 27: Concept of form (By researcher)

Figure 28: Landscape concept(By researcher)

Figure 29: Concept of material (By researcher)

Phase VII: House Design

The design aims in re-defining spaces and enhance the creativity in camps by providing a prototype or an example to creatively solving in-suffieceint housing needs

 Plans:

Figure 30: Ground floor plan (by researcher)

Figure 31: First floor plan (by researcher)

Figure 32: Second floor plan (by researcher)

 Sections:

Figure 33: Section A-A (by researcher)

Figure 34: Section B-B (by researcher)

Figure 35: Section C-C (by researcher)

Figure 36: Isometric section (by researcher)

 Elevations:

Figure 37: East elevation (by researcher)

Figure 38: West elevation (by researcher)

Figure 39: South elevation (by researcher)

 3D shots:

Model:

Materials quantities:_

	Concrete		Steel		Blocks
	Quantity	Price(Nis)	Quantity	Price(Nis)	Quantity	Price(Nis)
Columns	6.93m3	2218	1080kg	3132
Slabs	20.43m3	6538	2209kg	6407	1375	3575
Walls	60.6	19401			670	1072

Finishing = 429.2*20 = 8584Nis

Tiles = 110.5 *25= 2763 Nis

Doors = 750*6 = 4500 Nis

Windows= 320* 16.9= 5411 Nis

Slabs blocks: 1375*2.6 =3575 Nis

Total Cost :_58209 Nis

Final Jury: 

In the final jury, the owner of the house, his brother and the director of UNRWA for the camp were invited to the jury to get their feedback on the design. 

Feedback on the design from the UNRWA manager: 

The house we've designed was chosen by UNRWA to be rebuilt, and the supervisor of the camp have chosen our design to be given to the architects who are responsible for the project, he added that the way we managed the small space and its surroundings in a way that was sufficient and comfortable for the family was really successful, and that the project has reflected reality to a great extent, and such an experienced should be taken as a good example of how building in the camp should be achieved. As for the owner of the house , he was very pleased to see that all of his needs were accomplished in such a small area, he also liked that his house has a distinctive typology within it’s context.