Healing Spaces for Refugee Children
Basic information
Project Title
Healing Spaces for Refugee Children
Full project title
Designing and constructing therapeutic play spaces for children in refugee camps in Southeast Europe
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
In 2022 a young group of architectural engineers founded Office for the New Earth, an NGO to build Healing Spaces for children in refugee camps involving their communities. Guided by biophilic and trauma-informed design these interventions in Cyprus and Greece are safe spaces for refugee children, in which they can feel relaxed, nurture their curiosity, play and expand their imagination.
Geographical Scope
Cross-border/international
Project Region
CROSS-BORDER/INTERNATIONAL: Cyprus, Greece
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
In the humanitarian crisis, major organizations primarily focus on addressing the most pressing needs: food, shelter, clean water. Unfortunately, some of these solutions result in prison-like living conditions, especially for children. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the isolation experienced by refugee communities, making it challenging for NGOs to provide care.
After building freelance projects since 2018, the motivation to help those who suffered isolation most significantly grew stronger so the NGO Office for the New Earth (ONE) was founded in 2022 to work more effectively in critical contexts such as the borders of Greece and Cyprus. ONE is also a Foundation and a Design & Construct practice based in the Netherlands with multidisciplinary expertise in architecture, engineering, construction, and childhood development, supported by psychological advisors and volunteers. ONE conceptualized, engineered and built context-sensitive Healing Spaces for children in Lesvos, Serres (Greece) and Kofinou (Cyprus) to transform these refugee camps from the inside out through architectural interventions inspired by the concept of urban acupuncture.
Drawing from environmental psychology, biophilic design, and neuro-phenomenology, these Healing Spaces are designed to illustrate a vision of what a child-friendly environment could be in temporary refugee camps, being aware of economic and material resource limitations. Taking carefully into account traumatic past and present strong emotional neglect, ONE made it its mission to create playful environments that allow children to stimulate their physical, emotional and cognitive development but also relax outdoors as they need to be emotionally nurtured above anything else. Moreover, caregivers can find respite and focus on other tasks, as the Healing Spaces provide the necessary elements to help these children grow into open-hearted, well-adjusted individuals who will eventually integrate into the local and broader society
After building freelance projects since 2018, the motivation to help those who suffered isolation most significantly grew stronger so the NGO Office for the New Earth (ONE) was founded in 2022 to work more effectively in critical contexts such as the borders of Greece and Cyprus. ONE is also a Foundation and a Design & Construct practice based in the Netherlands with multidisciplinary expertise in architecture, engineering, construction, and childhood development, supported by psychological advisors and volunteers. ONE conceptualized, engineered and built context-sensitive Healing Spaces for children in Lesvos, Serres (Greece) and Kofinou (Cyprus) to transform these refugee camps from the inside out through architectural interventions inspired by the concept of urban acupuncture.
Drawing from environmental psychology, biophilic design, and neuro-phenomenology, these Healing Spaces are designed to illustrate a vision of what a child-friendly environment could be in temporary refugee camps, being aware of economic and material resource limitations. Taking carefully into account traumatic past and present strong emotional neglect, ONE made it its mission to create playful environments that allow children to stimulate their physical, emotional and cognitive development but also relax outdoors as they need to be emotionally nurtured above anything else. Moreover, caregivers can find respite and focus on other tasks, as the Healing Spaces provide the necessary elements to help these children grow into open-hearted, well-adjusted individuals who will eventually integrate into the local and broader society
Key objectives for sustainability
Sustainability for ONE’s projects revolves around climate mitigation, ecological materials, and mental well-being. In refugee camps, the natural environment is often buried by gravel, concrete, and asphalt, leading to a heat-island effect. In strictly regulated camps, green forms of life are removed to exert maximum control and due to presumed hygiene. The physiological well-being of children cannot be achieved in environments composed solely of concrete, steel, and gravel.
ONE's primary objective was reintroducing local plants and shrubs, which directly enhances the climate and strengthens the human connection with nature. Where possible, water is introduced in playful elements such as in Kofinou. Green and blue components are often neglected in NGO interventions, which makes ONE’s work exemplary.
The second aspect of the design process involves identifying when the space would be most frequently used and whether it is more advantageous to create an outdoor or indoor area. Both Cyprus and Greece have warm Mediterranean climates where the challenge of heat in public spaces is more present than cold. Given that the Healing Spaces would primarily be used during the day, constructing outdoor spaces resulted in the best option to maximize natural daylight and ventilation, providing shelter from the sun, wind, and rain. This approach led to comfortable spaces without air conditioning, reducing the need for total building materials by threefold, and provided a valuable alternative to uncomfortable claustrophobic containers.
Lastly, natural and locally sourced materials were used as ONE made a concrete effort to collaborate with local suppliers for materials, overcoming language and vernacular technology differences. Wood, in particular, has proven to be a sustainable structural material with a low environmental footprint and excellent ecological circularity. Moreover, it offers a calming effect on our physiology through the human senses.
ONE's primary objective was reintroducing local plants and shrubs, which directly enhances the climate and strengthens the human connection with nature. Where possible, water is introduced in playful elements such as in Kofinou. Green and blue components are often neglected in NGO interventions, which makes ONE’s work exemplary.
The second aspect of the design process involves identifying when the space would be most frequently used and whether it is more advantageous to create an outdoor or indoor area. Both Cyprus and Greece have warm Mediterranean climates where the challenge of heat in public spaces is more present than cold. Given that the Healing Spaces would primarily be used during the day, constructing outdoor spaces resulted in the best option to maximize natural daylight and ventilation, providing shelter from the sun, wind, and rain. This approach led to comfortable spaces without air conditioning, reducing the need for total building materials by threefold, and provided a valuable alternative to uncomfortable claustrophobic containers.
Lastly, natural and locally sourced materials were used as ONE made a concrete effort to collaborate with local suppliers for materials, overcoming language and vernacular technology differences. Wood, in particular, has proven to be a sustainable structural material with a low environmental footprint and excellent ecological circularity. Moreover, it offers a calming effect on our physiology through the human senses.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Evolutionary psychology, environmental psychology, and neuro-aesthetics are at the base of ONE’s framework encompassing at least four universal, cross-cultural embodied needs related to the environment. This understanding is further enriched through participatory design and direct observation. Each of these aesthetic qualities engages specific neurological responses through human senses, contributing to overall well-being:
Biophilia: Plants, natural materials, daylight, organic patterns, curves and materials positively impact human homeostatic processes, such as blood pressure and circadian rhythms. ONE aesthetics feature garden beds filled with biodiversity, the extensive use of wood, and passive daylight incorporation, expressing ONE’s inherent aim to create healing, living environments.
Refuge & Intimacy: Drawing from neuroscience, ONE designs are affordances for interoception and reconnection with inner thoughts, memories, and emotions, through warm colours, hammocks, shaded areas, and sensory swings with soft, enveloping fabrics.
Exploration & Play: In sensory-deprived refugee camps, most children lack nurturing stimuli for engagement and play, fundamental aspects of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The projects promote interactive play with various elements like curved pathways, group-oriented slides, interactive pen boards (Lesvos), community swings, monkey bars, and stimulating elements such as wind chimes (Kofinou).
Human Resonance: Thanks to mirror neurons, we relate empathetically with both living and inanimate objects: subconsciously reading intentions, and projecting meaning wherever possible. To encourage children's sense of dignity and imagination, ONE pays attention to refined details, soft edges, materials, and scale. Additionally, adaptive elements like hammocks (Serres) and coloured chalkboards empower children with a sense of agency.
Further information is provided in the Report, Annex I.
Biophilia: Plants, natural materials, daylight, organic patterns, curves and materials positively impact human homeostatic processes, such as blood pressure and circadian rhythms. ONE aesthetics feature garden beds filled with biodiversity, the extensive use of wood, and passive daylight incorporation, expressing ONE’s inherent aim to create healing, living environments.
Refuge & Intimacy: Drawing from neuroscience, ONE designs are affordances for interoception and reconnection with inner thoughts, memories, and emotions, through warm colours, hammocks, shaded areas, and sensory swings with soft, enveloping fabrics.
Exploration & Play: In sensory-deprived refugee camps, most children lack nurturing stimuli for engagement and play, fundamental aspects of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The projects promote interactive play with various elements like curved pathways, group-oriented slides, interactive pen boards (Lesvos), community swings, monkey bars, and stimulating elements such as wind chimes (Kofinou).
Human Resonance: Thanks to mirror neurons, we relate empathetically with both living and inanimate objects: subconsciously reading intentions, and projecting meaning wherever possible. To encourage children's sense of dignity and imagination, ONE pays attention to refined details, soft edges, materials, and scale. Additionally, adaptive elements like hammocks (Serres) and coloured chalkboards empower children with a sense of agency.
Further information is provided in the Report, Annex I.
Key objectives for inclusion
Displaced children enduring trauma represent diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, speaking multiple languages. They often face neglect, and asocial or discriminatory behaviour, challenging the design of a space that promotes pro-social interaction.
Alongside ensuring overall safety and accessibility, ONE focuses on addressing emotional and interpersonal requirements through inclusive design aspects. These principles can be guiding tools in different contexts where children are involved, especially where economic and material resources are limited such as for these charity-based projects. Two examples:
Creating Intimate Refuges: To foster a sense of social safety and provide introverted children with space for self-expression, there are spaces like a small playhouse (Lesvos). Tailored to the scale of younger children, it ensures that the area isn't dominated by more vocal older children. This space offers various private spots for private conversations and relaxation, attuning to mood swings and possible social spectrum and sensory disorders. A coloured chalkboard here enables children to connect with their imaginative and sensitive selves.
Stimulating Social Play: Cooperative play is encouraged through design elements that require playful collaboration. This approach is particularly beneficial for children with abundant energy and a desire for strong social engagement. Even without a common language, children communicate non-verbally and intuitively through play. For instance, the community rope swing (Kofinou) functions best when children swing together in synchronization. This teamwork helps them overcome hostile associations, as they experience the rewards of exciting motion, strengthening social bonds and communication skills.
In this process, ONE seeks collaboration with local contractors and volunteers to ensure a positive ripple effect on the community both socially and economically.
Alongside ensuring overall safety and accessibility, ONE focuses on addressing emotional and interpersonal requirements through inclusive design aspects. These principles can be guiding tools in different contexts where children are involved, especially where economic and material resources are limited such as for these charity-based projects. Two examples:
Creating Intimate Refuges: To foster a sense of social safety and provide introverted children with space for self-expression, there are spaces like a small playhouse (Lesvos). Tailored to the scale of younger children, it ensures that the area isn't dominated by more vocal older children. This space offers various private spots for private conversations and relaxation, attuning to mood swings and possible social spectrum and sensory disorders. A coloured chalkboard here enables children to connect with their imaginative and sensitive selves.
Stimulating Social Play: Cooperative play is encouraged through design elements that require playful collaboration. This approach is particularly beneficial for children with abundant energy and a desire for strong social engagement. Even without a common language, children communicate non-verbally and intuitively through play. For instance, the community rope swing (Kofinou) functions best when children swing together in synchronization. This teamwork helps them overcome hostile associations, as they experience the rewards of exciting motion, strengthening social bonds and communication skills.
In this process, ONE seeks collaboration with local contractors and volunteers to ensure a positive ripple effect on the community both socially and economically.
Results in relation to category
Recognizing the likelihood of an increasing number of displacements in the future due to current humanitarian and climate emergencies, ONE contends that its approach is highly effective and relevant in improving the lives of children, families and surrounding communities. It emphasizes a holistic perspective that extends beyond immediate physical necessities, fostering a sense of community and providing invaluable support for the emotional and developmental well-being of those living in temporary settlements.
The Healing Spaces positively affect hundreds of children in deprived areas and their families, providing them with space for personal activities and fostering better relationships. A positive transformation was observed in teachers, particularly in Lesvos. This indirect benefit underscores the project's holistic impact on the entire community, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various stakeholders.
Additionally, the project has reached beyond direct beneficiaries, influencing camp management, local suppliers, and contractors. The local economy has been boosted through collaborations with nearby businesses, further enhancing positive attitudes toward the refugee community.
The creation of public spaces not only reconnects families but also positively influences the mood of aid workers. This, in turn, has indirect positive effects on the well-being of the refugees they work with.
While quantitative metrics may not fully capture the depth of ONE’s project's impact, the qualitative outcomes, ranging from improved well-being of children and parents to the upliftment of teachers and aid workers, underscore the positive influence on the targeted communities. The project's ripple effects on the local economy and ecological environment, and the inspiration it provides to professionals in related fields further enhance its significance within the broader context of environmental sustainability and community well-being.
The Healing Spaces positively affect hundreds of children in deprived areas and their families, providing them with space for personal activities and fostering better relationships. A positive transformation was observed in teachers, particularly in Lesvos. This indirect benefit underscores the project's holistic impact on the entire community, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various stakeholders.
Additionally, the project has reached beyond direct beneficiaries, influencing camp management, local suppliers, and contractors. The local economy has been boosted through collaborations with nearby businesses, further enhancing positive attitudes toward the refugee community.
The creation of public spaces not only reconnects families but also positively influences the mood of aid workers. This, in turn, has indirect positive effects on the well-being of the refugees they work with.
While quantitative metrics may not fully capture the depth of ONE’s project's impact, the qualitative outcomes, ranging from improved well-being of children and parents to the upliftment of teachers and aid workers, underscore the positive influence on the targeted communities. The project's ripple effects on the local economy and ecological environment, and the inspiration it provides to professionals in related fields further enhance its significance within the broader context of environmental sustainability and community well-being.
How Citizens benefit
Even if refugee camp safeguarding policies are restrictive in terms of interactions with local communities, ONE involved families in participatory design workshops. In addition to communication difficulties and language barriers, another challenge was that children were rarely consulted for their opinions and ideas, reacting with aloof and shy behaviour if asked direct questions. To address this, ONE adopted trauma-informed steps as a general method to be replicated:
Engaging Playfully: Start with culturally appropriate and playful exercises that encourage physical and social interaction to foster a more creative and open state of mind. These activities included passing a ball while introducing themselves and creating a positive group dynamic by forming circles with ropes.
Projecting Emotional Needs: Rather than directly asking about their needs, children were asked to craft small dolls or creatures and give them names. 'What kind of environment would make this creature happy?' was the question asked so that the children could externalise their own needs with less self-consciousness.
Creating Scaled Spaces: Equipped with various crafting materials, the children began designing scaled spaces outlining different social and playful programs and activities. Both the children and their caregivers expressed excitement at the prospect of their ideas being incorporated into our designs.
In addition to participatory design, children and their families were involved in participatory construction activities, such as painting wooden elements and planting vegetation. Planting, in particular, emerged as a meaningful activity that fostered a sense of ownership and heightened care for their environment: for some people, watering the plants became a daily highlight.
It is important to clarify that safety and privacy regulations are strict to protect the inhabitants so the level of involvement in these contexts was limited by these factors compared to general society.
Engaging Playfully: Start with culturally appropriate and playful exercises that encourage physical and social interaction to foster a more creative and open state of mind. These activities included passing a ball while introducing themselves and creating a positive group dynamic by forming circles with ropes.
Projecting Emotional Needs: Rather than directly asking about their needs, children were asked to craft small dolls or creatures and give them names. 'What kind of environment would make this creature happy?' was the question asked so that the children could externalise their own needs with less self-consciousness.
Creating Scaled Spaces: Equipped with various crafting materials, the children began designing scaled spaces outlining different social and playful programs and activities. Both the children and their caregivers expressed excitement at the prospect of their ideas being incorporated into our designs.
In addition to participatory design, children and their families were involved in participatory construction activities, such as painting wooden elements and planting vegetation. Planting, in particular, emerged as a meaningful activity that fostered a sense of ownership and heightened care for their environment: for some people, watering the plants became a daily highlight.
It is important to clarify that safety and privacy regulations are strict to protect the inhabitants so the level of involvement in these contexts was limited by these factors compared to general society.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
ONE's work shows several innovative features:
Integrated Design Process: 3D modelling in Rhinoceros with interactive structural calculations on Grasshopper software showcases a sophisticated and technical design process. The inclusion of shading analysis for passive climate optimization and the ability to analyze complex freeform structures sets it apart from more conventional design practices.
Participatory Process: Projects stand out by incorporating workshop feedback, allowing for real-time adjustments and enhancements to the design on-site. This approach not only saves time spent on 3D software detailing but also fosters a more intuitive and flexible design process, diverging from traditional methods that rely on computer-based design.
Proactive Project Development: Unlike many NGOs that wait for funding calls/tenders, ONE takes proactive stances by engaging with fellow NGOs and governmental organizations to identify the where and when an intervention is most needed. Through private sponsors and donors, ONE’s action is autonomous, resourceful and prompt.
Efficient Project Realization: The project's claim to be one of the few Non-Profit Design & Construct offices in the world highlights its unique ability to move from design proposal to project realization. The shorter feedback loop and fast process reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enable most projects to come to fruition in about 6 months, a notable departure from the typically extended timelines in the field.
Holistic Framework and Trauma-Informed Design: This approach goes beyond mere construction considerations, emphasizing the well-being of the beneficiaries and incorporating psychological aspects into the design process, addressing multi-leveled needs.
Financial Autonomy: By independently collecting donations, the initiative avoids the common challenge faced by NGOs in securing suitable spaces. This financial independence ensures that funds aren’t lost to commercial parties or excessive administrativ
Integrated Design Process: 3D modelling in Rhinoceros with interactive structural calculations on Grasshopper software showcases a sophisticated and technical design process. The inclusion of shading analysis for passive climate optimization and the ability to analyze complex freeform structures sets it apart from more conventional design practices.
Participatory Process: Projects stand out by incorporating workshop feedback, allowing for real-time adjustments and enhancements to the design on-site. This approach not only saves time spent on 3D software detailing but also fosters a more intuitive and flexible design process, diverging from traditional methods that rely on computer-based design.
Proactive Project Development: Unlike many NGOs that wait for funding calls/tenders, ONE takes proactive stances by engaging with fellow NGOs and governmental organizations to identify the where and when an intervention is most needed. Through private sponsors and donors, ONE’s action is autonomous, resourceful and prompt.
Efficient Project Realization: The project's claim to be one of the few Non-Profit Design & Construct offices in the world highlights its unique ability to move from design proposal to project realization. The shorter feedback loop and fast process reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enable most projects to come to fruition in about 6 months, a notable departure from the typically extended timelines in the field.
Holistic Framework and Trauma-Informed Design: This approach goes beyond mere construction considerations, emphasizing the well-being of the beneficiaries and incorporating psychological aspects into the design process, addressing multi-leveled needs.
Financial Autonomy: By independently collecting donations, the initiative avoids the common challenge faced by NGOs in securing suitable spaces. This financial independence ensures that funds aren’t lost to commercial parties or excessive administrativ
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
ONE consultancy specializes in transformative design solutions rooted in environmental psychology with an evidence-based approach. Biophilic and trauma-informed design are focal points, recognizing their impact on brain development, The design philosophy goes beyond just incorporating vegetation; it strives for equilibrium between refuge and exploration. Spaces fostering safety and introspection are complemented with those stimulating curiosity, contributing to holistic cognitive development.
Collaboration with Participatory Design experts and following the UN's DeCID handbook (Co-designing Built Interventions with Children affected by displacement) is vital. Consultations with A. Osnaga ( American Institute of Architects Neuroscience Specialist), Dr J. Roche (Trauma-informed Design Society), Dr R. Christensen (Mind Concept Lead at International WELL Building Institute), C. Valentine (Cambridge NeuroArchitecture Researcher) and R. LeClear (Sporos Regeneration Institute organic gardening and natural building expert) ensure a comprehensive approach to therapeutic and play design.
Pro bono partnerships with playgrounds expert Sterkens Consultancy, and natural material structures specialist Summum Engineering demonstrate ONE’s commitment to a comprehensive understanding of challenges and building rigour.
Local empowerment is developed also through complementary partnerships with local NGOs, assessing their integrity, values, licensed background, and commitment to innovative education and psychological support. Through dialogues and drawings, children and communities share unique perspectives to define interventions.
Collaborating with local contractors and volunteers generates a positive ripple effect beyond projects, benefiting communities socially and economically. Through interdisciplinary collaborations both on-site and off-site, ONE can have a lasting impact on communities' well-being.
Collaboration with Participatory Design experts and following the UN's DeCID handbook (Co-designing Built Interventions with Children affected by displacement) is vital. Consultations with A. Osnaga ( American Institute of Architects Neuroscience Specialist), Dr J. Roche (Trauma-informed Design Society), Dr R. Christensen (Mind Concept Lead at International WELL Building Institute), C. Valentine (Cambridge NeuroArchitecture Researcher) and R. LeClear (Sporos Regeneration Institute organic gardening and natural building expert) ensure a comprehensive approach to therapeutic and play design.
Pro bono partnerships with playgrounds expert Sterkens Consultancy, and natural material structures specialist Summum Engineering demonstrate ONE’s commitment to a comprehensive understanding of challenges and building rigour.
Local empowerment is developed also through complementary partnerships with local NGOs, assessing their integrity, values, licensed background, and commitment to innovative education and psychological support. Through dialogues and drawings, children and communities share unique perspectives to define interventions.
Collaborating with local contractors and volunteers generates a positive ripple effect beyond projects, benefiting communities socially and economically. Through interdisciplinary collaborations both on-site and off-site, ONE can have a lasting impact on communities' well-being.
Methodology used
First, the places in which children seem most deprived of nurturing and playful environments are identified. Second, the project feasibility is based on the logistics of the area and possible and existing stakeholders. For Cyprus and Greece, only in a few places local authorities and NGOs were cooperative enough to realize child-friendly spaces in a short time.
Through site analysis and in-depth conversations with local actors already working with children, an initial design brief is implemented to act complementarity to the existing camp amenities. A general structural strategy of the project is outlined at the same time. By being a Design & Construct office as well, ONE can already start engineering the structure (usually about 80% of the design before construction) and order construction materials, speeding up the process.
While the foundations are created on-site, some team members can carry out participatory design workshops with children to determine the final program of the space. By keeping the design adaptive to changes, spaces can be realized in tune with specific needs, without rushing any phase, allowing ONE’s members, with the materials in hand, to experiment more intuitively than behind a computer screen. This way craftsmanship and design stay interactive throughout the realization process, learning from the material itself.
Technical Design comes into play to translate into space the acquired information using 3D modelling and shading analysis software. Construction is done by ONE team members with local craftsman support, creating also the opportunity for educational workshops on carpentry (Serres).
Often the final Implementation involves safe activities easier for the community to carry out. Usually, local NGOs use the space for their programs after completion as formerly agreed.
All projects follow the European building codes as well as the Co-designing built interventions with children affected by displacement handbook by UN-Habitat (2021).
Through site analysis and in-depth conversations with local actors already working with children, an initial design brief is implemented to act complementarity to the existing camp amenities. A general structural strategy of the project is outlined at the same time. By being a Design & Construct office as well, ONE can already start engineering the structure (usually about 80% of the design before construction) and order construction materials, speeding up the process.
While the foundations are created on-site, some team members can carry out participatory design workshops with children to determine the final program of the space. By keeping the design adaptive to changes, spaces can be realized in tune with specific needs, without rushing any phase, allowing ONE’s members, with the materials in hand, to experiment more intuitively than behind a computer screen. This way craftsmanship and design stay interactive throughout the realization process, learning from the material itself.
Technical Design comes into play to translate into space the acquired information using 3D modelling and shading analysis software. Construction is done by ONE team members with local craftsman support, creating also the opportunity for educational workshops on carpentry (Serres).
Often the final Implementation involves safe activities easier for the community to carry out. Usually, local NGOs use the space for their programs after completion as formerly agreed.
All projects follow the European building codes as well as the Co-designing built interventions with children affected by displacement handbook by UN-Habitat (2021).
How stakeholders are engaged
For ONE’s project on the island of Lesvos in the spring of 2022, ONE partnered with the Greek NGO METAdrasi which is running non-formal educational programs for children inside the Mavrovouni refugee camp. Together the teams formulated the need for play and shade and they helped ONE, through their contacts with the camp authorities, to receive an official building permit. During the construction phase, they helped in facilitating several participatory design workshops with the children. After completion, they use the spaces for their activities.
In the autumn of 2022, ONE partnered with the American NGO Lifting Hands International (LHI). They run a community center outside of the refugee camp in Serres, where they provide day activities and education for both children and adults. Together the team indicated that an (outside) extension of the current CFS was needed with lots of shade. Through their local contact with the municipality, ONE received an official building permit. They helped us in facilitating several educational workshops on carpentry for the local community. After completion, they used the space for their programs.
In Cyprus in 2023, ONE partnered with the local Ministry of Interior, the camp authorities of the Kofinou camp, and the EUAA to create a new healing space. The building permit was directly issued by the ministry. The local camp authorities helped extensively by providing aid to building logistics, contacting local suppliers, and finding skilled professionals for placing electricity cables, water lines, sewage pipes, and the groundwork for the garden on site. After completion, they take care of the cleaning and maintenance, of the space including the plants in the garden. The EUAA helped with facilitating workshops with children.
These were the essential stakeholders, for further details on other beneficial partnerships and local suppliers choice, please see Report, Annex III.
In the autumn of 2022, ONE partnered with the American NGO Lifting Hands International (LHI). They run a community center outside of the refugee camp in Serres, where they provide day activities and education for both children and adults. Together the team indicated that an (outside) extension of the current CFS was needed with lots of shade. Through their local contact with the municipality, ONE received an official building permit. They helped us in facilitating several educational workshops on carpentry for the local community. After completion, they used the space for their programs.
In Cyprus in 2023, ONE partnered with the local Ministry of Interior, the camp authorities of the Kofinou camp, and the EUAA to create a new healing space. The building permit was directly issued by the ministry. The local camp authorities helped extensively by providing aid to building logistics, contacting local suppliers, and finding skilled professionals for placing electricity cables, water lines, sewage pipes, and the groundwork for the garden on site. After completion, they take care of the cleaning and maintenance, of the space including the plants in the garden. The EUAA helped with facilitating workshops with children.
These were the essential stakeholders, for further details on other beneficial partnerships and local suppliers choice, please see Report, Annex III.
Global challenges
ONE’s key actions, even if on a local scale, reflect the global goals in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that states vulnerable people, including refugees, must be empowered, a coherent aim with this application’s category. ONE agrees with the Agenda that migrants can positively contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable development, and that migration is a multidimensional reality which requires comprehensive responses to ensure migrants' safety, and respect but also resilience of communities hosting refugees, particularly in developing countries. Greece and Cyprus are among the main asylum destinations. Central Macedonia (Serres) is among regions facing more intensive challenges according to the EU’s cohesion policy, while Cyprus (Kofinou) and North Aegean Islands (Lesvos) are territories affected the most by the climate transition and supported by EU’s Just Transition Fund.
With over 100 million people globally displaced from their homes, the pressing issue of creating humane temporary habitats becomes increasingly urgent. The majority of these temporary settlements often emerge as a rapid response, primarily addressing basic physical. However, this utilitarian approach can prove detrimental and jeopardize needs that extend beyond survival, particularly those of children with emotional and developmental requirements.
ONE has a complementary approach aimed at effectively mitigating the adverse effects of large-scale camps with limited resources to be channelled into high-quality, small-scale interventions. The concept of Healing Spaces emerged as public gathering spots spanning wide areas, specifically designed for children. These spaces create an environment accessible to all, where the challenging circumstances of a camp recede into the background. Within these Healing Spaces, children can connect with their needs and engage in nurturing experiences that contribute to building the resilience crucial for life in a refugee camp.
With over 100 million people globally displaced from their homes, the pressing issue of creating humane temporary habitats becomes increasingly urgent. The majority of these temporary settlements often emerge as a rapid response, primarily addressing basic physical. However, this utilitarian approach can prove detrimental and jeopardize needs that extend beyond survival, particularly those of children with emotional and developmental requirements.
ONE has a complementary approach aimed at effectively mitigating the adverse effects of large-scale camps with limited resources to be channelled into high-quality, small-scale interventions. The concept of Healing Spaces emerged as public gathering spots spanning wide areas, specifically designed for children. These spaces create an environment accessible to all, where the challenging circumstances of a camp recede into the background. Within these Healing Spaces, children can connect with their needs and engage in nurturing experiences that contribute to building the resilience crucial for life in a refugee camp.
Learning transferred to other parties
The replicability and transferability of ONE’s projects lie in the approach adaptability of holistic design principles. While recognizing the unique context and landscape of each refugee camp, the transformation of the monotonous camp habitat is achievable through concentrated, customized interventions and installations.
The concept of a Healing Space, which serves as a foundation for multiple projects, is the core of ONE’s successful impacts. This approach involves creating a direct feedback loop with the children, learning from their experiences, preferences, and needs. For instance, the experience on Lesvos revealed the high demand for swings among children, leading us to design a rope swing in Kofinou that accommodates up to five children simultaneously, addressing their preferences and promoting collaborative play.
In terms of climate design, exploring ways to maximise daylight while mitigating sharp solar rays resulted in an effective solution in Cyprus: a semi-translucent canvas. This adaptable approach to climate considerations can be tailored to various contexts also with smaller budgets.
Beyond the specific context of refugee camps, the Healing Space concept is envisioned as applicable to other high-density environments like urban districts or slums. The principles underlying ONE’s approach are not constrained by the scale or size of the context. By focusing on devalued spaces, transforming them into concentrated spots for sensory enrichment becomes feasible, even with limited space and resources.
Also with the input of collaborating experts, ONE is currently developing a booklet of the scientific framework at the base of design choices. The booklet's aim is also to provide guidelines and show replicable elements for other NGOs and designers to create Healing Spaces in refugee camps and similar deprived environments worldwide. The booklet is expected to be published by Spring 2024.
The concept of a Healing Space, which serves as a foundation for multiple projects, is the core of ONE’s successful impacts. This approach involves creating a direct feedback loop with the children, learning from their experiences, preferences, and needs. For instance, the experience on Lesvos revealed the high demand for swings among children, leading us to design a rope swing in Kofinou that accommodates up to five children simultaneously, addressing their preferences and promoting collaborative play.
In terms of climate design, exploring ways to maximise daylight while mitigating sharp solar rays resulted in an effective solution in Cyprus: a semi-translucent canvas. This adaptable approach to climate considerations can be tailored to various contexts also with smaller budgets.
Beyond the specific context of refugee camps, the Healing Space concept is envisioned as applicable to other high-density environments like urban districts or slums. The principles underlying ONE’s approach are not constrained by the scale or size of the context. By focusing on devalued spaces, transforming them into concentrated spots for sensory enrichment becomes feasible, even with limited space and resources.
Also with the input of collaborating experts, ONE is currently developing a booklet of the scientific framework at the base of design choices. The booklet's aim is also to provide guidelines and show replicable elements for other NGOs and designers to create Healing Spaces in refugee camps and similar deprived environments worldwide. The booklet is expected to be published by Spring 2024.
Keywords
Refugee Children
Participatory Process
Playspace
Neuro-aesthetics
Biophilic Design
