Tel Aviv-based architects and designers embarked on a pro-bono project that elevates the aesthetics of a local school that caters to children of refugees and migrant workers in an attempt to make the school a “safe space” for these children.The Hayarden School, located in the Hatikvah quarter of South Tel Aviv, educates 500 children of refugees and immigrants. Hatikvah quarter is a working-class neighborhood where there has been a surge in African asylum-seekers finding refuge in recent years. The school was originally built in the 1960s and is designed for children aged five to 16.The current renovation project was undertaken by local designer Sarit Shani Hay, who specializes in the design of pedagogical environments, in collaboration with architects Chen Steinberg Navon and Ayelet Fisher. The project was completed using a limited budget and sponsorship from nonprofit organization, Zionut 2000.The designers overhauled the two-storey school by choosing simple and cheap ways to add elements of fun into the communal spaces, lobby, and corridors. For instance, a house-shaped reading nook and colorful paintwork have been added to the school interiors to give it a playful touch. In addition, an ecological garden and playground have also been designed by Lavi Kushelevich.Talking about the project, Sarit Shani Hay said, “There is a lot of antagonism towards this population, many of whom are asylum-seekers, and the kids are the first to suffer.”The team, therefore, intended Hayarden to become a home and safe space for the children that would also encourage them to learn. They used aesthetics in their design that would hint at a playful, uplifting and tolerant environment.The team primarily focused on the ground floor of the school building, which was neglected and in need of renovation due to limited funds. The space was overhauled using a series of geometric oak volumes housing tables, cabinets and upholstered benches, which were inserted into one of the corridors to render the feel of home, creating cozy nooks for students to sit, study, read and play either in groups or in private. Another volume is in the outline of a residence with a pitched roof. Hay also added a chalk-wall in the shape of a home. Hay said that the house shape was used repeatedly to create a sense of belonging.The colorful and tolerant environment created by Hay and her team has helped the students to deal with their personal and social worlds better. The principal informed the designers that the kids were deeply touched that someone had actually made an effort especially for them, resulting in an increased self-esteem and a decrease in violence among them.Apart from the “home”-themed furniture and decor, the designers have also used huge swathes of yellow, pink, and blue hues to brighten the environment. A fuchsia staircase against a turquoise wall, an orange-floored sitting area, concrete block walls painted yellow, and brightly colored furniture further enliven the school, and makes it, as Hay adds, “a second home for these children who mostly don’t have the safe and intimate corner in their own home.”Inspired by the success of the project, Hay intends to revamp the classrooms on the first floor in a similar way at a later date. The Israeli designer stated, “It’s at these times that I feel that design becomes a tool for social change.” https://www.blouinartinfo.com/ Founder: Louise Blouin
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