Please refer to the attached file.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents the progress and outcomes of the project “Harmonizing Afghan Refugees and Host Communities in Urban Slums in Pakistan for Peaceful Coexistence and Social, Gender-Positive Inclusiveness,” implemented in partnership with UN-Habitat. Open Door Design Studio worked across four marginalized communities in Karachi. Afghan Camp, Jungabad, Machar Colony, and Jamali Goth to develop context-sensitive urban design proposals that strengthen social harmony and improve everyday livability.
The project aims to enhance coexistence between Afghan refugees and host populations by addressing shared spatial challenges through inclusive design. Central to the approach was sustained community engagement. Through structured dialogues, participatory workshops, site visits, and iterative design reviews, residents’ insights shaped evidence-based and locally grounded design interventions. The process ensured that proposals reflected collective aspirations across gender and age groups, with particular attention to women, youth, and other marginalized voices.