Overview
The creation of visible, accessible and inclusive public space to reduce the vulnerability of the half a million Syrian and Palestinian refugees living in Bar Elias, Lebanon. The improvements have made the public spaces more child and family-friendly, increased the use of the space and enhanced integration and connections within the whole of the town’s population.
Location:
Bar Elias, Beqaa Valley, Lebanon
Organisation:
Catalytic Action
Partner organisations:
University College of London (UCL) – The Bartlett Development Planning Unit
Beneficiary:
Refugees, Children aged 0-5, Caregivers
Scale of proximity:
Neighbourhood
Built environment component:
Public space, Street
Design insights
Spatial/physical:
Existing public spaces are enhanced to enable their use by children and caregivers. Sidewalks and road crossing are fitted with appropriate slopes to improve accessibility for buggies and wheelchairs.
Visual/Aesthetic:
Street painting contributes to the idea of a playful environment for children.
Material:
Building material and construction crew are sourced locally to generate connections between the broader population and the project.
Process:
Early community engagement in the design process contributes to understand the needs and priorities of the local population.
Local actors, parents, teachers and local institutions were engaged in the design phase and trained to use and maintain the new space.
Location:
The intervention site was selected for being able to guarantee neutrality across the diverse populations living in the area. Site selection can enable or disable the potential of the design.
