Sebastien Penfornis

The plan acts on different scales and issues:

1- Regional scale: networks and park

Basic sustenance needs are being slowly solved: a legal water system has been arranged. The Association of 40 goes on fighting on a legal level for total recognition and subsequent equipment (post, administrative rights, representation...). Beside these elementary needs, Ein Hud deserves an identity that has been lost in 1948, a place and a role in the existing networks: a village among other villages, properly linked to the main roads, a halt in the Carmel national park. For several reasons (habits, economical dimension, practicality, and respect of the latest master plan), the existing road network has been used and reinforced. The main road is cleaned up, enlarged and extended to the north to reach the existing network to Derliyat El-Karmel. It also forms the spine of the village, and as such is the link between important poles: schools, the mosque and the community center. Secondary roads distribute all the plots. The park and the neighboring villages have been devastated by fire in 1998. By creating a network of watching towers on several heights, control will be eased. Ein Hud is located on such a height, and can act to protect the common weal. This new type of relationship with the national park is strengthened by specific functions introduced in the village. ON: common sense in the master plan is integrated OFF: Ein Hud places itself in a regional network, interacts with other Jewish and Arab communities, and plays a role in the life of Carmel National Park

2- Local planning:

Ein Hud master plan the proposed master plan is not satisfying for several reasons: extremely tight area, excessive hold of the military zone, inadequate plot system when considering topography and population growth, weakness in terms of quality of life and development. In order to obtain a satisfying freedom to do things, the proposed masterplan is accepted. The discussions can then concentrate on gaining a larger agricultural field on the South slope. ON: the master plan is accepted (in order to show good will and to be able to negotiate some adjustments). The plot system is respected, with some minor changes according to natural topography and existing elements (stairs...). New implantations appear in designated zones. OFF: the proposed plot system exists only on paper. The “minor changes” are made following topography en tend to create large terraces. Terraces are traditional farming devices and have landscape and ecological qualities. They are delimited by stonewalls that form the starting point of a possible real plot system. Inhabitants themselves can subdivide these terraces, according to family relations and different various needs. This system allows common vegetable gardens or orchards, and thus a more effective autarkical economy. This plot system also enables larger houses for extended family. What is proposed for now is a house in the middle of a square lot, where no extension is possible. Terraces are by nature long, and growth is there multi-directional.

3- Local camouflage: the new agricultural terraces

ON:the terraces are extended to the South, where they become agricultural land bordered by large paths. A water system provides a more effective land use, and small storage spaces exist underground. OFF: considering the rapid growth of Ein Hud population, terraces will eventually become housing areas. Water points and underground storages form the starting point for various housing typologies. But before these constructions become official, the system can be used for camping facilities (which means camping in the village), or even as illegal and hidden underground lodgings. The idea is to create a new type of garden cities, in harmony with environment.

4- Local resistance: the military zone

By its location, altitude and size, the military zone dominates and controls Ein Hud. It forms a no man’s land right in the heart of the village and limits its expansion. ON: the military zone stays as such. OFF: the public spaces (the community center, the main square, parking lots) are located around the military zone, creating a buffer zone between it and the village, a “wall” around the no man’s land. The municipality center wall is a terrace, empty but accessible from below. It is the only flat zone of considerable surface in the village, and will hopefully be appropriated by informal activities (children playing football, small markets, demonstration, village fairs...). From the municipality center, the colonization can start and eventually extend to the military zone.

5- Functions and resistance: the community center

The community center consists of: the city hall, a library, a multipurpose room, shops, a clinic, a smaal museum on archeological resources and a fire prevention watching tower. It forms the heart of the village pubic life, and is bordered to the north by a square that is the link to the main road. Its location gives great views and is a landmark in the village. ON: the community center gives body to administrative functions, and cleans up the current improvised situation. OFF: these functions hide other that aim at giving the village opportunities to find its own way of developing. First, the community center is the Association of 40’s headquarters, a resistance space where one can gather information and coordinate actions for the recognition of Arab villages. This office is not officially declared, and takes advantage of the other functions facilities. Architecturally speaking, it is formed by pieces of the others programs, linked together by a system of unnoticeable doors: the city hall board room and offices are used, the backside of the library offers legal literature and media support, the multi-purpose room is used for gatherings and exhibitions, in the body of the tower is an antenna that allows a radio to emit from Ein Hud. Uncovered, the village will become an important supportive point. Shops storage offer temporary accommodation. The office is open to tourists as well when, visiting the museum, they go through the wrong door, and find themselves engaged in a discussion on Israeli planning policy. Following the same concept, but for an economic development, the clinic equipment allows fast archeological scientific tests (C14 datation for example). The garden located inside the center actually is a botanical zoo, where local species are collected, protected, analyzed and listed. It functions as a vegetal bank, and helps against the radical nature transformation, a consequence of the State of Israel’s political agenda. Seeds are being sold.

6- Economic boost: tourism

ON: there is no specific program for the development of tourism activity. OFF: terraces to the south are used as camping area, the museum and the research facilities gives Ein Hud a place in the national park

7- Quality of life: a green village

ON: the plan improves the general quality by offering basic needs and standard equipment. OFF: as described above, thanks to the botanical garden, the terrace systems, new public spaces, Ein Hud has become a green village, offering its inhabitants not a copy of the lost Ein Hod, but another form of living, in accordance to basic traditional and yet relevant principles.

The proposal gives Ein Hud citizens a proper living environment, functional and economic specificities for development, and tools to regain control on their land. It is also a hope that some -for now- underground activities will help them to win this political game.