Bridging Borders: Urban Design Strategies for Reconnecting Fragmented Territories in Palestine, illustrated in Al WalajaSamara, Anwar M K (Avtor) Fikfak, Alenka (Mentor) Grom, Janez Peter (Komentor) bordersbarrierswallsfragmentationgeopoliticalsegregationConnectionNodesIntegrationPalestineWest BankJerusalemBethlehemAl-WalajaGazaThis thesis examines the potential of strategic urban design in reimagining of borders within contested territories of Palestine, using the village of Al-Walaja, located between Jerusa lem and Bethlehem, as a case study. The study begins with a theoretical and historical overview of borders terminology, purpose, their evolution from natural divides to artificial barriers, and their multifaceted nature in shaping urban environments, the research draws a framework of borders roles at different Models of Exclusion, Marginalization, and Integration in Urban Design and Planning. The study further delves into the complex segregation system in Palestine, examining the borders shifting over time with control of these borders at levels of land, airspace and maritime. Delving deeper to the physical elements of urban closure regime in both West bank and Gaza Strip, be side other administrative mechanisms of control that are used to control and restrict movement, in response, this research proposes a multiscale urban design strategies to reconnect the fragment ed landscapes of Palestine. First at Macro-Scale at the national level where the strategy relies on capturing an image of a historical era where the lands were connected and re-bringing the otto man railway as a major connection and movement element back to function again, beside a new route of key urban nodes and corridors in different cities that enhance the connectivity between the old network and a new one. At the meso level, the focus shifts to Al-Walaja itself as a case study, proposing urban interventions that aim to reconnect the town with the surrounding urban fabric within the historical borders of the town. At the micro level, the design introduces a proto type connection node that is based in the reconnection the fragmented lands which integrates a comprehensive visualizing of a post-wall landscape where the previously divided landscapes can restore connectivity and accessibility offering a comprehensive masterplan of the region that integrates various programmatic zones to serve different community needs. This thesis offers a new perspective on urban design in conflict zones, advocating for an approach that is sensitive to cultural heritage, identity and sustainability. It presents Al-Walaja as a prototype for reimagining the role of urban spaces in fostering connection.20242024-09-25 08:00:33Magistrsko delo/naloga162544sl