Humanitarian architecture : people, place & power. How can architecture inform or deter to the well-being of the community it inhabits?

Abstract

Architecture today has increasingly enhanced its concern for the social. The humanitarian field has become a central concern in the architectural profession. Humanitarian architecture is a process with the purpose of helping the lowest common denominator of the population, providing an increase in welfare through improving the built environment. However, with the involvement of foreign architects, humanitarian architecture has the potential risk of being more detrimental than helpful to the community. A participatory design process presents a possible solution to this problem. It involves a process of attempting to actively involve all users in a collaborative process. This strategy is used to create a space where the local community has a voice regarding many aspects pertaining to the end goal. Through participation they may become empowered and develop a sense of ownership in the project. The intention of this project is to design an expansion to the existing Mercy School facilities in Chhuk village, Cambodia, creating a space for positive social engagement for the various groups within the community. Proposed designs for Church, Mercy Home, Classrooms, Training Centre. The project will also investigate ways in which the school can become self-sustainable.