GDIRC is a collective of architects, landscape architects, designers, and play experts working to initiate, develop, and design play projects in refugee contexts. Each month, we meet to share work, plan ideas, and discuss progress across various projects. Current in-progress projects vary from initial planning stages to design and late-stage construction.

Construction of initial play structures is underway in Lesvos, Greece. GDI continues to collaborate with Movement on the Ground [MOTG] to administer design and construction of current and future play structures. Camp residents enrolled in MOTG’s training workshop are offered the opportunity to learn and practice woodworking skills through the construction of this project.

Planning and administration is underway for a playground in Worcester, MA. The project’s kickoff will happen this fall. Landscape architects interested in participating are encouraged to join.

Unity Park, a park/playground project in collaboration with Lena Park CDC and G2 Collaborative, is under construction in Dorchester, MA. Local teens participating in the planning of the park and playground are currently planning for a mural. We are pleased to announce Unity Park will be featured at the Intersections: Equity, Environment + the City symposium; the talk is currently available on the Intersections Video Archive.

GDI and local partner, Studio MLA, are awaiting updated cost estimates for two primary-school playground designs in Kisoro, Uganda. Funding is secured and construction is planned to begin shortly.

The virtual world has allowed us to expand beyond the Boston area, joining with designers and play experts in North Carolina, Texas, New York City, and London to work on projects from El Paso, Texas to Lesvos, Greece. If you’re interested in getting involved, join us this month for our December meeting.