Tamayouz Excellence Award

MEET OUR FINALISTS: WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION 2024 – AMAL ABUELHAWA

In this series of interviews, we meet the finalists shortlisted for the 2024 Women in Architecture and Construction Award. These women have made outstanding contributions to architecture and the built environment across the Near East and North Africa. The award features two categories: Rising Star and Woman of Outstanding Achievement.

This interview features Amal Abuelhawa a Palestinian architect renowned for her unwavering dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Old Cities in Palestine, particularly Jerusalem and Nablus.

Here, Amal will discuss her journey in preserving Palestinian cultural heritage, the challenges of balancing preservation with modern needs, and the importance of community involvement in her projects.

Your work focuses heavily on preserving the cultural heritage of Old Cities in Palestine, particularly Jerusalem and Nablus. What initially drew you to this field, and how has your perspective evolved?

My journey into the field of cultural heritage preservation began with a deep-rooted connection to the history and identity of Palestine. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the rich cultural tapestry of the old cities in Palestine—particularly Jerusalem—each bearing the marks of countless generations and civilisations. However, it wasn’t just admiration that drew me to this work—it was the realisation that these invaluable cultural assets were at risk due to ongoing conflict, urbanisation, and neglect.

I initially saw preservation as a technical challenge—restoring buildings and conserving heritage. But over time, I understood that it’s more than maintaining physical structures. It’s about safeguarding a people’s collective memory and identity, ensuring that future generations can connect with their history.

I now integrate community involvement and educational initiatives into preservation projects to create a more holistic impact. Preservation is as much about empowering local communities as preserving buildings. 

Restoring historic sites often involves a delicate balance between preservation and modern needs. Can you share a project where you faced this challenge and how you approached it?

Restoring the Islamic Orphanage Complex in Jerusalem (Dar Al Aytam al Islamiya) was one of the most challenging projects due to the balance needed between preservation and modern functionality. The complex dates back to the Mamluk and early Ottoman periods and has seen several construction phases, including modern additions.

Rather than just focusing on technical restoration, the key challenge was convincing the administration to remove modern concrete additions actively used as classrooms. After several discussions, we secured support from all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education. We reorganised the school’s schedule into morning and evening shifts to allow for the removal of the modern additions while maintaining the building’s function.

We also worked on redistributing internal spaces to recover their former shape without altering the original building components. This allowed us to maintain the integrity of the historical layout while adapting it to contemporary needs.

We replaced the concrete rooms in front of the main gates with newly designed gates made from insulated glass with metal protection. These gates allow natural light while safeguarding against weather conditions. This change restored the site’s architectural integrity, reduced condensation, and improved the environment for students.

This three-million-dollar project was a remarkable success, and in 2004, it received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture as part of the Jerusalem Programme for the Rehabilitation of Old City Neighbourhoods.

As the Manager of the Jerusalem Old Cities Revitalization Programme, you’ve played a key role in empowering local communities. Can you describe the community involvement aspect of your projects and why it’s so crucial?

Community involvement has been at the heart of our work. Preservation efforts are most successful when driven by the community. The people who live in these historic areas are the true guardians of their cultural heritage, and empowering them to take an active role in restoration ensures the sustainability of these efforts.

In our projects, we gave the local community specific, hands-on roles that allowed them to be more than just observers. For example, in the restoration of the Old City of Jerusalem, we worked closely with community leaders and residents to identify key priorities before starting any work. Locals were involved in the decision-making process, helping us determine how best to restore and use the spaces.

Additionally, we provided training programs for local artisans and laborers, equipping them with the necessary skills to work on the restoration projects themselves. This not only created jobs but also built long-term capacity within the community, ensuring that they could maintain the restored sites in the future. Residents were involved in tasks such as stone masonry, plastering, and restoring historical details under expert supervision.

By involving the community in every stage of the process—from initial planning to physical restoration—we fostered a strong sense of ownership and pride. This ensured that the changes were not only sustainable but also deeply meaningful to the people who live in these areas. Community involvement transformed the restoration projects from technical undertakings into a shared mission of preserving both the physical and cultural heritage of the city. 

 

Can you tell us about the master plan for the Old City of Jerusalem, the role of the Jerusalem Old Cities Revitalization Programme, and the outcome of this important project? What were some of the key challenges you faced, and how did the project impact the local community?

The master plan for the revitalisation of the Old City of Jerusalem was developed over seven years, beginning in 1998 and ending in 2003, with an updated English translation in 2005. As the project coordinator, I oversaw a multidisciplinary team of experts who conducted studies on housing, the architectural and historical evolution of the Old City, infrastructure, tourism, legal frameworks, and socio-economic conditions.

To ensure coordination, we held regular workshops and meetings, which allowed us to establish clear criteria for intervention in the Old City, an area facing numerous challenges. Priorities were defined, and intervention zones were identified based on the buildings’ physical condition, historical significance, structural stability, legal status, and the risk of seizure. This collaborative process resulted in a robust framework for action, centred on four key pillars: restoration, community awareness, training and capacity-building, and documentation through comprehensive databases.

One of the most significant achievements was the creation of the first-ever database for the Old City of Jerusalem, an invaluable tool for preserving its heritage.

While we faced challenges, particularly the constraints of the Israeli occupation, a key outcome was the recognition of the local community’s critical role. By raising awareness and providing training, we empowered residents to participate in conservation actively, ensuring that preservation became a shared responsibility. This approach fostered a sense of ownership, making the community crucial partners in safeguarding their heritage.

The Jerusalem Old Cities Revitalization Programme successfully created a holistic model for architectural conservation, integrating technical restoration with community-driven initiatives. This strategy has had a lasting impact on preserving the cultural and architectural legacy of the Old City while strengthening the community’s role in its protection. 

You’ve combined your technical expertise with leadership to influence heritage conservation practices worldwide. How do you see the role of leadership in driving conservation efforts forward?

Effective leadership in heritage conservation requires technical understanding as well as the ability to guide teams, build consensus, and advocate for sustainable practices.

In leading the Jerusalem Old Cities Revitalization Programme, I aligned diverse stakeholders toward a common goal, requiring empathy and strategic planning. Leadership is about motivating others to share a vision while staying informed about global best practices and adapting them to local contexts.

Leadership in heritage conservation is about driving positive change and ensuring that preservation is effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

 

Besides preservation, your projects aim to ensure that historical structures continue to serve as living parts of their communities. Could you elaborate on how you make these historical sites functional for modern communities?

In my work, preserving historical structures is not just about safeguarding the past, but also ensuring these sites remain relevant and functional for modern communities. I focus on integrating preservation with practical adaptations that meet contemporary needs while maintaining cultural and historical significance.

We repurpose restored buildings into community centres, schools, and cultural hubs, giving them new life while serving daily community needs. These spaces retain their historical character, keeping them vibrant rather than becoming static monuments.

We also upgrade infrastructure—electricity, water, and sanitation—while preserving original architectural features. Modern elements are incorporated discreetly to blend with the historic design, keeping the site functional and true to its heritage.

Engaging the local community in the planning and restoration process is vital. By understanding their needs, we adapt the site to serve them, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

My goal is to ensure that historic structures are not preserved as relics but as dynamic parts of the community that remain meaningful and beneficial for future generations. 

 

How do you integrate community feedback into the design process, and how has this approach evolved over time?

Integrating community feedback has always been a key aspect of my approach to heritage preservation. From the start, we actively involve local communities to ensure our designs reflect the site’s social, cultural, and practical needs. Initially, we gathered input through informal meetings, but this process has evolved over time into a more structured system, incorporating workshops, surveys, and public forums.

For example, during the restoration of a historic public space, local input shaped key design decisions, such as including areas for community events and children’s play spaces. This involvement ensured the project met community needs and fostered a sense of ownership. We’ve built trust and created more sustainable, well-received projects by formally integrating feedback. 

 

What advice would you give to young architects or conservationists who want to follow in your footsteps, particularly those interested in working in challenging places like Palestine?

For young architects and conservationists, especially those working in challenging contexts like Palestine, I recommend cultivating a balance of passion, resilience, and adaptability. Heritage preservation in conflict zones demands more than technical skill—it requires dedication to the mission of protecting cultural identity.

First, immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area you work in. Understanding the deeper significance of heritage sites allows you to make informed, respectful decisions, and it fosters trust with local communities—an essential element in sensitive environments.

Second, adaptability is key. In places like Palestine, challenges such as political instability, limited resources, or funding shortages are common. Cultivating problem-solving skills and learning to innovate with what’s available will help you navigate these obstacles. Creativity is your greatest tool for overcoming even the toughest situations.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of collaboration. Engaging with local communities and valuing their input ensures that your projects become more sustainable and meaningful. Preservation is about more than buildings—it’s about people, and their active participation makes all the difference.

Above all, stay resilient and passionate. The work you do has a lasting impact—not just on the history you preserve, but on the future of the communities you serve. Your efforts can shape cultural identity for generations to come.

 

Several major cities in the Middle East are working on cultural heritage and presentation projects, looking at these attempts, If you could change one aspect of how heritage conservation is approached, what would it be and why?

If I could change one thing about heritage conservation in the Middle East, it would be the shift from short-term, project-focused efforts to prioritising long-term sustainability and community ownership. While short-term projects may deliver visible results, they often lack the lasting impact to preserve cultural heritage.

Too often, once external funding runs out, restored sites fall into neglect. We need sustainable frameworks where local communities can take an active role in preventing this. Engaging communities ensures their benefit and empowers them to take responsibility for preservation long after the project ends.

Integrating heritage conservation with economic development is one way to ensure long-term success. By offering locals training and employment in restoration and maintenance, we create a vested interest in the ongoing care of these sites. This approach safeguards the physical preservation of sites and empowers the community with skills and responsibility.

Education is another critical factor. Public outreach and school programs that teach heritage sites’ historical and cultural significance can instil a sense of pride and stewardship in future generations, ensuring the preservation efforts continue well into the future.

Ultimately, focusing on sustainability and local ownership will ensure that heritage conservation creates lasting change—not only in preserving buildings but transforming how people connect with and care for their shared history.

 

Can you share a challenge you overcame in your career that, looking back, highlights your persistence and determination?

One of the most significant challenges I faced in my career was protecting historic buildings in Jerusalem’s Old City, largely due to the threats posed by Israeli occupation forces and the pressures these buildings face. A notable example is the project to restore and rehabilitate residential buildings, courtyards, and public spaces around the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which began in 2017 and was completed in 2022.

Leading this project was difficult, as the buildings are located near the Al-Aqsa Mosque, an area heavily restricted by Israeli planning policies. These constraints made the restoration work extremely challenging. However, through persistence, determination, and a strong belief in the importance of preserving the area’s cultural heritage, I successfully guided the team to complete the project, which was recognised with the Sharjah-ICCROM Award.

Amal Abuelhawa - (ICCROM - Sharjah Award 2022)

Another major hurdle was changing the mindset of the beneficiaries, many of whom wanted to alter or expand their homes by removing historic elements. It was vital to raise community awareness about the importance of preserving these structures. Through ongoing discussions and awareness programmes, we helped the community see the value of maintaining the original architecture, which became a model of success.

Despite the challenges, we restored and rehabilitated eight historic buildings, some dating back over 800 years to the Mamluk period. The restoration efforts also extended beyond the buildings, as we worked to revitalise the surrounding area and raise awareness within the community.

The restoration of the Al Khaldeiyeh Facade in the Old City of Jerusalem stands as a significant achievement in the preservation of cultural heritage. The facade, which is part of a historic building complex, had suffered from deterioration due to time, environmental factors, and neglect. Its intricate Mamluk-era architectural details were at risk of being lost.

Looking back on your career and the work you’ve done, what do you hope your lasting impact will be, both within your field and on the communities you’ve served?

Looking back on my career, I hope my lasting impact will be twofold: within the field of heritage conservation and on the communities I have served.

In my field, I aspire to have contributed to the evolution of heritage preservation by demonstrating that it’s possible to blend historical integrity with modern needs through innovative approaches. My goal has been to push the boundaries of conservation, focusing not only on preserving the past but also on enriching the future. By sharing the successful models and lessons I’ve gained from my projects, I hope to inspire other professionals to adopt more holistic and sustainable approaches.

For the communities I’ve served, I hope to leave a legacy of revitalised cultural heritage that strengthens local identity and pride. I want the historical sites and buildings I’ve worked on to become vibrant, functional spaces that enhance community life and offer educational and cultural benefits. By engaging local communities in the preservation process, I aim to foster a deeper appreciation and stewardship of their cultural heritage.

Ultimately, I hope my work will help preserve the rich tapestry of our history while creating tangible, positive impacts on the communities that cherish these sites. In doing so, I hope to ensure that our shared heritage continues to inspire and connect people for future generations.

Meet Our Finalists series is a compilation of interviews with those who have been shortlisted for our awards. Amal Abuelhawa is a finalist for the Women in Architecture and Construction Award, which recognises women who have made outstanding contributions to architecture and the built environment across the Near East and North Africa.

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