From Hangar to Hope: A Self-Guided Refugee School

THE PROJECT

Behind the distinction.

The project is located at the abandoned Floyd Bennett Field airport in New York, now designated as a refugee accommodation area. However, it currently offers only basic housing with limited resources for integration into American society. To address this, the project repurposes abandoned hangars into a vocational training center, providing refugees with education and skill development opportunities.
Inspired by structured educational paths, the design fosters a progression from general education to specialized training, enabling refugees to transition from societal acclimation to professional mastery. The spatial layout supports self-guided learning, fostering collaboration and aiding in skill certification.
The architecture employs strategic spatial divisions and transparency to logically organize functions of various scales. This ensures adaptability and a seamless blend of functionality and spatial order, creating an environment conducive to both daily life and professional growth.