SHIFA' SALAH (Rawabi-Palestine)- LANDSCAPE DESIGN &LONGSTANDING MANAGEMENT: THE EXPERIENCE OF RAWABI

Introduction to the Seminar

Overview of the Event

• The seminar is part of a collaboration between various organizations, including Belgian and Palestinian entities, focusing on urban design concepts for specific locations in Palestine.

• It involves projects from universities and local municipalities aimed at developing green spaces in urban areas like Nablus and Tulkarem.

Format and Participation

• The event is being broadcast live and will also be available online for future reference, allowing broader access to participants.

• Attendees can receive attendance certificates after completing an online exam related to the seminar content.

Speaker Introduction: Engineer Shafa Salah

Background Information

• Engineer Shafa Salah is introduced as a co-founder of a workshop initiative and serves as the Deputy Mayor of Rawabi, with extensive experience in landscape design.

• Her professional background includes roles in engineering operations and facility management within Rawabi's municipal framework.

Presentation Focus: Landscape Design in Rawabi

Key Aspects of Landscape Design

• The presentation will cover landscape design experiences specific to Rawabi, emphasizing how urban planning decisions impact landscape architecture.

• Discussion points include different zones within Rawabi—residential areas, commercial centers, and public spaces—and their unique characteristics affecting design choices.

Materials and Plant Selection

• The presentation will address materials used in landscaping such as paving stones for streets and sidewalks, along with plant selection strategies that enhance visual appeal.

Rawabi City Overview

Urban Planning Principles

• Rawabi is highlighted as a model Palestinian city developed through private sector initiatives with pre-planned urban designs rather than organic growth.

• The city aims to provide comfortable housing alongside essential services like cultural, health, and educational facilities to create a sustainable living environment.

Strategic Location & Development Goals

• With strategic positioning between major cities (Jerusalem, Nablus), Rawabi targets job creation by establishing sectors focused on technology and education.

Municipal Structure & Community Engagement

Establishment of Local Governance

• The municipality was established in 2013 to ensure that expansions align with the city's overall vision while adhering to regulatory standards.

Community Involvement

• After sufficient population growth allowed for elections in 2021, community engagement became crucial for managing infrastructure development sustainably.

Designing Public Spaces

Master Plan Insights

• An overview of the master plan reveals residential areas predominantly marked blue while commercial zones are indicated in pink; this layout supports job opportunities within neighborhoods.

Community Living and Sustainable Design in Urban Areas

Overview of the Community Center and Future Developments

• The concept of a community center, referred to as "Kio Center," is introduced, with plans for additional recreational areas similar to "Wadina," which will serve as public parks for the city.

• Emphasis on sustainable design choices in residential neighborhoods, including material selection and maintenance strategies, highlighting that neighborhoods are owned by residents who have a stake in their upkeep.

Homeowners Association and Maintenance

• Homeowners elect a council to represent them, which contracts maintenance companies to manage communal spaces effectively.

• The role of developers and municipalities is crucial in supporting these initiatives while ensuring adherence to proper standards.

Unique Aspects of Palestinian Residential Communities

• Discussion on the absence of compound-style living in Palestine until now; facilities management companies provide essential services from cleaning to maintenance since inception.

• The Kio Center is privately owned by the development company, while streets and public areas fall under municipal management.

Landscape Design Innovations

• Insights into how landscape design has been influenced by residential neighborhood planning; gardens are strategically placed around community centers.

• Introduction of "Pocket Gardens" within neighborhoods, providing small green spaces between buildings for relaxation and children's play areas.

Benefits of Centralized Recreational Spaces

• Centralized playgrounds enhance apartment views by creating open spaces directly accessible from residences, promoting an inviting atmosphere.

• While centralized play areas offer advantages like improved views and social interaction, they may also lead to noise concerns for some residents.

Balancing Community Needs with Privacy

• Acknowledgment that while many enjoy the sounds of children playing, others may find it disruptive; homeowners associations set rules regarding playground usage.

• Discussion on how landscaping activities can be distributed among different zones within neighborhoods to balance privacy with community engagement.

Traffic Management and Safety Features

• Each neighborhood has distinct entrances/exits designed so that traffic does not flow through other communities, enhancing safety for children playing outside.

• Streets are primarily pedestrian-friendly due to limited vehicle access; this encourages safe environments for children riding bicycles.

Pathways Encouraging Walkability

• Introduction of "Darb Al-Balad," a pathway connecting eastern and western neighborhoods safely leading towards the Kio Center.

• This pathway promotes walking as a natural part of life between communities while integrating greenery into urban settings.

Waste Management Solutions

• Each building features dedicated waste rooms eliminating street clutter from bins; this enhances visual aesthetics across neighborhoods.

Architectural Integration with Landscape

• Buildings are designed at varying elevations creating terraces that blend seamlessly into the landscape rather than appearing artificially constructed.

This structured overview captures key insights from the transcript about community living dynamics in urban settings focusing on sustainability, design innovations, homeowner involvement, safety measures, walkability enhancements, waste management solutions, and architectural integration.

Urban Design and Landscape Integration

Importance of Pathways and Materials

• Long pathways are designed for comfort, contrasting with regular streets in the neighborhood. The urban design decisions significantly enhance the landscape's aesthetics.

• Material selection is crucial to evoke a sense of place in the landscape, ensuring it feels integrated rather than foreign.

Natural Aesthetics in Landscaping

• Walls are constructed using local stone types like boulders or natural stone layers, maintaining their raw appearance to create a more organic feel.

• Retaining walls feature diverse materials such as beige or orange stones, contributing to visual interest while blending harmoniously with the environment.

Planting Strategies and Wall Design

• Unique planting beds are incorporated into retaining walls without repetitive patterns, enhancing biodiversity through varied plant types.

• Sidewalk transitions from asphalt to concrete signal entry into residential areas, providing aesthetic appeal and reducing vehicle speed within neighborhoods.

Safety and Accessibility Features

• Ramps are color-coded for visibility; concrete sidewalks use three colors for clarity. This design choice aids navigation while enhancing safety.

• Variations in railings and fences along edges ensure safety while allowing scenic views; minimal fencing is used where vistas exist.

Creative Use of Space

• Railings must be secure yet not easily climbable; different designs across neighborhoods foster unique identities while ensuring safety.

• Ground-level planting beds blend seamlessly with the terrain, creating a natural look that enhances visual appeal despite maintenance challenges.

Maintenance Considerations

• Ground-level planters require careful soil management; inadequate soil depth can hinder plant growth, necessitating adjustments for optimal health.

Community Amenities and User Experience

• Outdoor furniture is strategically placed to encourage social interaction; exercise machines cater to various age groups within community spaces.

• Thoughtful placement of amenities ensures accessibility; small trash bins complement seating areas for convenience during outdoor activities.

Enhancing Public Spaces

• Play areas include tiered seating for better visibility; this design promotes engagement among residents while facilitating access between levels.

By structuring these notes around key themes related to urban design and landscaping strategies discussed in the transcript, we provide an organized overview that highlights essential insights relevant to community planning.

Overview of Community Spaces and Landscaping Design

Community Play Areas

• The design of community play areas includes dead-end streets where children can play freely, enhancing safety and accessibility.

• Different materials are used for playground surfaces to provide unique characteristics tailored to each neighborhood's needs.

Commercial Area Design

• The commercial area is designed as an open mall that promotes pedestrian access while keeping vehicles parked below the main plaza.

• The layout includes two parking levels beneath the plaza, ensuring a clean surface above for public use.

Landscaping Challenges

• Integrating green spaces into built environments poses challenges; large planters are introduced to accommodate significant trees.

• Smaller planters with colorful plants enhance aesthetic appeal and break monotony in continuous public spaces.

Artistic Elements in Public Spaces

• Art installations, including sculptures created by artists from workshops, add cultural value and visual interest throughout the community.

• Notable pieces include works by Palestinian artist Nabil Anani located at key entry points of the commercial center.

Roadway and Sidewalk Design

• Main roads feature asphalt surfaces with necessary signage for navigation, ensuring safety and clarity for drivers and pedestrians alike.

• Special designs for speed bumps incorporate stone elements that blend with the environment while providing safe pedestrian crossings.

Greenery Integration in Urban Planning

• Streets are designed wide enough to accommodate trees comfortably without obstructing pedestrian pathways, promoting a harmonious coexistence between nature and urban life.

• Consideration is given to plant placement; climbing plants may be used when space is limited, enhancing vertical greenery options.

Roundabout Designs

• Roundabouts utilize local materials like stone from nearby mountains, minimizing maintenance needs while creating visually appealing landscapes.

Recreational Areas Development

• A designated recreational area spans 135 dunams, offering various activities such as cycling rentals and barbecue spots amidst natural settings.

Plant Selection Strategy

• Native plant species were prioritized in landscaping choices to ensure compatibility with local climate conditions while reducing maintenance efforts.

Seasonal Diversity in Planting

• Incorporating both evergreen and deciduous plants creates seasonal variety that enhances visual interest throughout the year.

Tree Aesthetics and Seasonal Changes in Landscaping

The Beauty of Trees and Seasonal Variations

• The visual appeal of trees is enhanced when they bloom, with their flowers being more beautiful than evergreens due to their seasonal renewal.

• The integration of evergreen and deciduous plants creates a refreshing landscape; however, seasonal plants are often avoided in commercial areas due to high costs associated with replacing them each season.

Seasonal Planting Strategies

• Central planters feature seasonal flowers that change colors according to the season, such as orange and white for winter themes or red for Christmas.

• Some planters are designed to be permanent while others are seasonal, requiring careful planning regarding placement for easy maintenance.

Urban Planting Guidelines

• There is a general principle against planting fruit-bearing trees in urban areas due to concerns about pests and cleanliness.

• Diversity in flowering plants across seasons adds surprise elements to landscapes, enhancing visual interest throughout the year.

Unique Planter Designs

• Each planter should have its unique identity without repetition; specific climbing plants can be chosen based on their compatibility with surrounding structures.

• Effective landscaping requires thoughtful distribution of plant types considering growth patterns over time.

Budget Considerations in Landscaping

• Budget constraints influence decisions on plant sizes; smaller plants may initially seem appealing but could become overshadowed by larger ones as they grow.

• Patience is essential in landscaping; immediate beauty may not reflect long-term outcomes if not planned correctly.

Challenges with Soil Conditions

• Experiences with rocky soil conditions necessitate strategic planning for planting beds, ensuring adequate depth for root systems during construction phases.

• Awareness of tree locations during excavation helps prevent damage to underground utilities while allowing for the successful establishment of large trees.

Enhancing Urban Spaces with Shade Trees

• Incorporating shade trees into public spaces improves comfort levels for visitors; specific species like olive trees provide aesthetic value and shade.

• Strategic placement of prominent olive trees enhances the prestige of certain areas within urban settings, contributing positively to community aesthetics.

Landscaping and Maintenance Management

Introduction to Landscaping Features

• Discussion on the use of evergreen trees and glass planters for public spaces, highlighting their aesthetic appeal and suitability for sidewalks.

• Emphasis on the importance of cleanliness in maintaining outdoor facilities; cleanliness is deemed essential for showcasing design efforts.

Maintenance Operations

• Overview of city maintenance responsibilities, including street cleaning and waste collection, with specific mention of scheduled operations for cleaning concrete pavements.

• Description of a specialized agricultural team responsible for plant care, including pruning schedules and monitoring plant health.

Safety Measures and Community Engagement

• Explanation of regular inspections by maintenance teams to ensure playground equipment safety; community members can report issues directly to the maintenance company.

• Introduction of a neighborhood monitor who oversees local conditions 24/7, facilitating proactive maintenance before problems escalate.

Infrastructure Upkeep

• Regular assessments and repairs are conducted on sidewalks and streets as part of municipal services; includes improvements like winter slope adjustments.

Personal Reflections on Urban Design

• The speaker shares personal experiences living in a landscaped area, reflecting on how urban design impacts user experience across different demographics.

Audience Interaction

• Invitation for audience questions regarding landscaping initiatives; acknowledgment that discussions are open to engineers and municipalities involved in the project.

Future Challenges in Urban Management

• Inquiry into anticipated challenges as population density increases in urban areas; concerns about resource allocation for maintenance as populations grow.

• Discussion about potential recommendations for larger municipalities based on experiences from smaller communities like Rawabi.

Sustainability Considerations

• Highlighting the need for increased commitment from residents regarding upkeep fees to maintain sustainability amid growing populations.

• Addressing cultural shifts required among residents to foster compliance with community standards related to property modifications.

Urban Planning and Community Engagement

Challenges in Urban Management

• The use of public property can negatively impact others, highlighting the need for continuous management and monitoring to address violations effectively.

• Walking infrastructure is often overlooked; while some municipalities like Ramallah create beautiful walking areas, many neighborhoods struggle with pedestrian accessibility.

• Addressing parking issues and preventing encroachments on sidewalks are crucial first steps in improving urban mobility.

Building Trust within Communities

• Local governments should focus on trust-building activities at the neighborhood level to foster a sense of responsibility among residents towards their communities.

• Establishing trust can lead to easier collaboration between local authorities and residents, reducing maintenance costs through community involvement.

Design Principles in Urban Development

• While municipalities cannot provide extensive amenities in every neighborhood, ensuring comfortable pathways and green spaces is essential for resident satisfaction.

• When residents feel that local authorities care about their area, they are more likely to fulfill their civic duties, such as paying taxes.

Learning from Experience

• Residents' proactive behavior is vital; if they do not engage positively with their environment, it undermines community efforts.

• New towns like Rawabi serve as models for coherent urban design but require ongoing adjustments based on resident feedback and experiences.

Architectural Consistency and Material Use

• Ensuring architectural coherence across developments involves careful planning by engineering offices to maintain aesthetic standards while allowing for specific adaptations.

• Initial designs incorporate general principles that guide the relationship between buildings and communal facilities like parks and playgrounds.

Continuous Improvement Through Feedback

• Post-construction evaluations help identify successful materials or designs; lessons learned inform future projects to enhance functionality and aesthetics.

• Utilizing local plants in landscaping contributes positively to the overall visual appeal of neighborhoods while promoting sustainability.

Maintenance Systems in Urban Areas

• Understanding how maintenance systems operate within communities is crucial; regular contributions from residents support upkeep efforts led by local authorities.

Community Management and Local Governance

Overview of the Homeowners Association (HOA) Structure

• The HOA is a council elected by residents, typically consisting of seven to nine members, representing their interests in neighborhood maintenance and cleanliness.

• Elections are organized by the municipality, which announces the election date and opens nominations for candidates who feel qualified to serve.

• The elected council signs contracts with maintenance companies that provide cleaning services, landscaping, and other upkeep tasks for the community.

Municipality's Role in Community Support

• The municipality provides ongoing support to neighborhood committees, fostering partnerships for community events like holiday decorations or special projects.

• While the municipality supervises committee activities, it also directly manages waste collection and enforcement of regulations regarding violations.

Seasonal Responsibilities and Community Engagement

• The municipality conducts seasonal pest control measures before summer to manage insect populations within neighborhoods.

• Training sessions on civil defense and first aid are regularly offered by the municipality as part of community engagement initiatives.

Acknowledgments and Future Presentations

• Appreciation was expressed towards Engineer Al-Shifa for her insightful presentation on daily management practices within communities.

• Plans were mentioned to upload this session's recording online for broader access, along with reminders about upcoming lectures scheduled.