Urban transformations in the historical Centre of Bethlehem

Author

Palazzo, Elisa

Source

المؤتمر الدولي الثاني للتراث المعماري : نحو بناء علاقات التعاون و الشراكة بين أوروبا و العالم الإسلامي.

Publisher

Islamic University of Gaza Faculty of Engineering

Publication Date

2010-04-30

Country of Publication

Palestine (Gaza Strip)

No. of Pages

39

Main Subjects

History and Geography

English Abstract

A quick glance at the historic urban fabric of the Bethlehem area and other Palestinian cities presents a chaotic, dense and layered picture.

Due to their complexity, these historic centres can actually be read as a brainteaser, a sort of puzzle made up of partially overlapping, imbricated, and inlaid pieces.

A close examination suggests the possibility of reading between the spaces of this apparent confusion in order to recognise the different textures, thicknesses, materials and historic values that distinguish each piece of the puzzle.

In lack of a suitable cartographical base, the knowledge of the Bethlehem’s morphological development was limited to some general historical notes taken from known documentary sources.

Through an experimental process of reading the cartographical survey produced during the Bethlehem area conservation management plan, this contribution makes an attempt to better understand the town, isolate its primary components and single constitutive elements, and allow its structure to emerge over time.

On the basis of a detailed knowledge of the urban structure, it is possible to establish for the first time a new hypothesis of development in order to understand the consistency of forms and relationships between the different urban parts and contribute to the first proposals for a 'conservation' plan.

Data Type

Conference Papers

Record ID

BIM-775306

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