Children represent 55 % of the Rohingya population in the refugee camps in Bangladesh. Many of them were reported witnessing torture and killing of family members and show signs of psychosocial distress. In the refugee camps, children are the most vulnerable as they don’t have access to the basic needs requires to live a normal life. CODEC is working in collaboration with UNHCR and UNICEF ensuring the safety and security of Rohingya children. A total of 12 Child-friendly space (CFS) were built in 2019 at different refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.

CFS is established under the multi-dimensional concept and facility, where children can avail of various activities under one roof. Each CFS is divided into three corners such as play, learning, art, and craft corner and each corner has different segments.  These various and diversified support services somewhat have created an opportunity for psychomotor learning.

The architectural design of the CFS reflects its functional needs. The open floor plan has accommodated different activities of the center as well as a common space for different communal activities. The plan offers a flexible arrangement of internal spaces. The project had a low budget, so the structure is semi-permanent in nature and built with locally available materials. Ensuring natural light and ventilation was one of the major design considerations. To make the construction simple, the typical window was avoided, instead, a facade made out of bamboo was designed and constructed in such a way that the perforations in the facade provide enough natural light and ventilation. Also, the structure is exposed to high-risk of the cyclone. The envelope with minimum roof projection for the wind to catch on makes the structure more likely to withstand cyclones. The perforated facade also complements this design idea by creating less barrier for the cyclonic winds.

Design Team

Architect: Quazi Wafiq Alam

Artwork: Mohammed Tasadduk Hossain

Engineering: Sufian Bin Mohammad