Karantia Play Garden
Atmospheres for Encounters
Images by Catalytic Action
This public park renovation at the heart of a low-income neighbourhood in the north-east of Beirut, was designed to produce play elements to animate the Park through community participation and engagement.
The intervention aimed at creating a meeting point for children and the diverse communities living in its vicinity and to highlight the importance of ownership of public spaces in placemaking.
Location
Al-Mudaww district, Beirut, Lebanon
Organisation
Catalytic Action
Partner organisations
Zeina Kronfol and Pamela Haydamou (consultants). The Chain Effect, Recycle Lebanon, Urban pins
Beneficiary
Children & local community
Scale of catchment
Neighbourhood
Built environment component Open space; Street
Visual/Aesthetic
Mural and object painting contribute to the idea of a playful environment for children.
Technology
Projecting silhouettes of workshop participants on murals helped to create a playful environment and contributes to develop children self-expression.
Process
Engaging children and the wider community on several workshops throughout the design process was key to develop a sense of ownership over the space. The designed Play elements built around the bridge are inspired by the workshops carried out and observations throughout the process.
Implementation learnings
When working with divided community, focusing efforts in co-creating and engaging through children can create positive engagement and future use of the renewed space across the community.
Source
https://www.catalyticaction.org/projects/karantina-play-garden-atmospheres-for-encounters/