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Gaza Architecture Group architects launch Gaza Global University to provide free education to architecture students affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Association of Architects in Gaza (AFG), led by architects and University of Westminster educators Nasser Golzari and Yara Sharif, revealed earlier this month that it would establish Gaza Global University.
AFG plans to use Gaza Global University as a platform to provide free education to architecture students in Gaza who are unable to continue their studies due to the ongoing conflict.
Many universities in the Gaza Strip have previously been destroyed or damaged, including an Israeli university that was destroyed in an explosion in January.
“Gaza Global University calls for academic support”
In announcing the establishment of Gaza Global University, AFG asked construction professionals and educators for assistance with funding and tutorials.
“Global University Gaza calls for academic support for students and academic staff in Gaza,” Sharif told Dezeen.
“It invites academics, professionals and students to show interest in this principle and hopefully provide students in different majors with some assistance in completing their studies.”
Sharif and Golzari established the AFG last November amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, which followed a major attack on Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023.
The group published a statement online calling for immediate action to rebuild Gaza, which has been signed by more than 1,200 people.
Signers include Leslie Rocko and Angela Brady
In a statement, the AFG condemned “space-killing violence” and called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The list of signatories includes former Royal Institute of British Architects president Angela Brady, Scottish architect Kate Mackintosh, architect Sean Griffiths, educator Leslie Rocco, architectural historian Jane Rendell and educator Shumi Boss.
Since its inception, AFG has grown to employ around 300 architects, planners and environmentalists, mainly from the UK, who want to provide help and support to the Palestinians in Gaza during the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Gaza Global University is not currently accredited but is seeking ways to offer courses validated by the Palestinian Ministry of Education. The platform is led by architects Nishat Awan, Shumi Bose and Samir Pandya.
It plans to provide online teaching through “physical clusters” to students studying architecture and construction-related courses in Gaza. In the future, it aims to expand its services to all of Palestine.
“Given the widespread damage to many educational buildings and institutions in Gaza, we are setting up interdisciplinary clusters to enable local students to continue their education in any form possible,” AFG said.
“We may not be able to meet all needs immediately, but we are committed to (rebuilding) the future.”
Half of buildings in Gaza destroyed or damaged
On January 30, it was reported that at least half of the buildings in Gaza had been destroyed or damaged in the clashes.
Many people in Gaza have been forced to flee their homes. Some 1.7 million Palestinians are taking shelter in emergency shelters or informal settings.
In addition to establishing Gaza Global University, AFG is developing other strategies to help rebuild Gaza, including mobile health clinics and self-built prototypes using steel, clay and rubble.
“Currently, the redevelopment plan includes studying principles for redevelopment at the city block scale, addressing some key issues related to the right to the city, the right to resources, the right to housing, and the right to landscape involving people’s memory, culture and ritual,” Sharif said.
“Our approach goes beyond ‘shelter’ or temporary accommodation, calling for Gaza’s right to rebuild and challenging the urbanization that is taking place.”
Photography by Emad El Byed on Unsplash. Comments on this story have been closed due to the sensitivity of the subject matter.
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