Creating resilience through empowering self-build strategies in a Myanmar refugee camp

Abstract

Currently, around 82 million people are displaced globally, and refugees are among the most vulnerable and in need of support. Around 1.1 million refugees from Myanmar are situated in large refugee camps between Myanmar, Thailand and Bangladesh, many living in such conditions for up to 30 years. Long-term design solutions are needed to solve the refugee crisis in Myanmar, and architecture has the solution for creating meaningful place-making for the refugees who are still trapped in these camps. Through a comprehensive vernacular design approach and a holistic solution, architecture can help mitigate the quality of life of refugees. The design project will be approached with the mindset of refugees' involvement and allowing them to create their own set of rules and use their own skill sets. Alongside this, a vernacular traditional construction system will be developed to adapt to those skill sets and be appropriate to environmental conditions. The goal is to achieve an architectural solution that provides a better living environment and enhances the prospects of refugees' lives. As well as re-imagining current camps to create a resilient and self-sufficient community where one feels a sense of belonging and can express, educate and prepare themselves for the future.