Research Advisor: Rana Abudayyeh
Genetics Research: Dr. Neal Stewart
Team: Nadine Ghezawi, Michael Swartz
Sites: Al’Zataari + Al’Azraq + Al’ Baqaa Refugee Camps
First Phase of Research | The Living Greenwall + Plant Monitors project is a two part collaborative research effort focused on enhancing interior spaces and protecting occupants. It explores the use of green walls, enriched with genetically modified houseplants, as advanced health monitors capable of detecting changes in the indoor environment's micro-biome. Leveraging the unique attributes of these specially engineered plants, this research endeavor aims to create indoor spaces that are not only healthier but also more suitable for a comfortable life.
Second Phase of Research: Expanding upon the Greenwall Project, Professor Rana Abudayyeh at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, leads the Pop-up Refugee Cities + Living Greenwall initiative. This part of the project deeply explores the intricate dynamics of migration within refugee camps and pop up temporary cities, scrutinizing spatial, social, and economic factors. Its overarching goal is to transform living conditions and instill a sense of belonging among displaced populations by adapting and implementing greenwall concepts across various scales, from individual shelters to entire refugee communities. [p68] Ultimately, the initiative strives to offer displaced individuals a sense of ownership and identity in their temporary surroundings, providing a beacon of hope in what is often a challenging and stark reality.
Research Speculation: Through initiatives such as this one, the project aspires to create a positive impact on the lives of those who have experienced displacement, creating a more humane and dignified environment. The drawings illustrate a design proposal for vertically stacking refugee shelters, allowing for flexibility in adjustments and clustering based on density and user needs. These versatile configurations offer shelter from the extreme desert climate and provide space for users to incorporate a living greenwall into their shelter arrangements. These clusters can be replicated and arranged to suit the current desires and functions of the users. Over time, the layout of refugee camps organically adapts to best serve the needs of the refugees, a testament to their resourcefulness and resilience. This quote by Rana Abudayyeh provides direction for the project:
“Temporary shelters previously organized in single files, like in traditional camp settings, were physically moved by residents to incorporate courtyards, where dwellings of extended family members surrounded each other. It reminded the people of home, so even though it was uncommon they shaped their environment to look like what they had fixed in their memories. The refugees transformed their environment to fit a pattern of occupancy and a culture they brought with them from Syria, facilitated by the technology in their pockets." This quote encapsulates the adaptive spirit and resourcefulness of displaced individuals in shaping their environments to reflect their cultural ties and personal memories, even in the face of adversity.”
The research is centered around the ideas laid forth by Rana Abudayyeh and attempts to speculate a positive and prosperous future for refugees in all camps.
Genetics Research: Dr. Neal Stewart
Team: Nadine Ghezawi, Michael Swartz
Sites: Al’Zataari + Al’Azraq + Al’ Baqaa Refugee Camps
First Phase of Research | The Living Greenwall + Plant Monitors project is a two part collaborative research effort focused on enhancing interior spaces and protecting occupants. It explores the use of green walls, enriched with genetically modified houseplants, as advanced health monitors capable of detecting changes in the indoor environment's micro-biome. Leveraging the unique attributes of these specially engineered plants, this research endeavor aims to create indoor spaces that are not only healthier but also more suitable for a comfortable life.
Second Phase of Research: Expanding upon the Greenwall Project, Professor Rana Abudayyeh at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, leads the Pop-up Refugee Cities + Living Greenwall initiative. This part of the project deeply explores the intricate dynamics of migration within refugee camps and pop up temporary cities, scrutinizing spatial, social, and economic factors. Its overarching goal is to transform living conditions and instill a sense of belonging among displaced populations by adapting and implementing greenwall concepts across various scales, from individual shelters to entire refugee communities. [p68] Ultimately, the initiative strives to offer displaced individuals a sense of ownership and identity in their temporary surroundings, providing a beacon of hope in what is often a challenging and stark reality.
Research Speculation: Through initiatives such as this one, the project aspires to create a positive impact on the lives of those who have experienced displacement, creating a more humane and dignified environment. The drawings illustrate a design proposal for vertically stacking refugee shelters, allowing for flexibility in adjustments and clustering based on density and user needs. These versatile configurations offer shelter from the extreme desert climate and provide space for users to incorporate a living greenwall into their shelter arrangements. These clusters can be replicated and arranged to suit the current desires and functions of the users. Over time, the layout of refugee camps organically adapts to best serve the needs of the refugees, a testament to their resourcefulness and resilience. This quote by Rana Abudayyeh provides direction for the project:
“Temporary shelters previously organized in single files, like in traditional camp settings, were physically moved by residents to incorporate courtyards, where dwellings of extended family members surrounded each other. It reminded the people of home, so even though it was uncommon they shaped their environment to look like what they had fixed in their memories. The refugees transformed their environment to fit a pattern of occupancy and a culture they brought with them from Syria, facilitated by the technology in their pockets." This quote encapsulates the adaptive spirit and resourcefulness of displaced individuals in shaping their environments to reflect their cultural ties and personal memories, even in the face of adversity.”
The research is centered around the ideas laid forth by Rana Abudayyeh and attempts to speculate a positive and prosperous future for refugees in all camps.