Transformation of Urban Morphology: The Case of Qaffin, North of The West Bank
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Date
2021-12-23
Authors
Dahliah, Amna
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
جامعة النجاح الوطنية
Abstract
The thesis addresses the recent transformation of the urban form of Morphology in the northern towns of the West Bank. To be more specific, those located on the 1967 border. It traces the changes that have occurred to the urban form of these towns between 1948-2020. The fierce political struggle which has plagued the country for the past century has propped the change in the economic and social situation of these areas. This particular change in dynamics have been the determining factor for the new urban setting in these towns. These towns have evolved from their indigenous rural landscape origins into new morphed fragmented towns and villages. In addition to a dense and repressed urban form, growing within limited and confined boundaries.
Qaffin town, located in the Tulkarm governate on the 1967 borderline, has distinct and unique urban form. It was selected as a case study for the thesis. The case study analysis focuses on the transformation of Qaffin’s urban development and urban form. And that’s by tracing and identifying the dynamics of change between 1948-2020s. It explains how political events in town have changed. Moreover, it shows how the change in economic and social factors have contributed to the transformation of Qaffin’s urban form. This is achieved by conducting both quantitative and qualitative methods and collection of data for theoretical construction, historical archiving and analysis. And that’s through literature review, field research, semi-constructed interviews, taking photographs and notes on the distinct qualities of this town and analyzing maps and satellite photographs.
The Analysis has shown how the occupation and physical dissection of the town borders have eradicated the agricultural identity of Qaffin through the past years. These factors forced change in occupational life of the town, driving people into the labor market. This change in economic life has connected the town with the neighboring 1948 occupied Palestinian towns and cities . It affected the social life of Qaffin and carried with it some building and construction techniques that have manifested in buildings. Therefore, it has changed the town’s urban form into a new combination between the old and the new.
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Keywords
Urban morphology, Urban form, Urban transformation, Qaffin Town, Palestinian towns, Building fabric