Making light

THE HOUSE FOR COLLECTIVE IMAGINATION

The House for Collective Imagination is (amongst others) a collective design process for the renovation of Globe Aroma’s building. Rather than designing a ‘public building’ in the conventional way – with fixed functions, counters, waiting areas, toilets, access gates, and mechanisms of control – we begin by questioning the norms and practices that typically shape such spaces.

Through co-creative processes focused on specific places, such as the door, the toilet, the kitchen, or the reception area, Globe Aroma reflects (across cultures, bodies, and gender identities) on who belongs and who is excluded, what it means to belong somewhere, and how this can take shape through dialogue and relationships with one another.

MAKING LIGHT

In 2026, Globe Aroma is working on a co-creation cycle around Spaces of Hospitality, reflecting on what it means to create a welcoming space beyond the conventional notion of a physical reception desk. Globe Aroma brings together people living in displacement—including people interested in art, graphic design, architecture, creative writing, storytelling, and world-building—to explore what “arriving” in a public building could look, feel, and smell like. Each design exploration takes place in collaboration with an artist.

The first co-creation cycle, Making Light, is developed in collaboration with artist Simon Hampikian. What qualities of light make us feel at ease? What is the difference between white and yellow light? How does someone relate to light when their daily life is interrupted by power cuts? Through personal stories and reflections on different qualities of light, we explore together how light, material, colour, shadow, and spatial atmosphere can contribute to a sense of hospitality at Globe Aroma.

More info: heleen@globearoma.be

Subscription is free for all people in exile, but it’s best to join the whatsapp group to stay informed.