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The Ground Beneath Us (TGBU) was founded in May 2025 with a vision to make architectural education accessible to all regardless of background, status, or location.
Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to understand and shape the spaces they live in, TGBU provides free, foundational architectural education to under-served communities across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Through both online and offline platforms, TGBU delivers practical, inclusive learning experiences that go beyond the walls of traditional institutions.
Our journey began with a partnership with the Cisarua Refugee Learning Center in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, offering free architectural education to refugee youth. This first initiative set the tone for our mission: to empower individuals through knowledge, nurture creativity, and inspire a sense of agency in building better futures.
Whether you’re a donor, partner, or student, we invite you to join us in expanding the reach of architectural education and creating meaningful, lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to understand and shape the spaces they live in, TGBU provides free, foundational architectural education to under-served communities across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Through both online and offline platforms, TGBU delivers practical, inclusive learning experiences that go beyond the walls of traditional institutions.
Our journey began with a partnership with the Cisarua Refugee Learning Center in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, offering free architectural education to refugee youth. This first initiative set the tone for our mission: to empower individuals through knowledge, nurture creativity, and inspire a sense of agency in building better futures.
Whether you’re a donor, partner, or student, we invite you to join us in expanding the reach of architectural education and creating meaningful, lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Why we started. What we believe.
At The Ground Beneath Us, we believe architecture is more than buildings , it’s a way to reclaim identity, spark creativity, and shape hope.
Vision
To inspire and empower displaced youth to discover architecture as a tool for creativity, self-expression, and hope wherever they are in the world.
We’re here to open doors where there were once walls.
Mission
What we do. And how we do it.
Our work begins with a belief: that everyone especially youth who’ve been displaced, deserves access to creative education.
To provide free and accessible architectural education tailored to refugee youth
To introduce the fundamentals of space, design, and creativity
To nurture confidence, imagination, and agency through hands-on learning
To create opportunities for self-discovery and empowerment
At The Ground Beneath Us, we believe architecture is more than buildings , it’s a way to reclaim identity, spark creativity, and shape hope.
Vision
To inspire and empower displaced youth to discover architecture as a tool for creativity, self-expression, and hope wherever they are in the world.
We’re here to open doors where there were once walls.
Mission
What we do. And how we do it.
Our work begins with a belief: that everyone especially youth who’ve been displaced, deserves access to creative education.
To provide free and accessible architectural education tailored to refugee youth
To introduce the fundamentals of space, design, and creativity
To nurture confidence, imagination, and agency through hands-on learning
To create opportunities for self-discovery and empowerment
The Ground Beneath Us.
Haziqah Hamzah
Ayutasya Zahrine Kusuma
Noorul Fadzlee Khamis
for collaboration
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groundbeneathus@gmail.com
Haziqah Hamzah
Ayutasya Zahrine Kusuma
Noorul Fadzlee Khamis
for collaboration
groundbeneathus@gmail.com
Session 01 / 25th July - 1st September 2025 : Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre (CRLC) / Cisarua, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia / more details soon.
A Decade of Refugee-Led Education: The Story of CRLC
The Cisarua Refugee Learning Center (CRLC) holds the distinction of being the first refugee-led school in Indonesia. What began in a modest two-room building with just $200 and no formal teaching experience, soon transformed into a thriving educational hub. Driven by determination and community spirit, we gradually structured classes and built a learning environment that welcomed others to contribute. CRLC became a powerful experiment in refugee-led education crafted within the uncertainties of a displaced life.
For the past ten years, the school has operated without pause. Leadership and teaching roles have evolved organically, with students becoming teachers, and teachers rising to become managers. As members resettle in new countries, many continue their involvement with Cisarua Learning remotely, supporting programs and mentoring the next generation.
https://www.cisarualearning.com/
A Decade of Refugee-Led Education: The Story of CRLC
The Cisarua Refugee Learning Center (CRLC) holds the distinction of being the first refugee-led school in Indonesia. What began in a modest two-room building with just $200 and no formal teaching experience, soon transformed into a thriving educational hub. Driven by determination and community spirit, we gradually structured classes and built a learning environment that welcomed others to contribute. CRLC became a powerful experiment in refugee-led education crafted within the uncertainties of a displaced life.
For the past ten years, the school has operated without pause. Leadership and teaching roles have evolved organically, with students becoming teachers, and teachers rising to become managers. As members resettle in new countries, many continue their involvement with Cisarua Learning remotely, supporting programs and mentoring the next generation.
https://www.cisarualearning.com/