refugee city jordan

During a visit at Al Husn camp in november 2016 it appeared that there were some big challenges to deal with. While starting our research progress it stands out clear that vandalism will become our main challenge. Talking to different headmasters of the girl’s school it emerges that boys seemed the one to blame. “Boys climb the school building to damage water tanks and steal loudspeakers”, was one of the headmasters claim. One reason for that might be the high unemployment rate. Two of three people aged 15-29 have no job. Also the right to return is accompanied by the question of belonging and creates an inner conflict which might end in destructiveness. Having a wider look at the camp it transpires that there is a lack of facilities for children. The already existing youth club SANABEL is just responsible for 300 privileged kids, Al Carmel sports club in the middle of the camp can only be used by paying 10JD per hour and the existing playground is located at the edge of the camp which is too far away for many children. Also a protected place and a functional institution for women is missing. That’s why boys conquered the school yards after classes and hang around in the streets while girls and little children stay at home. With our design strategy we tackle these challenges by creating a place for activity and sports, for gathering and family and a protected place for women in a participatory process.

in collaboration with Maren Fischer und Clara Almanza

analysis

schools

[1]UNRWA girls school [3] DPA girls school
[2] UNRWA boys school [4] DPA boys school

social institutions

[5] women program center [8] Al-Karmel sports club [10] UNRWA Office
[6] kindergarten [9] sanabel youth club [11] rehabilitation Center
[7] vocational training for girls

concept

Women’s program center has turned into Women’s community center and represents now empowerment of women of Al-Husn camp. It consists of an office, a sewing factory, a childcare center and a garden extended to the roofs. By using the structure the place can be organized differently depending on need and further development. Therefore the garden can be used for recreation, playing, food production and outdoor education. Products of food and fabric are sold at Wadi market. Hence a new branch of occupation is created and gives women the possibility to earn some income.