Developing Simple and Economic Buildings in the Gaza Strip Using Minimalist Architecture Principles

Abstract

The term minimalism is used to describe a trend in design and architecture where the subject is reduced to its necessary elements. In terms of architecture and for the purposes of this thesis, the concept of minimalist architecture is described in the following way: To strip everything down to its essential quality and achieve simplicity, by sorting out highest priority architectural requirements are, and then to do the possibly least to achieve them. Other aspects of this trend are using basic and elemental geometric forms, raw materials, and the repetitions of structures which represent a sense of order and essential quality. Such a description fits with the majority of residential buildings in the Gaza Strip which are known for their unfinished concrete plastered repeated grey boxes, as well as using simple building details. After the end of "Al-Furqan" Battle (Operation Cast Lead), January 2009, thousands of buildings were totally destroyed or partially damaged and needed to be rebuilt or rehabilitated again. The unstable economic situation, shortages in construction materials, and lack of access to raw building materials as a result of the blockade, are some of the related problems prevalent in the Strip which necessitate using such approach of building design principles. Minimalist architecture is characterized by an economy with materials and a focus on building quality with considerations for ‘essences’ as light, form, detail of material, texture, space and scale, place and human conditions. The shortage of building materials often forces families to build back lower quality homes, therefore Palestinian architects working in the field should seek the essence and simplicity by rediscovering the valuable qualities of simple and humble materials, capturing their raw beauty and accepting their harshness. This thesis investigates how to validate the existing simple objects around us and minimal spaces we live in. And how to use minimalist architecture principles as a guideline for designing, constructing and rehabilitating economic buildings tailored to the community's needs and preferences. A major concern is how a minimal language could help in the existing situation here in the Gaza Strip. Analytical methodology is used and had been divided into the following categories: review of literature, three examples of minimalist projects, analysis of the existing minimal situation in the Gaza Strip, one working and one building case studies and a questionnaire. In response to the objectives of this thesis, the main outcome of the research is that: adopting minimalist architecture in the Gaza Strip, Palestine will effectively lead to more economic, easier to build, more simple and livable buildings with better attitudes.