Bloom Beyond Borders
Where Borders Become Bonds.
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Bloom Beyond Borders is a thoughtfully designed space in Medan, Indonesia, that empowers refugees to rebuild their lives while fostering meaningful connections with local communities.
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Precursor to a Global Crisis
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As one of the world's largest archipelagos, Indonesia's struggles are a microcosm of the planet's future—a warning and a call to action for all of us to prioritize sustainability and resilience before it's too late.
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Indonesia faces a dual crisis: asylum seekers from 52 nations live in limbo, unable to return home or fully integrate, while local communities battle the devastating impacts of climate change, becoming displaced within their own homeland. This separation fosters mistrust and missed opportunities for collaboration, as refugees struggle with trauma and uncertainty, and locals face resource strain and instability. ​​​Bloom Beyond Borders bridges this divide, creating spaces for connection, empathy, and mutual growth.
Site Analysis
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Mapping natural patterns, like water flow and wind currents, revealed that refugee routes align with these natural flows, with northern Indonesia emerging as a key intervention area due to six high-density refugee locations along a shared border.
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The space is divided into two distinct areas: a maker space where refugees can showcase their talents, embrace their culture, and create handicrafts and handloom products, and a pavilion where their creations are displayed and sold, providing them with an opportunity to earn a sustainable livelihood.
The spaces are divided by walls to ensure the safety and security of both citizens and refugees, providing a controlled environment where refugees can engage and contribute without unrestricted access to the country.
The space is designed to provide refugees with a sense of temporary respite, offering a break from the refugee camps. They are transported to and from UNHCR camps in Medan by bus, giving them a shift in environment and a sense of movement beyond their current situation.
The space is divided into two distinct areas: a maker space where refugees can showcase their talents, embrace their culture, and create handicrafts and handloom products, and a pavilion where their creations are displayed and sold, providing them with an opportunity to earn a sustainable livelihood.
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The response of structures during a climate crisis.
Watch this brief video to learn more.