Multi-Purpose Centers
The project's vision is to enhance the child protection system in the Rohingya Refugee camp located in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Children constitute 55% of the population in the Rohingya Refugee camps, with many having witnessed the torture and killing of family members, resulting in significant psychosocial distress. Within the refugee camp, children are particularly vulnerable due to limited access to their basic needs, resulting from inadequate facilities and rights. Consequently, children and adolescents endure miserable conditions, lacking proper childhood development, recreational opportunities, and psychosocial support. The overcrowded makeshift camp exacerbates their situation, providing limited and congested spaces that are far from child-friendly. In response, CODEC collaborates with UNHCR and UNICEF to ensure the safety and security of Rohingya children.
The Multi-Purpose Centers (MPC) are established as multidimensional facilities where children can engage in various activities within a single space. Each MPC is divided into three corners: play, learning, and art and craft, each with distinct segments. Through these services, children can be motivated to think differently due to the diverse support available in MPC, making access to all support within one space a comprehensive process.
The architectural design of the MPC reflects its functional requirements. The open floor plan facilitates different activities within the center and provides a communal space for various activities. The internal space can be arranged as needed. Due to budget constraints, the structures are semi-permanent and constructed with locally available materials. Ensuring natural light and ventilation was a key design consideration. Windows were avoided, and a facade made of Moli Bamboo was designed to allow for natural light and ventilation while also providing protection against cyclones. The facade is designed to minimize projected roof areas, reducing wind resistance during cyclones. The perforated facade further aids in this regard by creating fewer barriers for high-velocity winds during cyclones.
In 2019, 20 MPCs were constructed based on this design in Rohingya Refugee camps around Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, with support from UNHCR and UNICEF and implementation by CODEC.