The Challenge:

Imagine the displaced communities in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, home to the Rohingya refugees facing the dire consequences of the refugee crisis. In these overcrowded conditions, access to sports and recreational spaces is severely limited, particularly for children, who have little room to play and grow. Amidst this, Ashraf, a camp coordinator, recognized the urgent need for versatile and adaptable facilities to serve this vulnerable population. Click here to verify

"In the confines of the refugee camp, providing safe and versatile play spaces is not just beneficial, it's essential for wellbeing," - Ashraf (Camp Coordinator)

The Solution:

Ashraf found hope in Gaza999's concept of Multipurpose and Adaptable Sports Facilities, designed to flexibly host various sports and community events, maximizing limited space while catering to diverse needs.

"Implementing Gaza999’s adaptable facilities model here means we can offer more than just a place to play; it's a community lifeline," - Ashraf (Camp Coordinator)

The Implementation:

The project started with a collaborative design phase that incorporated flexible elements like movable partitions and retractable seating, allowing the spaces to transform according to different sports and community needs. Modular construction techniques were employed, enhancing the ability to expand or modify structures with minimal disruption. Advanced technology was integrated to manage facility scheduling and enhance the user experience effectively. Throughout the construction, community feedback was a cornerstone, ensuring the facilities truly met the varied needs of the refugee population.

"The adaptability of these facilities has allowed us to host sports events during the day and community gatherings in the evening, all within the same space," - Farida (Project Architect)

The Impact:

Within the first six months following their completion, the adaptable sports facilities in Cox's Bazar hosted over 200 community events and sports activities, directly engaging more than 5,000 refugee residents, including a significant number of children and women. This vast engagement has brought a vibrant renewal of community spirit and cohesion, critical in alleviating the psychological stress of displacement. 

"These spaces have not just met our physical needs but have fostered a sense of community and belonging among us," - Mohammad (Refugee and Facility User)

Lessons Learned:

·    Modular and Flexible Construction Techniques: Utilizing modular components and flexible design elements like movable partitions allowed for quick adaptations to the facilities, catering to an array of activities and events, making efficient use of limited space.

·    Strategic Use of Technology for Facility Management: Integrating advanced scheduling and management technology ensured efficient utilization of the facilities, accommodating a high volume of activities and participants with minimal conflicts.

·    Active Community Engagement in Design and Operation: Incorporating continuous community feedback into both the design and operational phases of the facilities ensured they remained relevant and highly utilized, aligning with the specific needs and dynamics of the refugee population.