Context BD• Multi-purpose Centre at Kutupalong Rohingya Camp

DESIGN. ARCHITECTURE. CULTURE

Multi-purpose Centre at Kutupalong Rohingya Camp

Community Development Centre at Kutupalong Rohingya Camp © CODEC

Name:	Community Development Centre - CODEC
Year:	2021
Location:	Camp 2W, Rohingya Refugee Camp, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar
Client:	FDMN

Community Development Centre - CODEC is implementing a child protection program through the EPRC project at different FDMN (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals) camps since 2019 in collaboration with UNHCR. In December 2021, a Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC) was established at camp 2W. It covers two blocks (Block B and C) among four blocks of camp 2W. Presently through this facility, CODEC is providing support to 12,263 individuals (including 6525 children).

Through this Multi-purpose Centre (MPC), different services like Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Case Management for vulnerable children, Community Engagement like ‘Community Based Child Protection Committee’ (CBCPC) and life skills support through ‘Adolescent Club’ are provided. Besides, these activities, the project is considering disability inclusion, accountability to the affected people, and Menstrual Hygiene Management throughout its interventions.

During the initiation of the design process, we communicated continuously with the key stakeholders who will use the facility. We tried to focus on the feedback of children, especially adolescent girls regarding their space and privacy requirements and tried to incorporate them into the design. Through the U-Shaped plan of the structure, we tried to create a semi-private inner garden/courtyard, where girls can get involved in gardening and playing activities. There is also an outdoor play area. The facility contains activity spaces, office spaces, a training room, an adolescent’s room, and a shaded display/play space. The inner garden creates ample opportunity for natural light and ventilation for the structures. The structure is constructed with locally available materials like bamboo as structural components and sun grass (Chon) as the roofing material. The muli–bamboo façade was designed and constructed in such a way that the perforations in the facade provide enough opportunities for natural light and ventilation. Also, artwork inspired by the cultural attire called “Thami” was applied to the façade with the involvement of the children and our technical team.

The MPC is now fully operational and has created a platform for the most vulnerable children, especially girls, to receive different services to ensure child protection. Moreover, it has created a space for them to learn, play & participate freely and enjoy their time. The community members can also use this facility for community meetings. This facility is operated with the active support and involvement of Camp in Charge (CiC) and UNHCR.