SAFE PLAY SPACES FOR CHILDREN IN EMERGENCY CONTEXTS

Abstract

The article reflects on the IBTASEM playground project, looking at the process that led CatalyticAction’s co-founders to implement this particular space for Syrian refugee children in Lebanon, and aiming at understanding how architecture can respond to the challenges that vulnerable communities face, and how it could improve existing humanitarian practices. The article begins with a description of the Syrian refugee crisis and how it links to the concept behind the IBTASEM playground project, and then explores the participatory process that CatalyticAction used to implement the project and the design values including using local materials and local labors to promote the local economy. Lastly the article introduces other projects targeting refugee children CatalyticAction has carried out in recent years. After over 5 years of practice working with communities, CatalyticAction has proven that the play space has a massive role in improving the wellbeing of vulnerable populations and it should not be overlooked when planning for emergency response.

Keywords

Children / Refugees / Playground / Design / Syria / Lebanon

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2020 Higher Education Press