Authors: Dr. Mohamad H. Jichi
Abstract: Post-conflict reconstruction in fragile contexts is often driven by urgency and the need to restore basic functionality, frequently resulting in fragmented and unsustainable outcomes. This study examines the challenges of urban and architectural sustainability in the reconstruction of southern Lebanese villages following the 2024–2026 conflict. It argues that current reconstruction practices remain largely reactive, focusing on physical rebuilding while neglecting the environmental, spatial, social, and economic systems that underpin long-term resilience. The research adopts a qualitative analytical approach supported by a semi-quantitative evaluation framework, namely the Integrated Post-Conflict Sustainability Assessment Matrix (IPSAM). The matrix assesses sustainability across five key dimensions: environmental, urban, architectural, social, and economic. Three case study villages—Aita al-Shaab, Kfarkela, and Maroun al-Ras—are evaluated to provide a comparative understanding of post-conflict recovery conditions. The scoring system translates qualitative observations and institutional data into measurable indicators, enabling systematic analysis of sustainability performance. The findings reveal a consistent pattern of low sustainability across all case studies, with none of the assessed dimensions reaching moderate performance levels. Environmental degradation and economic fragility emerge as the most critical weaknesses, while architectural reconstruction, although more visible, remains disconnected from climate-responsive design and local identity. Urban fragmentation and limited social participation further highlight the absence of integrated planning mechanisms. These results demonstrate that reconstruction efforts, despite their scale, have not succeeded in establishing resilient and sustainable settlement systems. In response, the study proposes a sustainable reconstruction model based on five interdependent pillars: environmental regeneration, integrated urban and territorial planning, climate-responsive architecture, social cohesion and participation, and local economic recovery. The model emphasizes a shift from rebuilding structures to regenerating systems, advocating for a coordinated, multi-scalar, and context-sensitive approach to reconstruction. The study contributes to the literature by integrating architectural and urban perspectives within a unified sustainability framework and by focusing on rural post-conflict settlements, which are often underrepresented in research. It concludes that sustainable reconstruction in southern Lebanon requires a fundamental transition from reactive rebuilding toward strategic territorial development, positioning sustainability as a core principle rather than a secondary objective.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19232570
