Vernacular Kahn Younis

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Gaza

1 Neighborhood Mosque within urban fabric 2 19th century Egyption covered market street

3 Contemporary covered markets with housing above 4 Traditional urban fabric with courtyards and street patterns

The name assigned to this island development gains its meaning from the language of the master plan and design. Each attempts to bridge contemporary planning and a vernacular architectural language with the culture of the Middle East. This design softens grid systems, responds to lower population densities, celebrates the pedestrian markets with historical references, private courtyards and cultural experience that was inherent in past cities of the region. In doing so it also responds to Climate and Environmental concerns. The overall plan is developed in multiple phases.

With clear distinctive zones for small neighborhoods, housing, markets, cultural facilities, waterways, pedestrian green areas and open public spaces, its human scale and community is evident. It's intention is a comfortable cultural responsive living environment that is also a plan for 21st century needs.

Closer to the mainland than other schemes, filled land would quickly expand new housing toward the mainland. Phasing includes mainland growth.

Project Design Team: Michael Gersht, Christopher Nardi, Akta Patel, Martina Ruhfass