A new comprehensive approach for architectural heritage conservation: The case of Al-Alami house in Gaza

Abstract Most traditional approaches of architectural heritage conservation viewed architectural heritage as a static bulk of stones that need technical interference. This view damaged the continuity of historical buildings and their urban context with its history and identity. There is a growing need for a new comprehensive approach for architectural heritage conservation that is capable to bring back this heritage to life and to restore its dynamics and continuity. This research presents a comprehensive approach for architectural heritage conservation. This approach engages all the important elements of conservation in one complete package. These elements are generative, responsive, adaptive, sustainable, participatory, and conciliatory. The research also aims to bring more attention to one distinguished applications of this approach at the historical Al-Alami house in Gaza, Palestine. Our research applies a qualitative approach with in-depth analysis, critical reflection, and synthesis of available literature. Each one of the elements of the comprehensive approach is discussed to show its theoretical development and practical applications through international projects. The case study of the architectural conservation of Al-Alami house in Gaza, Palestine is then discussed in detail. The literature review revealed that some of elements of the comprehensive approach have been individually considered. Moreover, the international applications of groups of these elements highlight the need for more comprehensiveness and inclusion. The case of Gaza shows that despite living under devastating conditions for decades, it was possible to implement some of the elements of the comprehensive approach in a determined and innovative way. The new comprehensive approach provides a good opportunity for the development of architectural heritage conservation practices. Still, it requires further elaboration to provide more extensive detailing and tuning. The research opens the door for future development and discussion of the approach.