VIRTUAL Barcelona Livable Cities

Abstract

Public outdoor spaces (POSs) in host cities like Amman are crucial for fostering refugee integration, well-being, and community building. Amman, a major refugee-hosting city in the middle east, faces challenges in providing equitable and accessible urban spaces due to socio-spatial disparities and limited resources. Refugees often rely on POSs as vital spaces for resilience and connection amidst displacement. This study examines how refugees define and experience “caring landscapes,” uncovering the multi-dimensional nature of care as relational, material, and experiential. Utilizing participatory methods such as mapping exercises and imaginative design workshops, the research identifies key attributes of caring POSs: inclusivity, accessibility, emotional safety, and social connectivity. Refugees envision these spaces as sites of healing, empowerment, and cultural cohesion. The findings advocate for embedding care ethics into urban design and management practices, urging a paradigm shift towards creating responsive and sustainable POSs that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations. By reimagining these landscapes, the study offers actionable insights into fostering equitable and compassionate urban environments for refugees.