Final documentation

YOUR–SELF–ORGANIZED SELF ORGANIZED URBAN GARDENING PROJECT

Heba Aggour Mai Adel Nader Khelifi Namariq Al Rawi Salsabil Fahmy Semegnish Eshetu Integrated Research and Design Project, MSc IUSD, University Stuttgart, SoSem 2015 IUSD

URBAN REFUGEES

YOUR–SELF–ORGANIZED

Integrated Research and Design Project MSc Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design University Stuttgart Winter term 2014/15

SELF ORGANIZED URBAN GARDENING PROJECT

Responsible / lecturer: Prof. Dr. Astrid Ley, Marisol Rivas-Velázquez - SI Prof. Anje Stokman, Moritz Bellers - ILPÖ Guest lecturer: Josefine Fokdal, Dr. Susanne Kost, Gerd Lüers

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INTRODUCTION

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE

„Your-Self Organized „ is a project initiated by us the students as motivation for the refugees to believe in themselves and their ideas and to help them in realizing it. It is a project that promotes the spirit of group work since one of its conditions is to work all together for it to be developed. For this project to succeed we needed to go into different steps of analysis, field visits, gaining the trust of the people there to share their ideas with us, workshops to motivate them in presenting their ideas and visions, organizational meetings and a lot of effort from us to include the refugees in all the steps from A to Z. Also another challenge and task for us was to look for sponsorship and support for the project to continue, for the sake of the refugees, which we got generously from different organizations, local shops and individuals.

Our diverse and colourful team, including the refugees, succeeded to prove that it is possible for refugees to achieve something for themselves, if only directed and mentored in the beginning. We made small intervention together with the residents of Hofen refugee camp but the outcome of it was big; the people who participated including us are proud and willing to take care of it, not just that, but also continuing the next phases of the project. “ It is our project, and will remain so” as one refugee happily said after we finished phase 1 of implementation. (Fig.1)

Fig. (3): Problem Definition Diagram As mentioned in phase two of the Project, the main identified problem which refugees suffer from is the lack of self actualization. This problem leads to their isolation and lack of interaction, therefore they become over institutionalized and dependent on the system represented in the social workers in every thing. Eventually, they start living an unbalanced life that is directed more towards fantasy since their reality holds no hope for them to achieve anything. The aim of our „Your-self-organized“ project is to reverse this vicious cycle and to boost their sense of self-actualization through a self organized project. Leading in the end to being fully independent and having control over their lives directing it into being more balanced regarding all aspects. Fig. (3,4).

Fig. (1): Photos of “Your-Self-Organized” team The Camp in Hofen has about 280 Refugees living together in 3 two-stories buildings. The majority of them are coming from the Balkan countries, the others are from Syria, Ghana and Algeria. Because most of the Balkans are of Agricultural background, they were in favour of the urban gardening project and participated in it with us. Also people from Ghana helped a lot, however some were also were not willing to help, hopefully this changes when they see the outcomes of the project afterwards. (Fig.2) Fig. (4): Hypothesis / Objective Diagram

Fig. (2): The Refugees in Hofen camp IUSD - IRD - 2015

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THE 11 STEPS OF SELF-ORGANIZED PROJECT

Step 1-4: surveys & questionnaires The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

As explained in details in phase two of the Project „ Refugees in Stuttgart“, We proposed an 11-step process to help reaching a self-organized project by the refugees themselves. A second “hidden“ process is proposed where it takes place behind scenes to facilitate the achievement of their participation from A to Z. A third process is introduced which shows the impact of the proposed stages on the psychological aspect of the refugees. It relates to the target of achieving self actualization.

Our task through the implementation phase was to become the facilitators of introducing the refugees to the world of how to find out common interest among them, how to present their ideas and develop them, how to have a saying in what is proposed and most importantly how to implement the project and find their own way to continue it Fig. (5).

As an initial stage, we started by conducting questionnaires and online surveys to prove the existence of refugees’ lack of self-actualization and to know more about their professional background and their competencies.

Therefore, we created a questionnaire; translated to three different languages: English, Arabic, and German, which were basically divided into two main sections. The first section was in the form of a table for self-actualization assessment (called the SISA scale), in which it was graded separately, according to the assigned grading criteria, after being filled by the refugees. The second section consisted of open and closed questions aiming at investigating their professional background, their competencies, their level of interaction with the German community, and their needs and future plans in general. Fig. (7).

Fig. (6): Detailed analysis of step 1-4 regarding the three processes

In the camp in Hofen, the analysis of the results showed very high dependency on social workers. It also showed that the most common talents/competencies and professional experiences are related to farming and construction. Farming and gardening were also the most common answers regarding the future plans and the proposed activities on site. Fig. (7).

The online survey was also translated to English, German, and Arabic. This survey was sent to refugees not only in Germany, but also in other various countries. The analysis of the results also showed a low percentage of self-actualization, high dependency on social workers, and the need for interaction with the German/ local communities. (Fig.7) Fig. (5) : The 11 Steps Process of a Self-organized Project IUSD - IRD - 2015

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Fig. : Step 1-4 surveys & questionnaires

Fig. (7): Surveys & questionnaires Details IUSD - IRD - 2015

Step 5&6: Competition / Workshop

Step 7: Development of Ideas

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

After finishing The first four steps of the process related to the questionnaire, we went back to the camp in order to find out would be the project that can encourage them to take part in.

At the same time we knew that there is another company called Kukuk Kultur and that they were going to organize a design workshop with the refugees to hear their ideas about what they need to be done in an empty plot on site which they were commissioned to design. So we decided to join this workshop with kukuk to realize the fifth and sixth steps of the process Fig. (8).

On the 19th of June, we went to the camp in Hofen, we explained briefly to the refugees the results of the questionnaire and the main idea of the project, then we started a design workshop with Kukuk. The refugees started to gather and explain their ideas Fig. (9).

Fig. (8): Detailed analysis of step 5&6 regarding the three processes The ideas ranged from a children’s playground area, a small garden, a football field, different sports fields, a workshop space to repair the bikes, a grilling area outside, a winter garden, a shaded space to sit outside, etc...

We left the camp with numerous ideas coming out of the refugees themselves and directly addressing their needs and demands, at this point our role will start with developing the ideas that can develop into an empowering self-organized project more. The aim was to do so and then go back to the camp to realize step 8 which is the presentation of the developed ideas.

After the workshop with the refugees, we concentrated on developing the ideas suggested by the refugees into visions that can be implemented in their camp in Hofen. The majority were in favour of having a garden for vegetables and decorative reasons,workshop space were they can fix bicycles and electrical devices. And for their children, they wanted a proper playground, where also the children from the neighbourhood can come, participate and interact with.(Fig. 11) The aim is after completing the urban garden and the workshop space, and when the refugees take care of it to develop more and more, they can use the products for personal use, also they can sell it to other refugees in other camps or perhaps in the future they can develop their own market to sell it to the community. The goal of this initiative would be achieved; they develop sense of proudness in what they developed, they socially interact with the community and they start to make income. This all add to the aimed capacity development and self-actualization. The resulting product of the playground will not bring them economical income but will definitely bring them more social interaction with the neighbourhood, if the children start to mingle and play with each other. Which can help them in feeling more integrated.

Fig. (9): Refugees sharing their ideas in the 1st workshop IUSD - IRD - 2015

Fig. (10): Detailed analysis of step 7 regarding the three processes

Fig. :Development Development ofofIdeas Fig. (11): Ideas Diagram

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Step 8: Presentation of Outcomes

Step 9: Iterative Design Process : Phasing

As we promised the refugees, we had another workshop with them on the 3rd of July to present the development of their suggested ideas. KuKuK-Kultur E.V was with us to present their ideas to the refugees as well.

We brought the site plan of the refugee camp printed on an A2 sheet of paper and showed the same developed ideas we presented in phase 2 and asked them to help us allocate them on site. KuKuK on the other hand already had a preconceived idea of were to put every activity and function; their main concentration was to build sport areas, playground and place for grilling with terrace even though the refugees asked repeatedly about the garden and the workshop space. This disappointed many refugees and after a while they started leaving the workshop because their requests were neglected by KuKuK Fig. (13).

Leaving the area that is on the left for the playground to be realized in August by KuKuK, the project strategically focuses on the in-between space located between the buildings. The program is then carefully arranged according to accessibility, topography and of course aesthetics.

The main parts of the intervention are the urban garden done in three phases and the workshop area that is done in collaboration with KuKuK. The entrance that is located on the street edge is very ideal for the workshop space because of its accessibility and its proximity to the bike parking which facilitates transporting heavy equipments to the workshop. Next to the workshop space, an open space is defined and is proposed to be used as a common area for gathering. This space is ideal because it is kind of private at the same time easily accessed by the inhabitants of all the blocks. It faces the playground therefore could easily merge with the field in case of a large event.

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

We want a playground area

We still want a workshop space We want to plant herbs

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

Fig. (12):Detailed analysis of step 8 regarding the three processes

After realizing that the goals of KuKuK Kultur are not as ours, we came up with an agreement to separate the tasks; they take care of the recreational activities and we take care of the Productive ones including the Urban Garden and the Workshop space which were asked about by the refugees in the workshop.

The areas assigned for the urban gardening are: - The entire strip of what used to be a vacant open space with some green cover.

- The space used currently as a playground area.

Since afterwards, Kukuk will transform the back area into a playground, the existing playground will be removed and the resulting space will be used for the winter garden and the green houses.

Fig. (15)

Fig. (15): Separation from KuKuK-Kultur - Zoning Diagram

Fig. (13): Refugees interaction with the Workshop IUSD - IRD - 2015

Fig. (14): Detailed analysis of step 5&6 regarding the three processes

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Step 9: Iterative Design Process : Phasing The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

Apart from the back open space that is proposed to be a playground by Kukuk, the three blocks in the site define existing spaces that can be used by this proposal. Therefore an effective programming and clear implementation phases were proposed, to give an idea of what could be done in this site so that we facilitate a self-organziational platform.

Accordingly there will be four phases of projects in the camp all of which will be part of a program to assist refugees gain a sense of control and feel responsible for their space. The major advantage of phasing these very similar projects is to become more accurate in the techniques to used in each part, the amount of material needed and the time it would take to yield produce. Moreover it would be easier to get sponsors and test the willingness of the refugees to engage in the project Fig. (16).

1

2

Fig. (16): Implementation Phases Diagram

URBAN GARDENING - 2 Learning from the experiences of the first step, the same kind of urban garden will be repeated in the second half of the currently empty plot. The herbs and the vegetables to be planted will become more diverse from the ones in the first step.

Though the area is already fixed for the intervention, the arrangement and the techniques could be altered and improved.

3

WORKSHOP SPACE

As per the request of the refugees for such a space, the next step will be a workshop space made from a container that is provided by KuKuK. The container will also be provided with a working platform out of wooden planks and Moreover it will also serve as a storage area for tools that are used in the urban gardening.

URBAN GARDENING In this first phase, the foundations for the self-organization are set and the people living in the camp are thoroughly introduced to the intention and strategies so that they become engaged in the project. The urban garden proposed for this phase will act as a mock-up for the refugees to understand the techniques to be used and which sponsors could be approached so that they can be able to replicate this and continue the project on their own. Getting them interested in the project is also an outcome of this phase.

Step 9: Iterative Design Process : Phase 1 - Urban Gardening The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

As it is the first phase of this self-organization process, the urban gardening is very important in instigating the major ideas of the projects intention. By learning the techniques of the urban garden construction to the type of plants to be planted, the refugees will be expected to have a more solid sense of ability to realize a project. Bottom line, this phase is where the “do it yourself� concept is activated.

In this phase, two gardening techniques are employed and taught to the refugees to increase the experience they could gain. First, high planting boxes are used to plant flowers Fig. (17): Area of Intervention Phase 1 with an aesthetic value and also to serve as defining elements. The flowers could be whether wild flowers or flowers that could be used for other purposes like lavender. Second, planting beds that are made using wooden pallets are put on a well nutrition earth that gives the necessary depth for the plants to grow. They are much lower and are distanced in a way that allows good circulation and ample working area. The grid structure resulting from the dimension of the palettes could also be ideal to create a system of ownership for each slot increasing the engagement of individuals and claiming responsibility to the space Fig. (18).

A Planterboxes Planting beds

Play ground

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B

GREEN HOUSE The fourth and the final step will be the most expensive phase that is the use of green houses that serve as planting areas for specific vegetables in the plot currently used as a playground. It is proposed to have two green houses arranged in a way that they would serve in both winter and summer. Appropriating an open space for common gatherings will also be part of this phase.

Green openspace Green houses Flower beds

C Workshop space Working platform

Fig. (18): Site Plan for all the Phases of the Proposal IUSD - IRD - 2015

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Step 10: Implementation : Calculations

Step 10: Implementation : Communication Strategy

To start the implementation phase of this urban garden, we had to do some calculations in order to develop a well-structured and organized project, with minimal waste in materials. These calculations were based on the total planted area that we will work on, which is approximately 55 m2. Another main factor was the estimated duration of one week construction on site, which was an important factor to decide our initial scope for this period of time, as a kick off start for planting on site with the refugees. As a priority, we visited the site to meet with the refugees and see how many of them will be able to work on this project, and based on that, we decided how the work load and tasks can be divided and how we as students as well as the interested volunteers could help. Based on the mentioned factors, we calculated the amount of tools and materials needed to implement the project on site Fig. (20).

To be able to get these materials and tools to start the implementation, our group needed to find support. The support we were seeking was not only for this phase but for the different phases of the project as well: the building phase, the exhibition preparation, the continuation of the project in the later phases such as the selling part that could allow the refugees in this camp to earn money from what they cultivate to feel more independent and integrated in the economic cycle. For this we drew a communication strategy using the social media as a tool to communicate our ideas first and to reach the potential interested people. We targeted special Facebook pages that already represented certain communities that are interested in gardening and helping other people. In order to target more people we also contacted classic media: local radio stations and newspapers. This helped us get a lot of support from many people who were eager to help with the means they could afford (tools, materials, physical help during the construction phase...).

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

The first step was to sum up our ideas in a flyer that shows a brief idea about the project, about us, and the things that we need from other people. The flyer also has our contact details and the contact detail for the „Refugees in Stuttgart“ project.

1st Flyer

Fig. (19): Detailed analysis of step 10 regarding the three processes

Fig. (21): Communicating the Project

Fig. (20): Implementation process calculations IUSD - IRD - 2015

The flyer was printed in A5 format and folded into 3 parts. It includes details about the phases of the project and all the things our group needs with all the contact details for people interested to get in touch in 2 main languages: German and English. We distributed this flyer on the people we met in different organizations and it was an extremely significant tool to easily communicate our idea to them Fig. (22).

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Fig(22). : Flyer Design IUSD - IRD - 2015

Step 10: Implementation : Social Media Interaction

Step 10: Implementation : Exhibition Promotion

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

Then We made a second flyer for the Exhibition on Saturday 25th in order to invite people to visit the site and maybe gather more volunteers to take care of the coming phases of the project. The second flyer was hung on site for all the refugees, volunteers and site visitors to know the date of the exhibition and presentation. It was also hung in the university of Stuttgart to capture attention of interested youth that can support especially in the construction phase that needs man power Fig. (25).Also to announce the date of the exhibition so that people can know about our experience and may be support the continuation of the project afterwards or the replication of the idea in other refugee camps Fig. (26).

Fig. (25): Flyer hung in University of Stuttgart

Fig. (24): Flyer for Exhibition Announcement

Fig. (23):Screen shots of our activity on social media IUSD - IRD - 2015

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Fig. (26): Flyer hung in the camp in Hofen IUSD - IRD - 2015

Step 10: Implementation : Radio Interview / Newspaper Report

Step 10: Implementation : Looking for Sponsors The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

After contacting local media through emails and phone calls. We could arrange a radio interview about the project at HORADS, the radio station broadcasting from the Stuttgart Hochschule fĂźr Medien in Vaihingen, and a newspapers report at the Canstatter Zeitung.In the Interview, we presented the IUSD Program briefly and gave details about the IRD project. Then the interviewer asked us some questions about our project in Hofen.

For more details, here is the link for the podcast on the Official Soundcloud account of the radio station: https://soundcloud.com/horads-88-6/refugees-in-stuttgart-urban-gardening

In order to implement the Urban Garden project with the refugees, we did not just rely on the support that came from people who saw our posts in the social media or who listened to the radio interview, but also contacted some organizations and companies that would help in supporting the project with the needed gardening tools, earth, plants, wooden pallets, wooden boxes, gardening machines, and insulation materials. Based on our visits and contacts with these companies/organizations, we were able to reach agreement where the project got many of the needed tools and materials for free. For example, as shown in the diagram below, the Fruendeskreis were able to provide us with some gardening tools (such as shovels, watering bucket, and wheel barrows) as an initial support to start the construction on site. This agreement was done during the organizational meeting on site, on the 16th of July, that will be discussed later. For the other gardening tools, Dipl. Bellers was able to provide us with some more (such as more shovels, Peak Mb II, cultivator machine, and hammers). These tools were borrowed from the Stadtacker project in Wagenhallen. After our contact with Hauke Erden Company via email and telephone calls, the company agreed on providing us with the suitable amount of Earth (approximately 5 to 7 m3) free of charge. As for the compost, the city of Stuttgart provided us with the suitable amount of compost needed to start planting on site with the refugees. The Blumenerde was also one of the materials that we were able to get for free from OBI market, in which we were provided with four packages of 20 kg each. After conducting some research on the types of plants that can be planted in Germany during the summer, one of the companies that we contacted: Gartnerei Monika Bender, was able to provide us with fourteen types of plants that are specified later. Moreover, based on our visit to the Grossmarkt, we were able to get some wooden pallets and wooden boxes to use in planting. Last but not least, we gathered a suitable amount of cartons that were left over in our IUSD studio, and we transported them to the site to use them as covering material for the gaps in the flower boxes Fig. (28).

MATERIAL

TOOLS

3 Shovels 1 Watering bucket 3 wheel barrows

EARTH

5 to 7 m3

COMPOST BLUMENERDE

PLANTS

WOODEN BOXES & PALLETS

Fig. (27): Interview in Horad Radio We also managed to get the Cannstatter Zeitung to write a report about our project that will be published in autumn in a special edition about refugees in Stuttgart. Frau Frey made an interview with us about the project and with the refugees as well asking them how did they feel participating in this project.

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FURTHER SUPPORT

SITE SUPPORT

UNIVERSITY (IUSD STUDIO) STADTACKER WAGENHALLEN PROJECT/OTHER TOOL COMPANIES

QUANTITY

CARTONS

GARDENING TOOLS & MACHINES

Approx. 5 m3 4 packages= 20kg each

Total 0.3 m3 (14 types of Plants) - 3 High Boxes (L100*W100*H100 cm) - 40 Wooden pallets (L100*W85*H25 cm) - Allow us to use the technical rooms for the water supply and as storage spaces

Large Pieces - Leftovers - 1 Cultivator: (approx 161*65*99 cm) - 2 Shovels - 2 hammers - Peak Mb II

Fig. (28): List of Sponsors and Other Supporters 19/20

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Step 10: Implementation : Support for Selling

Step 10: Implementation : Support for Selling

We not only contacted sponsors and companies, but we also contacted other parties to help realize one of our initial and most crucial ideas; the refugees’ empowerment. The idea we had was to empower the refugees by helping them not only produce things but also sell their products, whether from the urban gardening project or what they work on in the workshop space. And to make this possible we moved in different directions targeting Flüchtlingsrat organizations on one hand, and on the other hand the private sector. In this phase we only contacted them regarding the urban garden.

Based on our research in Phase two of the project “ Refugees in Stuttgart”, we decided to contact Caritas Stuttgart and AWO Stuttgart, since they already have a background of helping people of special cases to promote their products in the market. Both found the idea of empowering the refugees by giving them sense of in-dependency when they start to earn their own money very interesting and ambitious idea but they apologized for not being able to help us since they are already occupied with many projects and they found it difficult to immediately sell the products coming from the urban garden, they suggested that in the beginning we promote the idea for the refugees to sell it to other refugee camps until they can produce sufficient amounts to be sold in the market.

From the private sector, our targets were the restaurants, mainly the “bio” ones.

Most of them refused the idea because their reputation is linked to the quality of the products they use and they cannot take the risk of using products not certified by the bio high standards. One Restaurant‘s manager was enthusiastic about the idea and she said if in the future the products are of high quality she can make an event once a week in Didn’t work her restaurant where they cook from the refugees products and mention that in Fig. (29): Getting Support for Selling (Flüchtlingsrat) the menu. Such idea could be presented Restaurants as an alternative to other restaurants in the future, perhaps they can be eager to implement it.

And of course, not all the attempts were successful, in addition to the sponsors mentioned before, we contacted many other companies and organizations for various purposes, whether for sponsorship, selling, providing gardening tools, or gardening machines, however things did not work out in these attempts. Concerning the selling, it was mentioned why Caritas and AWO could not help the project. Concerning the gardening tools, we contacted Gardena Company to provide us with some tools (such as shovels, hammers, circular saws, cultivators, wheelbarrows, and spades). This was done through sending an email to them with the needed quantities from each tool as well as contacting them via telephone calls. However, they apologized for not being able to provide us with these tools at this period of time because of the high working load Fig. (31).

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

Didn’t work

PURPOSE

OTHER CONTACTS

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

CONTACT

SELLING

Website: http://www.awo-stuttgart.de Email: georg.ceschan@awo-stuttgart.de Tel.: 1795105397 Address: Olgastrasse 61 and 63, 70182 Stuttgart

GARDENING TOOLS

Email: service@gardena.com Website: www.gardena.com Address: Hans-Lorenser-Str. 40, 89079 Ulm Tel.: 0731 490123

SPONSORSHIP GARDENING MACHINES SPONSORSHIP SELLING SELLING SELLING

Website: http://www.s-oe-s.de

Email: renate.winter-hoss@stuttgart.de

Address: Heinrich-Baumann-Str. 43, 70190 Stuttgart Tel.: 0711/216 - 60 781 Website: www.mpe.de

Email: info@mpe.de Tel.: 0711540010

Address: Kölner Str. 1, 70376 Stuttgart Website: www.caritas-stuttgart.de

Email: d.celikoglu@caritas-stuttgart.de

Address: Mercedesstr. 31, 70372 Stuttgart

Tel.: 1795105397

Email: treffpunktamsee@yahoo.de

Website: www.treffpunktamsee.de

Address: Mühlhäuser Str. 305, 70378 Stuttgart

Tel.: 0711 5302615

Website: www.speisekammer-west.de Email: info@speisekammer-west.de Address: Rosenberg Straße 89, 70193 Stuttgart Website: www.restaurant-laessig.de

Tel.: 0711/93590622

Email: info@restaurant-laessig.de

Address: Rückertstraße 7, 70197 Stuttgart

Tel.: 0711 60145707

Fig. (31): List of other contacted Organizations

Restaurants as an alternative

Fig. (30): Getting Support for Selling (Private Restaurants) IUSD - IRD - 2015

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Step 10: Implementation : Organizational Meeting

Step 10: Implementation : Transporting Materials

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

In 16th of July, we had an organizational meeting in the Refugee camp in Hofen following a small informal meeting between Mr. Jama Maqsudi, the Camp director, and us.

The purpose of the meeting was to set an agreement how to achieve our task in the most efficient way, and how to get the help from all the parties involved.

In the official organizational meeting the parties involved were: Mr. Jama Maqsudi, the Director, and Mrs. Anna Sottru, social worker, representing AGDW; Mrs. Silvia Marsadek representing the Freundeskreis; Dipl.

Moritz Bellers and Dipl. Marisol Rivas-VelĂĄzquez representing the University and the program IUSD through the course IRD II; and us the students and the initiators of the idea .

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

In the meeting we discussed the different aspects related to the project; we started with small introduction of how our intervention will take place, who are the actors involved and what kind of help we need. The University representatives showed a good sign to AGDW and Freundeskreis representatives that they are serious in supporting the project and will be involved as much as they can. This left a positive impact on AGDW and Freundeskreis representatives which made them more open to agree on supporting us and suggest more ideas for the project.

Mr. Maqsudi was very keen that this project involve the refugees in all its steps and also made us aware of the challenges we might face because of the new laws of deporting in Germany. Mrs. Marsadek was also interested to be involved and was willing to help finding means of transportation and tools to start implementing.

After this we started talking to the refugees to assure them that this project is going to be implemented and is not just an idea, we also asked them to join us when we start working; 12 of them signed their names and promised to help Fig. (32).

In this phase, we started transporting the materials needed for the implementation on site. It was very crucial for us to have volunteers from the refugees to come with us to the different places while pickup the materials. So they were asked, many were excited about coming with us and helping us and some actually did and were helping even in the discussions with the people in the markets. The idea behind that was to introduce to them the providers of the materials, so that they know where are the locations of these places and how to negotiate with them to guarantee that they can complete the project afterwards, even if we are not there Fig. (33).

One of the Challenges we had was the unavailability of suitable means to transport the material; the only car available in the beginning was a small private one from a volunteer who was kind enough to help us transport the material in more than one shift. Afterward Dipl.

Bellers helped us with transporting with a big truck. The transportation was also done in phases; bringing the wooden pallets from GroĂ&#x;markt-Stuttgart, the soil and sand from OBI, The cardboards from University of Stuttgart, the Plants from Wagenhalle Stuttgart and later on the tools and more wooden pallets by the truck to the site. The compost donated by the City of Stuttgart and the soil donated by Hauke were transported to the site free of charge.

Fig. (33): Refugees Participating in the Materials’ Transportation

Fig. (32): Organization Meeting on site IUSD - IRD - 2015

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RDIY

Special Thank Dipl.

MoritzDoB Refugees Yourself for the Instruc

Step 10: Implementation : Working Process

Step 10: Implementation : Working Process Urban Garden

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

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1

Now, we were ready to start the implementation on site, with the help Dipl. Bellers and internet research, we followed the following steps represented in the RDIY diagram in the construction of the palettes and planting boxes. The phases will be explained in detail in the coming part Fig. (34).

After removing the panels from the middle, we reuse them to cover the openings on the side of the pallet, for this we need Heba Aggou to use hamNader Khelif mer and nails if necessaryNamariq since Al-Ra the nails on the Giz wooden Semegnish panels can be reused again most of the time. It is also important to keep the gloves.

The work on the Wooden Pallets is very simple and can be done by men or women. We brought two types of pallets; one with the dimensions 80X120 cm and the other was 90X110 cm. Although they had different dimensions but the procedure is the same.

Fig. (35):RDIY Step 1

2

For more inform On Site Tea

4

Fig. (37):RDIY Step 3

The first step require having the following tools: of course the pallet itself, regardless the dimensions, to start the actual work on it, also gloves while transporting and working on the pallet, and Pliers to remove the nails from the pallet. Here we need to remove the wooden panels from the middle.

In this stage the wooden pallet is ready to be used on the ground after closing the side openings and it can be left on the side while preparing the land and the soil for the next step.

RDIY

RDI

Special Thanks for Dipl.

MoritzDoBillers Refugees It Yourself for the Instructions

Refugees D Yoursel

Urban Gardening The Wooden box is ready

Fig. (36):RDIY Step 2 Fig. (34):RDIY Diagram IUSD - IRD - 2015

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The Urban Flower Gardb ready

Fig. (38):RDIY Step 4

For more information On Site Team

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Step 10: Implementation : Working Process Wooden box is The Urban Flower Gardening bed is TheThe 11 Steps of Self-organized Project ready

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After marking where the pallets will be placed, the land is prepared by tilling the soil with the compost donated from the city of Stuttgart. For this step garden tiller was used.

Also wheel barrel and shovels were needed to transport the compost to the mixing are.

Fig. (39):RDIY Step 5

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Fig. (41):RDIY Step 7

After finishing mixing the soil with the compost, the mixture is removed leaving space for the wooden pallets to be put on the ground. Shovels are important to make the process of moving faster and more efficient.

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The gaps between the wooden pallets need to be closed and this is done by reusing the left wooden panels and screwing them firmly with the pallets. Here using screwdriver is recommended for better results. After this the mixed earth should be put in the pallets and the resulting space from closing the gaps.

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Wooden Box

RDIY Refugees Do It Yourself Urban Gardening Fig. (43):RDIY Step 1

Planting the herbs and the plants would be the next step, for this first the soil should be watered enough then turned more than once.

With gardening tools, holes are made for the different herbs and plants to be put.

Watering the plants everyday is important for the plants to grow and spread in the pallet.

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Fig. (42):RDIY Step 2

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The wooden box is transported to the location desired, gloves are recommended to be used here as well to avoid small wooden chops to enter in the hand. Then wooden panels that were taken from the wooden pallets are used to close the openings underneath the box using screwdriver and long screws.

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Refugees Do It Yourself Refugees Do It Yourself Urban Gardening Fig. (45):RDIY Step 3

Wooden Box

Urban Gardening

Fig. (40):RDIY Step 6

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Wooden boxes used for transporting watermelon is also helpful to make high flower beds without building them with the wooden pallets. These boxes are with the dimensions of 100X110 cm and the same procedure applied can be applied also on any of the dimensions.

Fig. (44):RDIY Step 2

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It is important to cover the inside of the box either with thick cardboard or with plastic bag to guaranty that the materials added later on would stay without causing mess in the site.

Since we are still dealing with the wood, it is better to keep the gloves on.

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Branches are collected from nearby parks or gardens and preferably transported with wheel barrel to the site, then the box is filled with them until it fills the bottom and reach the height of 20 cm.

Fig. (46):RDIY Step 4

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The soil donated by Hauke Erde and the Compost donated by the City of Stuttgart is transported to the site. the ready wooden box is filled with earth from Hauke Erde until reaching the desired height then with 5 cm thick layer of compost.

The Wooden box is The Urban Flower Gardening bed is ready Fig.ready (47):RDIY Step 5

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Step 10: Implementation : Planting Process The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

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The box is ready and waiting for the flowers to blossom.

After understanding how to build the boxes, it was also crucial to provide the refugees with a list of plants that can be planted in this time of the year. Based on our research, we identified a list of plants that can be planted in Summer in Germany. This research was also used as a base for contacting the organizations/companies and volunteers that would provide the project with the available types of plants and seeds Fig. (51).

Refugees Do It Yourself The Urban Flower Gardening bed is ready Fig. (49):RDIY Step 2 Fig. (51):List of plants that can be planted in Summer in Germany

The wooden box then is watered using water hose and with the garden tools, the earth is flipped a bit. then either seeds are thrown in the box or flowers are planted after digging a hole inside the earth and placing the flowers inside it.

This diagram shows the actual 14 types of plants that we were able to get for free from Gartnerei Monika Bender for this phase of the project. This was only the start, the refugees themselves mentioned some other types that they want to plant because they were still missing this list Fig. (52).

Lamiaceae Ocimum Basilicum (Zyprisches strauchbasilikum) Lamiaceae (Satureja Montana) Lamiaceae (Melissa Officinalis) Polygonaceae Rumex Acetosa Lamiaceae Spearmint Lamiaceae (Mentha Suaveolens)

Fig. (48):RDIY Step 6

Rosaceae Fragaria x Ananassa

Fig. (50):Refugees’ Participation in the Implementation IUSD - IRD - 2015

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Solanaceae (Solanum Tuberosum) Lamiaceae (Mentha x Villosa) Lamiaceae (Mentha Requienii) Lamiaceae (Ocimum Basilicum) Lamiaceae (Origanum Majorana) Lamiaceae (Origanum Vulgare) Lamiaceae (Mentha Spicata)

Fig. (52):List of the Actual planted Plants in Phase 1 29/20

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Step 11: Operation

CONCLUSION

We can proudly say that we finished phase one of the project which took around 4 weeks of looking for sponsorship, help, material and implementation.

Our academic task with the start of the project is done, yet not the project itself; we are confident that it will continue and finish without needing our help anymore. Yes, we helped them and showed them from where to get the material, how they can build with it and how to plant, still we also learned new skills from them.

They proved to us as well that it is possible to self-organize a project, and get the help needed, if some effort is put to achieve this. Also involving them during the process made them more attached to the project to take care of it with us not being around; One week after the implementation, we visited the site and we saw one man, who also participated in the project, was watering the plants, he said he feels it is his duty to do so everyday.

We felt that we succeeded when another man said out loud when we finished phase 1 :” I am proud of myself”. small interventions can make small difference that will grow to make big change, when the participants are involved from the beginning till the end. (Fig. 55)

The 11 Steps of Self-organized Project

All the refugees who participated in making this happen were also proud of what they build and are eager to continue it. One of them said “ we had nothing here but waiting for the unknown, nothing to look for. The this project came and brought change with it”.

Another refugee asked us when they can start implementing the next phase. This shows a real will and engagement from the refugees in the continuation of the project which is the ultimate guarantee that it will continue even if we ere not there.

Not only the refugees were eager to continue, but also many of the volunteers as well. Also the social workers were also proud with what we accomplished with the refugees and are looking forward to seeing all the ideas we developed with the refugees in reality Fig. (53).

TELL ME, AND I FORGET TEACH ME AND I REMEMBER INVOLVE ME AND I LEARN

Fig. (53): Project phases Diagram - Phase 1

The interest and the trust gained by all these parties guarantees that continuation and sustaining of the project.

And as we promised the refugees in Hofen, we will continue the project by helping KuKuk in their intervention in August to know when we can start with phase 2 of our intervention.

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure (1): Photos of “Your-Self-Organized” team, source: Group work Figure (2): The Refugees in Hofen camp, source: photo taken by group members, source: Group work Figure (3): Problem Definition Diagram, source: Group work Figure (4): Hypothesis / Objective Diagram, source: Group work Figure (5) : The 11 Steps Process of a Self-organized Project, source: Group work Figure (6): Detailed analysis of step 1-4 regarding the three processes, source: Group work Figure (7): Surveys & questionnaires Details, source: Group work based on questionnaires results and statistics Figure (8): Detailed analysis of step 5&6 regarding the three processes, source: Group work Figure (9): Refugees sharing their ideas in the 1st workshop, source: photo taken by group members Figure (10): Detailed analysis of step 7 regarding the three processes, source: Group work Figure (11): Development of Ideas Diagram, source: Group work Figure (12): Detailed analysis of step 8 regarding the three processes, source: Group work Figure (13): Refugees interaction with the Workshop, source: photo taken by group Figure (14): Detailed analysis of step 5&6 regarding the three processes, source: Group work Figure (15): Separation from KuKuK-Kultur - Zoning Diagram, source: Group work based on agreement with Kukuk Figure (16): Implementation Phases Diagram, source: Group work Figure (17): Area of Intervention Phase 1, source: photo taken by group Figure (18): Site Plan for all the Phases of the Proposal, source: Group work Figure (19): Detailed analysis of step 10 regarding the three processes, source: Group work Figure (20): Implementation process calculations, source: Group work Figure (21): Communicating the Project, source: Group work Figure (22). : Flyer Design, source: Group work Figure (23): Screenshots of our activity on social media, source: From Facebook and social media websites Figure (24): Flyer for Exhibition Announcement, source: Group work Figure (25): Flyer hung in University of Stuttgart, source: photo taken by Anas Muhammed Figure (26): Flyer hung in the camp in Hofen, source: photo taken by group Figure (27): Interview in Horad Radio, source: https://soundcloud.com/horads-88-6/refugees-in-stuttgart-urban-gardening IUSD - IRD - 2015

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Figure (28): List of Sponsors and Other Supporters, source: Group work Figure (29): Getting Support for Selling (Flüchtlingsrat), source: Group work Figure (30): Getting Support for Selling (Private Restaurants), source: photos taken by group Figure (31): List of other contacted Organizations, source: Group work Figure (32): Organization Meeting on site, source: photos taken by group Figure (33): Refugees Participating in the Materials’ Transportation, source: photos taken by group and Mariana Lugo Figure (34): RDIY Diagram, source: Group work Figure (35):RDIY Step 1, source: Group work Figure (36):RDIY Step 2, source: Group work Figure (37):RDIY Step 3, source: Group work Figure (38):RDIY Step 4, source: Group work Figure (39):RDIY Step 5, source: Group work Figure (40):RDIY Step 6, source: Group work Figure (41):RDIY Step 7, source: Group work Figure (42):RDIY Step 8, source: Group work Figure (43):RDIY Step 1, source: Group work Figure (44):RDIY Step 2, source: Group work Figure (45):RDIY Step 3, source: Group work Figure (46):RDIY Step 4, source: Group work Figure (47):RDIY Step 5, source: Group work Figure (48):RDIY Step 6, source: Group work Figure (49):RDIY Step 7, source: Group work Figure (50): Refugees’ Participation in the Implementation, source: photos taken by group Figure (51): List of plants that can be planted in summer in Germany, source: Group work based on data from (Bioland Gärtnerei Monika Bender - Stuttgart, 2015 & bingenheimersaatgut, 2015) Figure (52) : List of the Actual planted Plants in Phase 1, source: Group work based on data from (Bioland Gärtnerei Monika Bender - Stuttgart, 2015) Figure (53): Project phases Diagram - Phase 1, source: Group work Figure (54): Detailed analysis of step 11 regarding the three processes Figure (55): During the Implementation on Site, source: photo taken by group

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REFERENCES

CONTACTS

Adel M., Al Rawi N., Site visit to Urban gardening in Möhringen by Kukuk. bingenheimersaatgut, (2015). Kräuter. [online] Available at: https://www.bingenheimersaatgut.de/ [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015]. bingenheimersaatgut, (2015). Blumen. [online] Available at: https://www.bingenheimersaatgut.de/ [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015]. bingenheimersaatgut, (2015). Gemüse. [online] Available at: https://www.bingenheimersaatgut.de/ [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015].

Bioland Gärtnerei Monika Bender - Stuttgart, (2015). Bioland Topfkräuter, Chilipflanzen, Gemusejungpflanzen, Balkongemäse, mediterrane bio Käbelpflanzen und Zierpflanzen 2015. [online] Available at: http:// www.gaertnerei-bender.de/ [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015]. brightnest, (2015). Learn to Make a Pallet Garden In 7 Easy Steps. [online] Available at: https://brightnest.com/posts/learn-to-make-a-pallet-garden-in-7-easy-steps [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015].

Facebook, (2015). stadtacker WAGENHALLEN Community. [online] Available at: https://www.facebook. com/StadtackerWagenhallen?fref=ts [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015].

Facebook, (2015). Urban Gardening Stuttgart Non-Profit Organization. [online] Available at: https://www. facebook.com/pages/Urban-Gardening-Stuttgart/254686521283487?fref=ts [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015].

Obyl, C. (2015). How to Make a Pallet Garden. [online] snap guide. Available at: https://snapguide.com/ guides/make-a-pallet-garden/ [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015]. onehundreddollarsamonth, (2013). Pallet Gardening 101: Creating a Pallet Garden. [online] Available at: http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/pallet-gardening-101-creating-a-pallet-garden/ [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015]. pinterest, (2015). Pallet Gardening. [online] Available at: https://www.pinterest.com/gardenstylesa/pallet-gardening/ [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015]. stiftung-trias, (2015). Warum eine Stiftung trias?. [online] Available at: http://www.stiftung-trias.de/ [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015]. wandelstiften, (2015). Foundation Trias. [online] Available at: http://www.wandelstiften.de/wandel_ stiftung_trias.html [Accessed 3 Aug. 2015].

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APPENDIX

Appendix A: Detailed Plants Description We prepared signs of the plant, with the name of the plant written in three languages: German, English and Arabic with the description of its usage. These signs are to be left on site for all the refugees to know the names of the plants and their usage.

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APPENDIX

Appendix B : Detailed Physical Model Photos We also prepared a physical model of the existing 3 buildings on site in addition to our proposed intervention, in order to be used as a tool for facilitating explaining the project to non-architects. This model was used in explaining the ideas to the refugees and to the social workers. It is kept in the camp, so that they always know what will be done in the next phase. All photos are taken by group members.

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APPENDIX

Appendix C: Photos of Implementation Process & Presentation In this appendix, additional photos taken for the phase 3 of the project are presented to get a broader sense of the process the project went through. All photos are taken by group members unless indicated.

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Appendix C: Photos of Implementation Process & Presentation In this appendix, additional photos taken for the phase 3 of the project are presented to get a broader sense of the process the project went through. All photos are taken by group members unless indicated.

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APPENDIX

Appendix C: Photos of Implementation Process & Presentation

Appendix D: Photos of the Participating team of Refugees

In this appendix, additional photos taken for the phase 3 of the project are presented to get a broader sense of the process the project went through. All photos are taken by group members unless indicated.

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APPENDIX

Appendix D: Photos of the Participating team of Refugees

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