Displacements and Reconstruction: The Case of West Beirut – Lebanon

Abstract

This paper focusses on the housing conditions of the displaced people who were forced to move to West Beirut due to the conflict in Lebanon which started in 1975. With the lack of any emergency housing provision, people have adopted two ways to shelter their families; either by occupying vacant buildings or by squatting on unused land (land squatting). The study is based on fieldwork undertaken in order to gain a deeper insight into the displaced people's housing conditions. The results of the survey analysis are believed to be common to other displaced people, as has been verified by comparison with the available information in newspaper reports, unpublished documents, and other accounts. The paper concludes with a reconstruction strategy, composed of two policies. First, a short-term policy which deals with the urgent needs of the people in the place of refuge. Thus mitigation and risk reduction are the aims of this policy. Second, a long-term policy which concentrates on future housing reconstruction; in which economic development, social integration and cultural identity are the basic features.

Post-war tourism as an urban reconstruction strategy case study: Khorramshahr

“…For example, tourists traveling to Dubrovnik and Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, wish to see the consequences of the war in former Yugoslavia (Isaac, 2009; Arnaud, 2017). In Beirut the capital city of Lebanon, new public spaces are organized around archaeological sites uncovered during the demolition of war-torn buildings then changed the face of the city center to the tourist attraction (Samara, 1996; El-Masri, 1989).…”

From Relief to Development: The Long‐term Effects of ‘Temporary’ Accommodation on Refugees and Displaced Persons in the Republic of Croatia

“…A house has importance not just as a shelter from the elements, but also as a shelter for social, spiritual and psychological needs (El Masri, 1989). A house has importance not just as a shelter from the elements, but also as a shelter for social, spiritual and psychological needs (El Masri, 1989).…”

“…The highest level of control and autonomy is personal control over one's built environment. A house has importance not just as a shelter from the elements, but also as a shelter for social, spiritual and psychological needs (El Masri, 1989). To remove personal control over shelter is to remove a potential anchor for refugees and displaced persons who have been forced to leave everything behind: 'Perceived stress is greater when perceived choice and control are lacking, when changes are rapid and forced rather than voluntary and gradual .…”

Post War Reconstruction for Tourism Development Case Study Khorram-Shar, Iran

“…In those situations, war remnants may even act as a stimulus to attract tourists who are motivated by a novelty experience, different from a conventional holiday experience (Isaac 2009). Not far from Palestine, in Beirut the capital city of Lebanon, new public spaces are organized around archaeological sites uncovered during the demolition of war-torn buildings then changed the face of the city center to the tourist attraction (Samara 1996;El-Masri 1989). The focus on post-war reconstruction and tourism in this paper has to be understood from the point of view that how reconstruction of buildings can conserve the war's effects with the aim of promoting post-war tourism.…”