To gather suggestions for the introduction of public spaces the Zaa’tari camp, a senior Urban Development Manager and three students from Wageningen University & Research and Technical University Delft worked with the back office in the Netherlands, UN organisations and NGOs.
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One of the public spaces in the camp to address the lack of free accessible public spaces.
Introducing public spaces in a refugee camp
Urban public space in the camp is not developed. Besides some paved roads there are no constructed recreational areas. There are functions like schools and playgrounds but they are all fenced off and only open during office hours. The inhabitants expressed a strong wish for recreational, open and green space and safe routes through the camp. A front office team of a senior Urban Development Manager and three students from Wageningen University & Research and Technical University Delft worked, supported by the Amsterdam back office in the Netherlands, UN organisations and NGOs on possible proposals to develop Urban Public Spaces.
This simple intervention contributes to the improvement of the liveability in the camp as well as social cohesion.
The framework was presented at the Netherlands Embassy in Amman and in the camp to UNHCR, UNICEF, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and other NGOs, and builds on the natural conditions of the site, structures, shelter and investments, as well as existing social structures.
Development of public space in camp
The results: 4 pilot interventions
- Freely accessible urban spaces.
- A slow traffic route or Health Loop for pedestrians and cyclists.
- A shady and green central park.
- Upgrading the camp’s Souk – including food courts and plazas where women and children can relax and chat.
Team members
- Ronald van Warmerdam SENIOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
- Baker al-Hiyari, Hamzah Abaza VNG INTERNATIONAL AMMAN
- Anne-Lies Risseeuw, Boudewijn Cnossen, VNG INTERNATIONAL THE HAGUE
- Dirkje Bazuin, Linda Matser TU DELFT
- Hedzer Roodenburg Vermaat WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY