A trip to Ikea is usually an exercise in aspiration, in which excited customers trek through showcases of immaculately designed rooms admiring the decorations and clever, modern furniture.
But this month Norwegian customers to Ikea are witnessing a different kind of home decor demonstration: a life-size model of a real home belonging to Syrians living outside Damascus.
The cinderblock apartment, which is just 25 square metres, is based on the real home of Rana and her nine children. The internally displaced family, who fled to nearby Damascus for safety, told the Red Cross they were unable to afford a home that would better cater for their needs. Rana is also unable to afford warm clothes or blankets for here children, reported the Red Cross.
25m2 SYRIA from POL on Vimeo.
Visitors to the Ikea store in Norway are able to explore the reconstructed home, and to learn more about the life of Rana and her family, too. The recognisable product description tags usually attached to Ikea’s furniture and goods are printed with information about the Syrian crisis, and the lives of those affected by it. They also include a link showing people how they can help – through making a donation via text.
This isn’t the only attempt Ikea has made to support Syrians affected by war. The Ikea foundation has given millions of dollars to Medicins Sans Frontiers to support its efforts to help Syrians affected by the war, and it's contributed to the design of shelters for refugees too.
BS
