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STORY CONNECTION

Sana
Garner

Story Connection, in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is
designed as a safe space for displaced women that encour-
ages interpersonal connections. Its curved walls and open
entryways create a feeling of being enveloped in the space.
With 89% of Khartoum’s buildings made of brick, it was
important to use locally produced brick as the main mate-
rial. Perforated brick screens, plastered walls and glass
differentiate public from private spaces. Skylights create
a network highlighting the presence of the sky so women
understand themselves in the larger context. Gardens are
positioned at the entrance and in the rear to create a place
for retreat.

Public spaces—reception, office, computer classroom,
group therapy room, restroom and garden—are on the first
floor, and the second floor has two individual therapy rooms
and a small computer lab. The first-floor computer class-
room is where typing and creative writing classes are held.

This training has multiple purposes. In an effort to pre-
serve history and culture, Story Connection archives the
women’s writings for social anthropological reference,
and as women become proficient in typing they are eligi-
ble for better employment.

Story Connection helps to heal displaced women and gives
them tools to better themselves and their community.

Degree: University of the Arts, BFA Ballet Performance,
Marie Aiello Design Studio, sanagarner@gmail.com

Faculty: Kevin Estrada and Augustus Wendell

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