Refuge housing : a housing complex for refugees after the resettlement program

Abstract

The project was derived with the focus on the current and growing refugee crisis. The following document analyses describes and symbolises the different struggles and situations refugees encounter on an everyday basis in their homelands. This topic is strongly related to a combination of personal experiences, as well as the desire to assist future refugees in integrating into a new society through the means of architecture.

New Zealanders are fortunate enough to live in an amazing country filled with opportunities and beautiful landscapes. This chance has been provided to many refugees dating back to before the 1940s. To obtain a better understanding of the past, present and future, research through the use of books, interviews and drawings were implemented to answer the proposal of how architecture can cater to the well-being and physical needs of refugees affected by situations such as warfare, poverty and drug driven environments? How can the reuse and adaptability of an un-used site, such as an empty lot, integrate communities and provide temporary living and rehabilitation for them?

Integration is the most important process that refugees require once they are welcomed into a country. Location combined with architecture can assist in this process being beneficial for all.

The research implements literature from Courtyard Housing: The Past, Present and Future by Brian Edwards, The Architecture of Self-help Communities by Michael Y Seelig, and Worldwide Displacement Hits All-time High as War and Persecution Increase by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Precedent studies include Tadao Ando’s Sunken Court, Alejandro Aravena and Guedes Cruz Arquitectos as the main sources of knowledge and inspiration.

Project site: The Strand - old Kiwi Rail link off Quay Street/ Tamaki Drive.