Shoe Factory: an abandoned site transformed into a multipurpose space
In Gardnerville, the Shoe Factory site resembled Woodcamp: an abandoned space that had become a rubbish dump and informal thoroughfare. Women, young people, elders, religious leaders and people with disabilities participated in collaborative workshops to redesign this future living space.
“For the first time, we are building a space for everyone: a place where young people can learn, women can gather, and elders can feel safe.”
— Hawa Kamara, representative of Block E, Shoe Factory Community
Bringing a forgotten place back to life
Once a simple pedestrian crossing and rubbish dump, the Shoe Factory site is set to become a modern and welcoming community space.
Thanks to the mobilisation of local residents, The Monrovia UFI and the Gardnerville Township Administration are spearheading a project that is reinventing the way public spaces are designed in the working-class neighbourhoods of the Liberian capital.
Inclusive co-design
Residents of all ages and backgrounds participated in several collaborative workshops:
- mapping needs and building consensus on site usage,
- discussions about models and scale drawings,
- collective validation of final plans and construction stages.
This participatory approach enabled clear priorities to be defined: creating a safe, accessible and multifunctional space, while improving hygiene and encouraging youth engagement.
Architecture tailored to requirements
The project involves the creation of a multi-purpose hall incorporating:
- two offices,
- two modular rooms and six toilets,
- a kitchen, a pantry and a balcony,
- a small outdoor park open to everyone.
Minor, environmentally friendly improvements are also planned at other nearby sites, including removable furniture, renovated shelters and sanitary facilities, as well as capacity-building activities for youth leaders.
The project is now entering its operational phase. The tender has been submitted to the AFD, and work is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
Site design co-created and validated by the community