Refugees : designing space that connects the past and present
Lauren Josselyn
ARC623 | Fall 2016
The barriers that the asylum seekers and refugees face include inadequate food security and unemployment, language barriers, stigma (particularly surrounding the treatment of mental illness), and discrimination. In addition a lack of knowledge of the health care system and fear of deportation make it even more difficult to assimilate. It it is important for displaced people to feel a sense of ‘home’ even though the refugee camp is not necessarily ‘home’ they need to make an effort to continue a sense of place or belonging to feel at ‘home’.
The objective of the project is to propose a long term solution for refugee camps, taking into consideration :
– Personalization: The Bamboo allows for the occupant to hang objects throughout the space to provide a better sense of ‘home’. In addition flexible furniture allow for customization of space based on programmatic needs.
– Cultural Appropriateness: Bamboo is a familiar building material to Burma Refugees. Giving a sense of ‘home’ through the material usage in the architectural design.
– Wellness: The bamboo facade allows for natural ventilation within the space. The corrugated polycarbonate roofing allows for easily accessible rain water collection. These sustainable design features create a healthier environment for the inhabitants.
