This International Peace and Cooperation Center (IPCC) and UN Habitat studio focused on design projects in existing public spaces with the objective of producing incremental and self-directed actions aimed towards increasing social capital, commercial opportunity and urban liveability.
The three week studio enabled participants to explore opportunities for creating public spaces using...
This International Peace and Cooperation Center (IPCC) and UN Habitat studio focused on design projects in existing public spaces with the objective of producing incremental and self-directed actions aimed towards increasing social capital, commercial opportunity and urban liveability.
The three week studio enabled participants to explore opportunities for creating public spaces using different transformation actions accordingly to existing context. Public space has the potential for urban revival, place making, social reconciliation and social interactions, and through the studio we developed guidelines for public space enhancement in East Jerusalem.
Prior to developing projects, participants were introduced to the official planning policy of East Jerusalem to gain a better understanding of the overall context. IPCC provided input on the goals, activities and information considered necessary to understand the social and economic context. Preliminary lectures were given by local professionals from different backgrounds in relevant fields to promote a multi-disciplinary approach.
It was important to have a strong theoretical background which was enhanced through talks about good practices from different cities. A theoretical framework for development in East Jerusalem was established during programme by taking into consideration relevant theory and local circumstances.
Designing tangible projects provided participants with better insights into the relation between practice and theory, and contributed to a more integrated approach when defining final outcomes. Final projects were presented to the local communities and they served as a platform for future IPCC activities in the urban development of East Jerusalem.
