Pascale Julien

In the context of the Syrian refugee camps, the situation of most children results in trauma-induced lack of contact with other Syrians of their age, as well as issues of trust and self-confidence. By fostering socialization, Amal School is meant to become a playful environment for the children to interact with each other. With a community area embracing the closest facade to the camp, the school holds a semi-enclosed playground area, which communicates with every room through a shaded path encircling the plaza. From the classroom design inspired from active-learning pedagogical methods to the exterior colonnade reminding the colours and vibrance of the light, the design’s main concern is the children’s experience of the space. A space where one can learn, cooperate, and share.

At McGill University School of Architecture