Welfare Association Launches the Architectural Heritage Preservation Institute

News

Welfare Association Launches the Architectural Heritage Preservation Institute

Date:
30-08-2007

Jerusalem – Welfare Association (WA) Old City of Jerusalem Revitalization Program announced the launch of the “Architectural Heritage Preservation Institute” in Jerusalem, a 3-year project implemented by WA in partnership and coordination with UNESCO and funded by the European Commission (EC) to establish a technical training institute. The launching ceremony was held at the Welfare Association’s Technical Office of the Old City of Jerusalem Revitalization Program (OCJRP) in the Old City with official representatives of the EC, UNESCO, local and international organizations, in addition to Welfare Association.

The OCJRP, with EC funding and UNESCO partnership and coordination, began the 3-year project on 1/3/2007 to establish the institute in order to promote and ensure quality architectural restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Architectural Heritage Preservation Institute will build local capacities in the architectural preservation of cultural heritage by being a training ground for solving the particular problems posed by restoration in a living environment and for applying international standard restoration practices. The project will serve 300 technical professionals working in Jerusalem and within the conservation units in major Palestinian cities, new graduates in architecture and engineering, contractors and craftsmen working with contractors by providing them with the opportunity to participate in various training courses and modules at the Institute over the next three years.

Jerusalem is a rich but problematic historic urban area, as represented by UNESCO’s designation of the city in 1981 as a World Heritage site and in 1982 as a World Heritage in Danger site. Architectural heritage preservation has been adopted as a priority issue in all local and internationally endorsed development plans for East Jerusalem. The Institute will be a large step toward addressing current issues and needs in the sector. The implementation of architectural restoration and preservation projects in Jerusalem is of crucial importance, but the training of practitioners and the upgrading of restoration techniques are not institutionalized and experience is not accumulated. There is lack of formal consistent training in traditional restoration methods and techniques for architects, engineers and craftsmen. In addition, there are no methods to assure that restorations of historic property will be in compliance with international standards and will preserve architectural heritage.

In addition to establishing a specialized training unit, and designing and implementing a wide range of training offerings, a documentation and information centre to support the training unit and restoration activities with research and surveying, including a project specific database on the Old City of Jerusalem will be established. A variety of advocacy activities will also be conducted for local application of international standards in restoration practices.

Welfare Association is a leading Palestinian non-governmental development organization established in Geneva in 1983 dedicated to making a distinguished contribution toward furthering the progress of the Palestinians, preserving their heritage and identity, supporting their living culture and building civil society.

Related News