Bar Elias Public Space
Images by Catalytic Action
This series of interventions on public space and streets was aimed at creating a more child- and family-friendly, and culturally inclusive environment in Bar Elias, Lebanon a town that is home to nearly half million Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
The intervention creates a visible, accessible and inclusive public space to reduce refugee vulnerability in the public realm, and enhance connections and integration between the broader population.
Location Bar Elias, Beqaa Valley, Lebanon
Organisation Catalytic Action
Partner organisations University College of London (UCL) – The Bartlett Development Planning Unit
Beneficiary
Refugee population; Children aged 0-5 & Caregivers
Scale of catchment Neighbourhood
Built environment component Public space; Street
INTERVENTION DESIGN LEARNINGS
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
(1) Early community engagement in the design process contributes to understanding the needs and priorities of the local population.
(2) Training 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 the most fitted to guarantee neutrality across the diverse populations living in the area. Site selection can enable or disable the potential of the design.
Source