Academic
Siyah valley, Haifa.
Spring 2015/2016
The project is located in Bustan Khayat, Siyah valley. Bustan Khayat is an early 20th century modernist Bustan, originally owned by the Khayat family, a wealthy Palestinian family from Haifa. During the late 20th century the Bustan was sold to the city hall, which left it in neglect. Today activist groups are trying to bring the Bustan back to life.
The premise of the project is to turn the Bustan into a cultural center, preserving the Palestinian agricultural identity, operating activities for children and families.
Utilizing the Bustan’s existing elements through providing functionality and preserving the element’s characteristics by using complementary materials.
Ground floor (right), First floor (left).
The program is based on educational agricultural activities that preserve the natural Pastoral character of the Bustan.
The project aims to preserve a 1:1 relation between the upper built area and the lower natural part of the Bustan.
