08.07.2011                      06.Tammus, 5771

Feature:

A Palestinian architect designs the foundation for a state

RIWAQ (Arabic for gallery) is a nonprofit organization that renovates, restores old buildings, heritage sites in the Palestinian territories.

Khaldun Bshara’s eyes light up as he points out some of the intricate designs and structural elements of the ornate Arabesque building that houses the RIWAQ Center for Architectural Conservation.
“It was built in 1932, but the person who designed it only slept here for one night,” says Bshara, who officially became the organization’s director last January. “It’s a hybrid between modern and traditional architecture, but has a clear Ottoman style.”…