As a means to assist with the regeneration process in Birzeit’s historic centre, an architectural design competition is currently set up to design the main four entrances into the historic centre as well as some selected public spaces along the two main routes.
This competition was initiated by Golzari - NG Architects (NGA) as a collaborative event between Riwaq, UNESCO, Central Saint Martins of Art & Design (University of the Arts) in London, and various Palestinian universities in the West Bank.
The aim of the competition is to celebrate the entrances to the historic centre and connect it with the richly layered cultural landscape which lies around, while at the same time addressing contemporary issues of cultural identity on the regional level. The outcome will lead to an actual design intervention that can improve the quality of life and help with the regeneration and development of the old quarter of Birzeit.
A group of 67 students from London and Palestine took part in a week of fieldwork in Birzeit in November 2009 to discuss the regeneration strategy for the town and come up with some initial ideas that might further enhance it.
This competition is funded by UNESCO and Riwaq.