Community Perceptions of Rubble-Filled Gabion Walls in Post-Conflict Reconstruction (Syria, Palestine): An Exploratory Social Study

Abstract

In recent years, the massive urban destruction of Syrian and Palestinian cities created huge amounts of concrete rubble, which requires sustainable post-war reconstruction paradigms. Although reusing or recycling this concrete waste could be economically and ecologically sustainable, the psychosocial consequences associated with refitting war ruins are not fully examined. The community perceived acceptance of rubble-filled gabion walls for reconstruction provides a basis for future research in this area. Drawing on a quantitative survey (N=115) of populations, the study assesses the emotional, symbolic, and practical implications for reusing conflict remnants. Statistical results from nonparametric inferential tests indicate an architectural paradox and psychological divide among the population. While communities recognize the economic advantage of sustainable reconstruction, there is a widespread psychological resistance to visibly exposed war rubble-gabion walls. The findings reveal a statistically significant association between considering rubble as a trauma trigger and an absolute desire to hide it behind conventional, opaque layers. In addition, major differences were found between architecture and engineering professionals who prefer the exposure of material memory of conflict and lay people who are highly opposed to this architectural aesthetic in private living spaces. As a result, this study recommends a trauma-informed approach by suggesting leveraging the circular economy for concealed structural efficiency but carefully adapting sensory sites to hide rubble within the context of homes and saving exposed applications for curated memorial spaces, which help to facilitate the psychological recovery for domicide-affected communities.