Omar Zayed

Desettling

Environmental Design

2024

A project proposes a dynamic, time-processed landscape intervention in the heart of Al Tira, now known as Tirat Al Karmel, situated 7 km from downtown Haifa within the historically and culturally rich context of historic Palestine. The initiative aims to metaphorically and materially reclaim and restore the cultural landscape of my mother’s ancestral village, a poignant site of historical displacement and ethnic cleansing. By strategically utilizing methods such as the selective demolition of non-historic structures and the controlled introduction of both invasive and indigenous plant species, this design seeks to ‘desettle’ and rejuvenate the ruins of the demolished village. This approach not only rekindles the community’s connection to its agricultural roots but also acts as a profound mechanism for narrative reclamation and healing, effectively countering the historical narratives of displacement and loss. The project is committed to honoring and revitalizing the deep-seated historical and cultural identities of this land, thereby nurturing a renewed sense of belonging and fortifying community resilience.