Dina Hamdan
Practice: Dina Hamdan
Established: 1993
City: Jenin Municipality
Country: Palestine
Dina Hamdan is an architect who heads the Urban Planning Department in Jenin Municipality, Palestine. Her duties include controlling implementation of the city's masterplan. She previously worked as a designer on many educational, commercial and residential projects, including the Marj Ibn Aamer Housing Project, winning the competition announced by the Palestinian Housing Council in 1993. She has participated in many architectural forums both inside and outside the country, and she is now a member of many committees including the Organising and Planning Commission in the province's Strategic Planning Programme (funded by the UNDP with assistance of the International Planning Ministry and the Local Government Ministry). She is a member of the Palestinian Engineering Association, representing the architectural profession.
Dina Hamdan
Marge Ibn Aamer Housing Project
The Marge Ibn Aamer Housing Project competition was announced on 1993 by the Palestinian Housing Council. The brief was to design 72 apartments for people on low incomes in an area of 5000 square metres. The project's 72 apartments were based on three models: A, with an area of 110-120 square metres; B, 90-100 square metres; and C, 70-80 square metres. The main concept was to make the six blocks arranged around the site work as a wall which opens east towards the downtown.
| How does diversity of people reveal itself at work? | When asked this question I initially thought of Spain, which I visited in 2000. I still remember Plaza de Spain in Seville, which was built in different kinds of stone, each one representing an area in Spain. The result is a wonderful, rich and monumental building, and that diversity which enriches architecture combined the contrasts and removed the gaps. Throughout my work I try to participate in different courses and forums, building a bridge for others from different cultures and societies. I have created a network in the world via the internet. |
| Who are your role models who inspire you? | Children influence and guide me in my work. Unfortunately, in my country children are suffering from difficult living conditions including insecurity because of the occupation. This affects their psychology and instills a culture of fear that spreads through them. |