Minimal adaptive conservation for saving urban memory in conflict areas: Gaza, Palestine

Abstract

Conventional theories of architectural conservation mainly focus on the application of extensive programs and the deployment of large resources, on the authenticity of materials and high-expertise conservation. Usually, they are helpless in dealing with abnormal situations in conflict areas. Few projects attempted to introduce new concepts for architectural conservation in conflict areas with innovative practical implementation. One of these projects was the conservation of Al-Alami house in Gaza, Palestine in 2010 (destroyed by Israel in 2023). Despite the innovative theoretical approach and practical applications used in this project, there is still a need for further development to arrive at a more theoretically sound and practically stronger approach that will still be appropriate for architectural conservation in conflict areas. This research introduces the Minimal Adaptive Conservation for Saving Urban Memory - MACSUM, as a new approach for architectural heritage conservation in conflict and post conflict areas. This approach calls for a shift from material-centred, expert-led restoration and puts the continuity of urban memory and identity in its focus. MACSUM is a theoretical framework that aims to safeguard heritage through minimal intervention, adaptive reuse, and local partnerships. It brings the community as the primary carrier of cultural dignity and urban memory. The research uses case study analysis to examine the application of MACSUM in the preservation of Al-Ashi historical house in Gaza, Palestine. MACSUM highlights the activation of local partnership, incremental conservation, and adaptive reuse as major foundations for conservation in conflict areas. This project demonstrated that the context and innovative conservation approach are of great importance and play a vital role in conservation in conflict areas. This article opens the door for future research to develop MACSUM and to examine its applications in other conflict areas like Syria and Ukraine.