Through the design of 7 libraries within existing buildings in 7 Palestinian camps, we value importance of working on design projects in camps or informal areas. Such spatial interventions highlight the possibilities informality offers to the practice of architecture and urban design. Informal urbanism challenges design tools since land and building is not determined by laws and state institutions, but rather by informal activities and social transactions.
Team
Ahmad Khouja
Abir Saksouk
Partners
Assabil Association and Taawon
We have designed seven public libraries within existing buildings in seven Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon: Nahr al-Bared, Beddawi, Burj al-Barajneh, Ain al-Hilweh, Bass, Burj al-Shamali, and Rashidieh. We have also developed a guide that promotes libraries and guides visitors through a graffiti project on specific walls, in partnership with young women and men from the camp and library leaders.