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University : An-Najah National University
Tutor(s) : Dr Hasan Al-Qadi, Dr Waseem Salameh, and Dr Khaled Qamhieh.
Project Description
The Gaza Strip has been under wars for years. that negatively affects the people’s mental health. this cause “invisible wounds” in the form of psychological trauma. Causing high percentages of people with post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a psychological disorder that afflicts people who are exposed to a traumatic event caused by war. This project suggests creating a wellness centre which aims to provide those suffering from PTSD with support by integrating them into society using psychological and social treatment. This will ensure that they can overcome their trauma and its effects on them, and will enable them to return to being active members in society Studies have been conducted on victims with PTSD, and the therapy mechanisms used to treat them ;to understand the architectural requirements necessary to achieve goals for the individual and society. It’s an architectural design that constitutes a “birth” for the lives of the victims- hence the name “Milad”. It is an integrated centre that carries the individual on a journey of psychological recovery from the impact of trauma in a calm, natural environment. During the recovery process, the centre aims to develop the victim’s necessary social and economic skills- in addition to psychological treatment- empowering them socially and economically.
The first question was: How can architecture be a form of medicine? So the design relied the concept of Healing Architecture. Firstly choosing the right location: the seashore. According to various studies, the seashore- its view, smell, and sound- can be very beneficial for one’s mental state. A building was designed facing the sea in order to integrate with nature, so the sea environment overlaps with the architectural spaces and creates continuous visual communication between the individual and nature.
The design is simple and basic, which is necessary to the patient’s treatment. Two floors were designed with two perpendicular axes. The axis heading towards the sea represents the clinical psychological treatment journey and aims to push the injured towards walking in the middle of the sea which enhances recovery. Through experiencing the environment with others, individuals will build strong relationships with each other. The axis ends with a group a panoramic view therapy hall with a circular projection that symbolizes unity, allowing people to share their similar experiences through group conversations. The Amphitheater provides a unique experience of relaxation to get rid of painful memories. On the transverse axis, rectangular spaces with glass facades were designed and spaced from each other to allow visual contact with the sea to help recovery by nature.
The building’s design seeks to produce a person who is psychologically healed from the impact of war, socially enhanced, productive, and economically empowered by creating spaces that provide opportunities to learn traditional crafts, like stitching. This helps the individual’s sense of his ability to produce and work. also preserving traditional crafts and revive them. An aquaponics farm was designed with PV panels roof to get energy. This is the Horticultural Therapy which gives the patients a sense of calm and learn new skills. It helps them to avoid farming in the soil because it is contaminated with toxic materials from the remnants of war. By farming on rooftops to exploit spaces due to the high population density and supports self-sufficiency and get an organic food free of toxic substances and chemical fertilizers.
Established in 2012, Tamayouz Excellence Award is an unaffiliated, independent initiative that aims to advance the profession of architecture academically and professionally. Tamayouz is dedicated to supporting aspirational and transformative projects that tackle local and global challenges and that are informed by a holistic understanding of context.