The architecture designed by Estudio Cavernas in Mae Sot, Thailand, is not only a meeting place for the local community, but a real manifesto for a new urban ecology. Green Island is located in the center of a village inhabited by 400 Burmese migrants, who survive by collecting and recycling plastic waste. For two years the architects have worked closely with the community to teach them sustainable building techniques and materials. The centre is a tool to enhance migrants' autonomy and awareness.

Green Island is an open and flexible space, dedicated to play and learning, which can be divided into two separate areas thanks to a mobile partition. To protect the structure from the violent monsoon rains, Estudio Cavernas has raised it from the ground, while the large openings on each of the three sides allow plenty of natural light and air to enter.