Writing Task. Architectures of Accommodation

Since 2015, the accommodation of refugees in Europe is increasingly professionalized. Especially architects, designers and urban planners have found new interest in the topic. Their proposals for refugee accommodations reach from rather technical approaches to more creative and inclusive forms.  But what is the importance of architecture in regards to accommodating refugees?

1. Take a look at the following photographies, taken from Malte Uchtmanns book Ankommen/Arriving.
All of the photographies show newly build structures and container homes, which were used in Germany after 2015. 

The picture shows the outside of an accommodation for refugees. You see a number of rather greyish buildings and a fence. Its a rather new building, with temporary character.   You see two buildings, connected like an L. They have two stories. The buildings are grey with orange doors. In front of the buildings you see some children's toys.

You see the hallway of a refugee accommodation. It is very similar to a hospital.You see two unused single beds in a very small rooms. There is less then a meter space between the beds, the windows are closed. The room is very clean.You see a bunk bed. The upper one is hidden, because it has a blanket in front of it. There is a carpet on the floor. The room is rather small and just fits the bunk bed.

 2. After looking at the pictures - what are your impressions? Take notes on the following aspects (300 to 500 words):

  • How do you feel, when you look at the pictures? 
  • What are your impressions of the buildings and the rooms? 
  • Which features strike you? 
  • How do you imagine the atmosphere?

3. Read this article from researcher and urban planner and Shahd Seethaler-Wari.
Pay specific attention to the paragraph 3.2. Spatial Institutional Arrangements and Their Effects on Trajectories of Integration. While reading the article, take some notes on the importance of architecture in regards to the living conditions and arrival processes of refugees. Which aspects have crucial effects?

4. Take a look at this article. It critically discusses the idea of planning the ideal refugee camp. 

While reading the article, take some notes on the critical points raised. What are the opportunities, what are the pitfalls of designing refugee accommodation?

5. Write an essay (1000 - 2000 words) on the role of architecture in regards to the accommodation of refugees. Use your notes from tasks 2-3 and answer the following question:

  • Do you think, architecture and design can help to create better forms of refugee accommodation? 
    • If yes, why and how? If no, why not? Make sure to take into account the structural conditions of refugee accommodation. 

If you want to learn more about the accommodation of refugees, also check this group work.

Last modified: Wednesday, 12 October 2022, 3:05 PM