Placemaking in Lebanese Cities Hosting Displaced Communities

Abstract

CatalyticAction is a design studio and charity that works to empower communities through strategic and innovative community-led spatial interventions. They developed their architectural approach in the Lebanese context of displacement where the built environment and wellbeing are being constantly negotiated. Focusing on context specific educational spaces, they have created valuable impacts on the locality, on education, local economy, equality and wellbeing. The projects have been benefiting the most vulnerable groups including children, elderly and persons with disabilities. With this process of thinking and doing architecture, refugee and host communities co-design together and shape their shared built environment at this specific time of displacement, but also work towards a sustainable longer-term use of the spaces.