WORLD WITHOUT WALLS
Storytelling Museum
By: Majd Odeh
The THIRD PRIZE winner at Tamayouz Excellence Award for International Graduation Projects Award 2023
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A Palestinian Storytelling museum on a part of the apartheid wall - after the liberation -, as the wall is an intensification of the substitutionary settlement project based mainly on the policy of ethnic cleansing carried out by Israel (the occupying power) in the occupied Palestinian
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Concept
In this museum, the suffering and tragedy that the Palestinian people went through during the past decades will be mentioned, at the same time, the hope and optimism of the inevitability of freedom will be clearly highlighted.
The Project Concept is based on dividing the museum into three stages: the stage of suffering of the Palestinian people, the stage of transformation and ascent towards freedom, and the stage of liberation. These stages were implemented by directing the building towards the Old City of Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock Mosque in particular, which is less than 8 km away from the project site, so that the visitor’s journey to the project begins from breaking the apartheid wall, passing through the stages of suffering that lie entirely underground, and then the stage of transformation (The radical ascent from the darkness to see the natural lighting for the first time), reaching the Freedom stage, which is the highest point of the project, from which the Dome of the Rock can be clearly seen.
The project will be divided into 3 main phases:
Suffering phase ------------- Uprising Phase “The turning point" ------------- Liberation Phase
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Bird's-eye view
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Video
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Section
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Interior Shots
Nakba Phase
This snapshot shows the Balfour Declaration and the Nakba stage. It is located at the beginning of the visitor’s journey in the museum on the B3 floor. Some phrases and rubble were used to express the tragedy at that time, in addition to taking the Deir Yassin massacre as a living and direct example of the crimes of the occupation.
Naksa Phase
The Wall Phase
This shot shows the “apartheid wall”. In this space, the wall used is the real apartheid wall in its real location. Graffiti from the part of the wall in Bethlehem was used to describe the power of the Palestinian faith to resist to reach liberation. Also, a lot of signs are used as the red one appears on the left, this sign, frequently seen along roads in the West Bank, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing ethnic cleansing .
The Turning Point Phase
This scene captures the critical turning point phase. A panoramic display projects a film that illustrates the critical moments of the Palestinian cause. In the circle’s center stands a memorial honoring the martyrs. This monument represents metal plates bearing the names of the martyrs, and it mimics the idea of the phoenix (located on the upper floor) rising from the ashes, and that the Palestinian people always rise from their ashes and pain for the hope of liberation.This symbolism beautifully reflects the spirit of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their homeland.
This scene also captures the turning point phase, where the visitor will experience and see the daylight for the first time, the phoenix bird statute that describes what is mentioned before. Moreover, a segment of a poem by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish is displayed. The poet conveys a powerful message about loss and sacrifice in order to complete the struggle to achieve freedom.
Liberation Phase
This shot illustrates the liberation phase, prominently featuring the use of glass instead of concrete. The incorporation of water serves to establish a visual link between this phase and the critical turning point phase. Notably, hollow body memorials stand as poignant symbols, representing those who gave their lives to safeguard their homeland and couldn't be with us right now. And finally, the Dome of the Rock stands distinctly visible from this site.
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Plans
Elevations
East Elevation
North Elevation
West Elevation
South Elevation
Circulation
Main Route
Back Route
Zoning
This shot captures the museum entrance framed by two massive walls, seemingly contradicting the “world without walls” message. The designer’s intent becomes clear: to emphasize the sharp contrast and evoke the discomfort of a life restricted by barriers. This stark difference aims to enhance the feeling of liberation as visitors move through the museum. The shift from enclosed and walled spaces to open, glass areas underscores the significance of freedom. This experience encourages a deeper understanding and gratitude for a life without such limitations.
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Thank You
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