Kultur Ensemble Ramallah

Kultur Ensemble in Ramallah is an association of the Goethe-Institut Palestinian Territories and the Institut Français Jerusalem. Both institutes have shared a building in Ramallah since 2004. Next to offering German and French language courses to residents, the organizations present joint projects on a broad cultural level. Some handy background information: Palestine’s geopolitical circumstances and challenges lead to a restricted private domain for the residents.

However, cultural institutions have made first attempts to bridge this gap. Community spaces are still rare in Palestinian areas, but highly sought after. In 2019 it was time to evolve for the Goethe Institut and Institut Français, and to redesign their building’s public spaces. The goal: to create an inviting third place, in an atmosphere that is marked by local connection, belonging, warmth and safety.

The kick-off took place when we went to Ramallah for an inspirational trip. We visited cultural centers. The local impressions were taken into a workshop with the French-German team. Also part of the development process were surveys with the includi card games (Arabic translation) led by the French-German team and conducted with partners and students. The collected data was evaluated and documented by includi. Followed by a remote Design Workshop, due to the pandemic. In real life and from a distance… the various activities eventually led to the presentation of a brand-new concept for a third place in Ramallah. A place that stimulates casual encounters and more interpersonal connections.

Hélène IJsselstijn, Interior Architect at includi describes: “Finding the right materials, chairs and upholstery was a challenge. We had to deal with long delivery times and limited stocks due to the pandemic. Thanks to the intense cooperation with our local ‘building partners ’ Saed Obaid and Topaz – who found the right interior elements with great care and attention – we added a beautiful, local identity to this project. This makes the accessible and inclusive atmosphere a reality. Today, the renovated institute continues to fulfill its socio-cultural role even more.

Its interior design triggers the curiosity of the public to explore the center, its rich cultural program and allows for more engaging communication. The new public areas of Kultur Ensemble in Ramallah are located on two floors. The ground floor hosts an informal, welcoming café, but also a multipurpose seminar room, giving teaching a visible role in the public space. On the first floor, visitors find various facilities, including the library, a makerspace, a kids’ corner, and a stage for low-threshold local cultural events.

This cultural institute is a genuine third place that, thanks to an inclusive interior concept, will be more accessible to visit and experienced as a ‘home away from home’ by publics of all ages and backgrounds… A cultural house, anchored in an evolving local context, where – apart from everything there is to learn and experience – you will definitely happily linger. Either alone or with others.