Porous/Nonporous

Location: Sarafand, Lebanon
Landscape Architecture Studio, AUB Spring 2014

In a crammed refugee settlement, very little open space was left for people to gather in and for nature to grow. Viewed as a divider between people and their context, the existing fence surrounding the camp was redesigned with the community in order to activate social gatherings, connect to the outside and become a functional tool for everyday life. The aim was to use the verticality of the fence, in order to expand open space and activate the edge. The fence was designed as a module of a functional vertical garden, laundry system, and visual connector to the outside, while also creating gathering spaces along it.

“Porous/Nonporous”, the cost-efficient module was later presented, published and given an honorary mention at the 9th International Biennale in Barcelona.

Existing fence in the refugee camp created potential space for activation (left) and interior condition of the site with little open space to occupy (right).