Conservation Unit

This unit is the backbone of RIWAQ and is considered the most dynamic. RIWAQ has always attempted at renovating historic buildings to present pioneer renovation examples. These examples portray important messages: the renovation and rehabilitation of old buildings is not impossible, old buildings in most cases are suitable for reuse for various activities.
>sRIWAQ has worked, over the past years, with many institutions on renovating historic buildings. These buildings were rehabilitated to use as cultural or youth centres. RIWAQ realizes that this unit has great potential and energy but is limited compared to the size of work required to protect thousands of valuable historic buildings. Accordingly the importance of this unit lies in initiating pioneer projects varying in geographic distribution, functions, project size and beneficiaries.
The year 2002 can be called the year of renovation in RIWAQ. Madafet Khirbit Qais (Khirbit Qais Guesthouse), Salfit District, was renovated with the support of the World Vision Association. The most important event was an agreement with Sida to renovate eight buildings and to create jobs in the West Bank. What is noteworthy is that some institutions and organizations, which were looking for locations and preferred modern buildings, have adopted RIWAQ's message and have come to realize the importance of renovating and reusing old buildings which can cater for various functions.

Following are some Conservation projects:

Young Scientist Club Computer Centre - Al Bireh
Supervision: Architect Yara Al Shareef

The Young Scientist Club has asked RIWAQ to renovate parts of their quarters to use as a computer centre. After the preparation of appropriate studies and documents, work started on the project in the summer of 2002 and continued for three month. A number of rooms were renovated on the ground floor of the old building which is located in Al Bireh city. And it was set up for a computer centre which caters for a large group of children and youth.

Village Council Centre - Beit Ijz
Supervision: Architect Fida' Touma

After a series of meetings and lectures with the village Council at Beit Ijza, the Council requested RIWAQ to renovate an old building which they had rented on long term. The building and the plaza around it were renovated to become the permanent centre for the Council. Work on this project was completed summer 2002.

Deir Istia Child Centre
Supervision: Architect Khaldoun Bshara.

Deir Istia Municipality is considered one of the most dynamic and active municipalities in the protection of cultural and architectural properties. In this context an agreement was reached between the Municipality of Deir Istia and RIWAQ to renovate a courtyard inside the old town and to turn it into a child centre. This project found great appraisal and encouragement from the local residents. Work on this project was finished in November 2002.

Taybeh Municipality Library - 'Eliyyet Alkawaneh
(Alkawaneh Attic)
Supervision: Architect Mouhannad Hadid

This project was selected after a series of meetings with the municipal council and town residents. The building chosen was built in 1864, it is a public property originally an attic and a guesthouse (madafeh) for the Alkawaneh family. The building was renovated in the year 2002 and became the public library at the Municipality.

Bitunia Women Charitable - Bitunia
Supervision: Architect Farhat Yousef

As part of reaching out to as many segments of the society as possible and to diverse functions, a charitable organization was renovated. They chose a traditional old house of two stories (qaa' and rawiyeh) as well as an attic and a front garden, the work on The Women of Bitunia Charitable Organization has been completed. RIWAQ hopes, through this project, that the local residents of the town will take initiative to renovate all adjacent buildings.

The Old Ottoman Courthouse Building - Ramallah Museum
Supervision: Architect Khaldoun Bshara and Dr. Suad Amiry

This building, known as the Ottoman Courthouse, is considered one of the oldest historic buildings in the city of Ramallah, it is unique for its style and location. RIWAQ has always wanted to renovate and protect this building, which has finally become feasible as the Municipality of Ramallah has taken possession of it to establish a cultural centre and child museum on its grounds. This project is considered one of the biggest in the year 2002, it is anticipated that the renovation works will be complete in the first quarter of the year 2003.

Beit Reema Cultural Youth Centre
Supervision: Architect Khaldoun Bshara

A number of houses and courtyards were renovated in Beit Reema after they were rented, for long term, by a cultural centre as quarters. The centre and the residents of Beit Reema are interested in protecting the old buildings by reusing them, which is the highlight of this particular project. This project started end of the year 2002 and the completion of renovation is anticipated in the first quarter of 2003.

BirZeit Children Library
Supervision: Architect Fida' Touma

At the end of the year 2002, renovation works started on one of the old buildings owned by the Municipality of BirZeit to host the children library. This building is located in a beautiful architectural environment, RIWAQ hopes that this project will be a real motive to protect all old buildings in BirZeit and the surrounding villages, and to use them for vital functions.