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Yasmeen Abdal
Speculative Interiors → A House and 7 Doors
Pratt Institute, BFA Interior Design
Emergency Housing
The Syrian refugee crisis stands as the largest displacement crisis of our era, leaving countless individuals stateless and struggling against social stigma. This project reimagines refugee camps as dynamic, self-sustaining communities, drawing inspiration from the fabric of Arab society and the tradition of extended family living.
Using modular extensions, the design fosters a sense of belonging by creating adaptable spaces that evolve with the needs of the residents. Re-purposed containers form essential community facilities such as learning centers, laundry spaces, and cooperative hubs for self-employment. These cooperative spaces empower individuals to produce and sell goods, fostering economic independence within the camp.
More than just shelter, the project envisions a self-adjusting, interconnected network—one where relationships extend beyond mere cohabitation to collaborative growth. Through collective agency, residents shape their environment, transforming temporary settlements into sustainable, evolving communities.
A House and 7 Doors was featured in Interior Design magazine’s April 2021 issue, Making a Splash. You can read the article here: https://interiordesign.net/projects/pratt-institute-undergrads-reinvent-shipping-containers-as-residential-communities/
Personal Responsibilities