Shipping Container Transformed By MVRDV Into Sports And Community Center for Refugees

MVRDV collaborated with Amsterdam-based social enterprise KLABU to design a modular, multifunctional clubhouse aimed at supporting refugees. The collaboration is based on the belief that sport can play a vital role in helping individuals rebuild their lives, fostering joy, pride and renewed hope. This began with the KLABU initiative, which involved building clubhouses in refugee camps, settlements, and urban areas that function as community hubs providing access to sports equipment, activities and connectivity via Wi-Fi and TV. This project has been running since 2022. Expected to be a bigger breakthrough for architects to work towards social justice, through participatory processes, designing low-tech solutions aimed at underprivileged communities or helping those affected by a disaster.

Sports and Community Center for Refugees by MVRDV (cr: Coco Olakunle)

Transforming shipping containers, which are the most common everyday objects, into multifunctional clubhouses to provide sports opportunities for refugees is a very satisfying challenge. MVRDV itself plays a role in increasing meaningful impact on vulnerable communities. Now in its third cycle, the clubhouse design will soon be installed at the Azraq refugee camp in Jordan, which will house approximately 41,000 Syrian refugees. This was made possible by the successful installation of a previous clubhouse at the Waraotuma shelter in Boa Vista, Brazil, which houses approximately 100,000 refugees. Each phase of the design process incorporated feedback from KLABU, the fabrication entity TCHAI, and the clubhouse manager to ensure that the final product met the needs of its users. The choice of structural foundation material, a modified ISO dry shipping container, has significant advantages in terms of durability, safety, and ease of transport.

Sports and Community Center for Refugees by MVRDV (cr: Coco Olakunle)

Sports and Community Center for Refugees by MVRDV (cr: Coco Olakunle)

The modular clubhouse serves as a scalable and replicable model that can be replicated in multiple locations to meet the needs of a global population of over 120 million forcibly displaced people. The facility focuses not only on providing quick access to sporting activities but also seeks to foster social interaction and connection within the community. The clubhouse’s exterior is visually striking, with its vibrant orange contrasting with the sky-blue interior that accommodates a compact and adaptable installation. The open sides of the design enhance accessibility and visibility, with large windows, a canopy for shade and a television screen that has another function in expanding its use for various community events and activities.

The roof is visible using solar panels that provide renewable energy for several electric charging points and wireless internet connectivity. The advantage of using this container is its sturdy nature which is important for use in the various climates faced in refugee camps, ensuring the durability and effectiveness of the structure wherever it is located. MVRDV itself has emphasized this simplicity and versatility, creating a clubhouse that can be easily assembled, disassembled and transported, easily adaptable to various refugee situations.

Ultimately, KLABU plans to expand this model to more than 50 locations over the next few decades, building a global network of dynamic spaces where refugees can connect and thrive. Seven clubhouses have been operating and more than 36,000 members have been involved in various activities. The success of this project is the result of voluntary encouragement and large donations from partners, including MVRDV who support KLABU's mission.

Sports and Community Center for Refugees by MVRDV (cr: Coco Olakunle)

Sports and Community Center for Refugees by MVRDV (cr: Coco Olakunle)