Habibi community centre : placemaking and community resilience

Abstract

This research programme builds on prior research (RAE2020 Miaoxia Village) on community development and application in the context of displacement in Iraq. This collaboration involved Insitu Project (Peter Hasdell), ABCD Collaborative, HIS Foundation, Habibi International, Vide Terra, MedEast and Catalytic Action under the leadership of Chelsea Chan (ABCD Collaborative) . The HIS Foundation and Habibi International served as clients, service providers and funders (HK$2,700,000). The project involved interdisciplinary research through the construction of the Habibi Community Centre in Bersive #2 Camp for Internally Displaced Persons, Kurdistan, Iraq. The research aimed to: 1. Address the needs of camp residents by providing an infrastructure for healthcare and community facilities and services; 2. Create an oasis for civic and community activities for residents using placemaking principles; and 3. Generate opportunities for collaboration, skills- and capacity-building, and community engagement. Completed in 2023, the project produced healthcare facilities, including medical and dental clinics; a dedicated women's space; trauma counselling and therapy spaces; a prosthetics centre; a community hall; a courtyard; and a playground. This was the camp's first non-temporary building developed through co-design and co-construction, utilising specific local resources and knowledge transfer. The project engaged local inhabitants in the construction of a 'Superadobe' community hall, providing training in techniques suited to climate and human needs. These proved to be transferrable skills for the future reconstruction of residents' homes. The completed project led to the construction of three Superadobe houses (proof-of-concept prototypes) in the nearby Chamisku Refugee Camp, training 30 additional people in Superadobe techniques in the process. The project attracted interest from UNHCR and other NGO agencies, and gained external recognition in the Design Educates Bronze Award 2023, the Architizer Award 2023 and a nomination for the 2025 Ammodo Award.