Conservation projects have been and continue to be a
central tool in disseminating Riwaq’s message to the
community. Since 1994, Riwaq has been accumulating
experience and developing a proficiency in conservation
know-how through its implementation of more than 100
projects. It is Riwaq’s objective to ultimately renovate
at least one building in each village and town in the
West Bank and, hopefully, Gaza. These projects
illustrate how old buildings can be remained to suit
modern needs, that traditional building techniques are
applicable, and that conservation can be more
economically justifiable than erecting new structures.
Until 2002, Riwaq relied on commissions from other
organizations to conserve buildings for those
organizations' use. In 2002, Riwaq initiated the Job
Creation through Conservation Project with the full
support of SIDA. This project enabled Riwaq to work on
conservation, community participation, and development
in a concomitant manner.
The majority of restored buildings house public
services. Although privately owned, these buildings have
been leased by their owners to public organizations such
as village councils, local community based organizations
and NGOs that were in a need for spaces to offer their
services. Uses range from cultural centers, community
centers, women associations, child activity centers to
clinics and schools. Restoring these building for public
uses is a living example of the ability of abandoned
historic structures to give back to the community by
re-assuming a role in people’s everyday life. Such
centers have also become nodes for connection between
several communities and across several trails as they
have become attraction centers for cultural and
community activities. They have attracted activities to
places and spaces that were off the mainstream map and
have served as spaces for new forms of social
interaction.
Riwaq combines
technical skills and knowhow
with a community oriented approach to create such
spaces; while also keeping an eye on the direct
short-term impact of job creation and economic revival
along the process.
This website was funded by the Arab Fund for Arts and
Culture
