Khan Younis in the Southern Gaza Strip, 4 September 2024. Photo: Hatem Khaled 26 Mar 2025
19:30 - 21:30
Reconstruction and Spatial Justice in Palestine
On 26 March, Framer Framed hosts Reconstruction and Spatial Justice in Palestine, a critical seminar interrogating the role of architecture in reproducing cycles of destruction and domination in Palestine. This event is part of a broader solidarity and knowledge sharing initiative and seminar series aiming to deepen the exploration of architecture’s complicity in perpetuating spatial injustices in Palestine and beyond.
The evening challenges the narratives surrounding architectural reconstruction in Gaza, a part of Palestine that has been subjected to cycles of Israeli violence, destruction, and subsequent rounds of reconstruction since 2006. Previous campaigns of Gaza’s reconstruction have been framed as post-wartime acts of hope and international support, a notion embraced uncritically within much of public and architectural discourse. However, reconstruction strategies in Gaza are not solely about rebuilding homes or infrastructure, they have been historically wielded by those in power to reinforce domination over the Palestinian peoples.
Previous strategies have left local Palestinian groups behind, sidelining the lived experiences, agency, and voices of Gaza’s residents. Instead, the machinations of nation states, as well global financial and institutional actors such as the World Bank and the United Nations, have directed and implemented their agendas within reconstruction campaigns in Gaza. The proposal to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop the territory into a luxury destination – framed as the ‘Riviera of the Middle East’ – has underscored the explicit colonial ambitions driving such policies.
The stark reality of reconstruction forces spatial practitioners to confront a profound dilemma: while rebuilding shelters and infrastructures are urgent and necessary, reconstruction is fundamentally a politically compromised process. Within the broader discourse of spatial justice, how can architects and spatial practitioners navigate the deeply political frameworks of reconstruction to challenge, rather than perpetuate, systems of domination and control? How can architecture serve as a tool for resistance and emancipation, fostering dignity and autonomy for local communities while addressing the urgent needs of rebuilding amidst ongoing violence and occupation?
This programme brings together practitioners who critically unpack the socio-economic and political dimensions of reconstruction and challenge its conventional frameworks. It will include presentations by Saba Innab, an architect, urban researcher, and artist based in Amman and Beirut; and Muhannad Ayyash, professor of sociology at Mount Royal University in Calgary. The evening will be moderated by architect and researcher Nama’a Qudah.
Architecture and design students, along with young and established spatial practitioners, are especially encouraged to attend and participate in this vital conversation.
This event is in English. Admission is free.
Register here
This seminar series is supported by the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR). The first seminar in the series, Architecture and Spatial Justice in Palestine, was additionally supported and hosted by the Independent School for the City, Rotterdam. These seminars are organised as part of a larger knowledge dissemination solidarity action being developed by an international group of committed spatial and/or cultural practitioners based in the Netherlands. The group includes Arna Mačkić, Lada Hršak, Ali T. As’ad, René Boer, Nick Axel, Saja Amro, Saskia van Stein, and Nama’a Qudah.
Do you think programmes like this should remain free and accessible? Please consider supporting us with a donation when registering through Stager or by becoming a Framer Framed Friend!
This event may be photographed and filmed. Kindly let us know in advance if you prefer not to have your picture taken.
Framer Framed is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; Amsterdam Fund for the Arts; Municipality of Amsterdam; and VriendenLoterij Fonds.
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Midden-Oosten / Omstreden erfgoed / Palestina /
Exposities
Expositie: Past Disquiet
Samengesteld door Kristine Khouri and Rasha Salti, deze documentaire- en archieftentoonstelling belicht een gedeelde geschiedenis van politiek geëngageerde kunstenaars en initiatieven
Agenda
Symposium: Stressing Solidarity - Witnessing Palestine through Art and Architecture
Een symposium over Palestijnse kunst en erfgoed geïnitieerd door de Teach-in Series werkgroep van de Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis
Netwerk
Nama’a Qudah
Onderzoeker
Saba Innab
Architect, Kunstenaar
