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Germany

The animated short film explores the relationship between architecture and the human body - Body and Architecture are both engaged in a “dance” where each adapts to the other and that interplay is expressed by a single piece of paper which wonders through the urban scenery looking for its own shape and identity. The material of the paper unfolds the fragility of the human being.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s education culture is built in a way that after graduation from high school those who are capable of having to move to Baku for university education and eventually to start a “better” life there. It is mostly because, unfortunately, there are not many opportunities for young people in the other districts of the country and the decentralization process is very slow in the regions. The situation makes many young people leave their life behind and start a new beginning in a huge and gray city. Many things do not translate the same when you move from a district where life is slower, nature is beautiful and green, people are kinder and know each other and most importantly there is a sense of community around the neighborhood you used to live in. In return, Baku is very hectic, the weather is toxic, people always rush somewhere and the high buildings and city infrastructure leave you with minimum contact with people and nature. Most women who have mental health problems such as general anxiety and depression find it hard to adapt to a new toxic environment. Most women also feel more insecure about their safety and security in Baku due to the higher chances of harassment compared to the regions. The sense of being a “stranger” to a big city you newly moved in also adds up to the general anxiety and mental health problems. Some spaces help to relax and find peace such as the shore of the Caspian Sea. However, it is getting increasingly crowded and dirtier every other day. Conditions in the country leave many young people with little to no choice but to move to the capital city at some point in their lives. The city design with its many problems from transport to overpopulation makes it hard for most to adapt.

Georgia

Hong Kong

Seasonally, street sleepers in Kwun Tong Public Pier need to move out like the tide falls during the pier clearance by authorities, and move back to the pier like the tide rises afterwards. A mobile unit prototype is built with street sleepers themselves to deal with the seasonal clearance. It attempts to save construction materials without destroying the settlements in each clearance, which save energy for street sleepers rebuilding shelter and authorise to dump the construction waste respectively. By enhancing the efficiency of moving in and out, the project hope to stretch the tension between authorities, public and street sleepers on the usage of Kwun Tong Public Pier. The team will continue to document the intervention and situation of the pier in the upcoming clearance.

Jordan

This film introduces Zaatari village in North Jordan through a grassroots organisation originally set up by a Syrian refugee. Over time, the education centre run by the organisation has grown into an important space for the village children to thrive in.

Azerbaijan

There was no public space to gather and form a community for the alternative youth, marginalized communities, and those who enjoy arts and crafts. Salaam cinema opened its doors to different communities and started its activity with movie screenings. The space got so much attention from youth and in return, from its owner as well. To a point, the owner claimed to destroy the building which is a historical Molokan worship house and said that he plans to build a mall instead of it. The community around Salaam liked the space so much and slowly it was turning into their “home”. And when someone tried to demolish the community and the “home” they newly brought back to life, young people started to resist keeping the space for its further use. Weeks of resistance happened where at some point people physically fought against the owner and carried out a sitting protest not to leave the space. Eventually, with the support of urban activists and the community, the resistance won and Salaam could survive! Now the space hosts many arts and entertainment events and it is a safe space for different marginalized communities. For many, there is a strong feeling of community around Salaam and since its start, the building has been flourishing and getting bigger!