The impact of Community Knowledge on the Management of Renovation of Historical Buildings projects in the Gaza Strip

Abstract

This research studies the impact of Community Knowledge on the management of renovation of historical building projects in El Darj Neighborhood- in the old city of Gaza, from the perspectives of the public people reside in or work there. The study measures the level of current knowledge, level of awareness and Interest and level of Participation and Influence of the research sample to conclude the impact of their community knowledge on the management of renovation of historical buildings projects. The descriptive, analytical method used and utilized both primary and secondary sources. A structured questionnaire was specially designed for this study, in addition to a semi structured interviews were conducted with experts in the field of Renovation of Historical Buildings, to achieve the objectives of the study. The main findings of the research were: Community Knowledge affects the management of renovation of historical buildings in the Gaza Strip, by nearly 67.06%. Further, the study concluded that there are no differences in the response of the study sample, due to the respondents personal traits (gender, purpose of the residency). Furthermore, The study concluded that there are differences in the response of the study sample, due to the respondent’s personal traits (Age, educational level, work status, residency place, status of residency place, residency period). The main recommendations of the research were: First: initiating of local campaign, this will be set up to promote the value of historical buildings, with a focus on the promotion of successful renovation projects to attract people's attention. Second: further awareness raising programs using media and on site workshop and curriculum for the public people, community members, youth and children to ensure favorable practices, instead of negative behaviors which could lead to either distortion or destruction of historic buildings. Third: providing incentives for the owners of historical buildings, to make them agree on the renovation of their historical building. Fourth: capacity building programs for workers in the renovation of historical buildings, and facilitate their access to the associated raw materials, modern tools, equipment’s and techniques in the field of renovation. Fifth: more attention should be paid to community involvement in the renovation process of historical buildings, in order to ensure the continuity of the impact of these projects after its completion, and to draw the attention of the society towards the value and importance of the buildings. Sixth: activating the role of government bodies in monitoring the historic buildings, to reduce the encroachment on historical buildings or any irregularities. Further, activating laws and legislation related to preservation of historical buildings. Seventh: special projects should be implemented to install signs, instructions and guidelines in the areas around the historical buildings, as well as publishing maps, brochures about the historical buildings. Eighth: developing a national plan for the renovation of historical buildings in the Gaza Strip.