Abstract
Abstract: the aim of this paper is to appraise consequences of demolition in war-torn countries and examine how sustainability can be triggered out of rubble that is created. It will discuss reconstruction in war zones, taking Palestine as a case study. The political situation and its impact on construction in Palestine was explained. The study attempts to prioritise procedures and tasks involved in reconstruction, trying to set a suitable framework for sustainable construction.
Collecting information about sustainable construction in conflict zones is challenging, since valid data is difficult to find. The main data collection instruments are a literature review and a group discussion, with ten construction professionals in Palestine. The debate structure was founded on issues in the literature; data reliability was also supported by interviewing five Palestinian experts in construction and an authoritative figure on green building in Palestine. Participants agreed that issues described in literature are applicable in the context of Palestine. Accordingly, a list of consequences of how war affected the construction industry in Palestine was agreed on, and how they hindered the development of sustainable construction. Methods both on private and public
levels were discussed, which aim to create buildings to last, by designing structures that could stand against strikes; thus, using destruction to reconstruct in the right way. Sustainable construction in Palestine should be focusing on high resilience buildings and providing affordable homes. Socio-economic development and planning are needed as post-conflict countries suffer
from destruction, poverty and lack of access to basic needs. It is recommended to build stronger institutions and municipal systems for cities to be able to anticipate, endure and rebound from crisis situations. Identifying risks and preparing suitable plans to mitigate and manage projects will encourage the private sector to invest more in conflict zones, in addition international and
political institutions should provide guarantees for private sector investments.
Collecting information about sustainable construction in conflict zones is challenging, since valid data is difficult to find. The main data collection instruments are a literature review and a group discussion, with ten construction professionals in Palestine. The debate structure was founded on issues in the literature; data reliability was also supported by interviewing five Palestinian experts in construction and an authoritative figure on green building in Palestine. Participants agreed that issues described in literature are applicable in the context of Palestine. Accordingly, a list of consequences of how war affected the construction industry in Palestine was agreed on, and how they hindered the development of sustainable construction. Methods both on private and public
levels were discussed, which aim to create buildings to last, by designing structures that could stand against strikes; thus, using destruction to reconstruct in the right way. Sustainable construction in Palestine should be focusing on high resilience buildings and providing affordable homes. Socio-economic development and planning are needed as post-conflict countries suffer
from destruction, poverty and lack of access to basic needs. It is recommended to build stronger institutions and municipal systems for cities to be able to anticipate, endure and rebound from crisis situations. Identifying risks and preparing suitable plans to mitigate and manage projects will encourage the private sector to invest more in conflict zones, in addition international and
political institutions should provide guarantees for private sector investments.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 14th International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019: |
| Subtitle of host publication | Contemporary and Future Directions in the Built Environment |
| Publisher | University of Salford |
| Pages | 404-416 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781912337309 |
| Publication status | Published - 16 Dec 2019 |
| Event | 14th International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019 - Manchester, United Kingdom Duration: 16 Dec 2019 → 17 Dec 2019 |
Conference
| Conference | 14th International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Manchester |
| Period | 16/12/19 → 17/12/19 |