Agorà
A phygital service where victims & volunteers of natural disaster can exchange help, establish initiatives based on their skills and build a strong community to overcome trauma of displacement.
01. ABSTRACT
Project Agorà is a phygital service designed for victims of natural disasters and Protezione Civile volunteers in displacement camps. The initiative aims to foster resilience and community building by providing a streamlined system where individuals can collaborate, share skills, and navigate challenges. Utilizing a combination of physical totems and a mobile app, Agorà simplifies the process of proposing and participating in activities. By promoting meaningful connections and shared experiences, Agorà contributes to the collective strength and hope of those affected by disasters, creating a virtual space for rebuilding and mutual support.
Each year millions of people are displaced from their homes because of natural disasters into temporary campsites waiting for their lives for be restored. These camps leave victims with a sense of hopelessness for their future.
source: European Parliament report
02. PROBLEM STATEMENT
The broad and general scope of the brief revolves around the exploration of how Smart Environment can provide comprehensive support to citizens in navigating the challenges of the future, with a specific focus on the identified target considered as "fragile population": the victims of natural disasters. This inquiry aims to understand the unique needs of these vulnerable populations, shedding light on the responsibilities and challenges faced by administrators and stakeholders. The overarching goal is to develop innovative solutions that address the nuanced difficulties presented by fragile populations within the dynamic landscape of tomorrow's challenges.
03. BUILDING
CONNECTIONS
Through research and interviews amongst victims of natural disasters based in Italy, it was evident that one thing was the key to their recovery - the Community. Not only having the opportunity to reach out and ask for help,
but also being able to help others in a disastrous situation was a way to heal.
Even though victims attempt to organize using social media, they remain unorganized and unable to reach their full potential.
"Our community gave us the strength to move forward."
source: Emilia Romagna Flood Victim Interview
source: Piano di Emergenza di Protezione Civile
04. A COLLABORATION
In the wake of a natural disaster, the Protezione Civile plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of evacuees within temporary camps.
As victims are evacuated to these sites, Protezione Civile is tasked with meticulous accounting to guarantee everyone's whereabouts and safety. Inside the campsite, Protezione Civile faces the challenge of organizing a myriad of tasks, prioritizing urgent needs over less critical requests.
While their primary focus is on addressing immediate concerns and providing vital support, fulfilling individual requests for help or managing minor activities within the campsite proves challenging. The sheer scale of responsibilities, both within and beyond the campsite, places constraints on their capacity to attend to every specific need.Recognizing these limitations, Project Agorà collaborates with Protezione Civile to bridge gaps in support. By offering a dedicated platform for victims to connect, share skills, and address non-urgent concerns collectively, Agorà contributes to fostering a resilient community within the camp, supplementing the critical efforts of Protezione Civile in times of crisis.
What If
we could turn hopelessness
into helpfullness building
a supportive community?
Concept Scenario
Through a Design Fiction video, the team attempted to convey the emotions that the Agorà service seeks to evoke in users who come into contact with it. Two victims of natural disasters share their experience using Agorà months after they have returned to their normal lives.