Designing and building in a fragile context: the recovery of the primary school in Wadi Abu Hindi, Palestine

Purpose – The recent convergence between architecture and cultural anthropology has laid the foundations for a methodological approach that is attentive to both local specificities and the role of design. Starting from the analysis of the recovery of the primary school in the Bedouin camp of Wadi Abu Hindi in Palestine, the article intends to outline the role of the architect as a participating observer. It highlights how acting directly in the context of intervention guarantees a more effective response to local needs within spaces marked by strong conditions of inequality and marginality. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology employed consists in using the ethnographic approach to collect qualitative data. The choice of this methodology stems from the intention to directly involve local actors in the design and execution phases. Findings – The role of the architect as a participating observer within critical contexts shows how the activity of design is not simply limited to designing solutions but consists above all in the anticipation of all the critical aspects that may emerge in the practical execution of the works. The active participation and the adoption of a holistic outlook allow to find targeted solutions and ensure careful listening to the local needs. Originality/value – The originality of this article consists in using an interdisciplinary approach between architecture and cultural anthropology, considering the architect as a participant observer.