Red Ants

Response

The main aim of our architectural and planning response will thus do its best to bring out the heritage significance of Ein Hud, while suggesting a development that is sustainable for the years to come. In short, to carry out this aim, a selected area within the old nucleus of Ein Hud will be designated as the 'Heritage Area'. The areas outside of this area will be redeveloped for sustainable growth.

Heritage Area including the New Multifunctional Building

The history background of Ein Hud makes its heritage most significant. The heritage of Ein Hud is what makes the place meaningful, especially to the people who once called Ein Hud home. In the heritage area, existing buildings will be retained for monumental purpose, and as a reminder of the histories and memories of Ein Hud. It will serve as the core of timeless and nostalgic love for the place that is so dear to the heart of past Ein Hud residence. Spiritual Extension In the heritage area, while preserving the idea of the heritage, the area would also encourage

spiritual extension.

The idea of the continuation of a cultural spirit is important. It represents the years of struggle to enable Ein Hud to have its recognition today and the strength for Ein Hud's future. To symbolize this, the mosque will represents the start of this cultural spirit, walking through the existing building to reach the new multifunctional building placed at the other end of the heritage area as an extension of this spirit. To the people of Ein Hud, the mosque stand for their spiritual beliefs, their culture and families tradition. The new multi-functional building is an extension of this spirit and culture. The existing buildings thus serve as personal and village memories of the past, linking the mosque to the new building.

New Multifunctional Building

The Palestinian head band is used as a symbol for the new multifunctional building. The Palestinian head band represents a cultural identification of the Palestinian people. The New Multifunctional Centre is designed into sections creating semi open or enclosed space for daily gatherings. It includes an Ein Hud information centre, an open theatre space that could also act as the city hall. There is also an artist studio, and indoor/ outdoor exhibition spaces to encourage the traditional artist culture of Ein Hud. Also there will be an educational facility and a library for learning.

Land Use and Housing Redevelopment (Area outside the Heritage Area)

In general, Ein Hud locates itself on the slope of hills. To the north, south and east are hills, and to the west is a gentler slope. In addition the main access road and the closest town Ein Hod is to the west.

Naturally, the future growth for Ein Hud would be advised to grow towards the west. Outside the Heritage Area, the land will be redeveloped following a principle made up of modules 20m x 20m. The reason for the module is to enforce a certain grid control, but allowing internally flexibility. On this grid the immediate area around the heritage area will be use for tourism, commerce development, as well as schools and medical clinics. The areas extending outwards will be new housing, private and public open spaces.

New Housing Principles

Where the module of the grid is designated for housing development, the follows applies. The module begins with 1 unit of housing in the middle of the site, this maybe for a single person with a dog. As the single becomes a couple, then grows into a family, new units have the flexibility to expand from the middle unit orthogonally. As a result there will be spaces between these units which their uses can be divided into public or private open spaces, landscaping or parking. This will result in a community with many houses, voids and open spaces. Including in this 20m x 20m module will be a 1m buffer around the edge, which when combined with other 1m buffers from the adjacent module, pedestrian roads will be created. Local roads will also be designated through blocking out certain modules on the grid.

Land Uses

Area for Commerce development, Medical Centre, and Tourism development will also be nominated along the grid for the ease of control. These areas locate around the heritage area as a second layer of the town's focus. Around these developments will be the housing development. The proposed housing allows for more dwellings with a smaller household. These provide a more spacious living and make better use of voids between dwellings for common or private open spaces. The agricultural area will remain in its current location.

Conclusion

This architectural and planning response is truly about cherishing Ein Hud's heritage while moving towards a new sustainable growth for Ein Hud.

Designating an appropriate area and size for heritage will ensure this particular area be respected and protected in the years to come. Should the heritage area be scattered, it will be too difficult to enforce total control. Should it have been too large, it will prevent certain land to be redeveloped. The nominated heritage area will be treasured for its spiritual and cultural significance. Further, the module grid development will provide a control yet flexible system for Ein Hud's growth. Without this kind of order, planning for Ein Hud may proof to be chaotic and unsustainable. The heritage area together with the module development should be able to transform Ein Hud into a town that has a deep, meaningful soul as well as a strong future development.