Artwork by Syrian Refugee
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Everyone deserves to feel like the belong to the community and they all deserve the access to basic resources to start a new life. This document includes research on refugee facilities and community centers with the intent to design a public space focused on providing wellness and basic resources for refugee populations and the surrounding community. Research including literature review, along with interviews conducted with a psychiatrist, Afghan refugee family, and an architect specializing in public architecture, will inform the design decisions and program requirements for this project. With a consistent flow of refugees and not enough attention given to creating a space where they can feel safe and learn about the local community, there is an opportunity to address a problem through design.
AMAL is a 30,000 adaptive reuse will be located in downtown Seattle, an area which has been getting a consistent flow of Afghan refugees since 2021. Additionally, the recent demographic data for Seattle show 40% of the population being foreign-born or with at least one foreignborn parent. The building currently houses on of 4 buildings for the Seattle Academy of the Arts and Sciences. The area is surrounded by numerous public spaces, including a hospital nearby, a bubbling college campus, and a variety of restaurants.
The focus of this thesis will be to create a central, easily accessible space that serves 3 main purposes: aiding with the integration of the refugee community, serving wellness and respite needs for the community and allowing a space where there is an exchange of knowledge through crafts, languages, cooking, etc. Additionally, many of the spaces will be flexible to give users autonomy to create a comfortable space for themselves.
Mission Statement
Problem Statement
Context
Client Info
Goals and Objectives
Data
Interviews
Refugee Experience
Literature Review
SITE CONTEXT
Site Analysis
Building Analysis
Adjacency Matrix
Programming
Design Goals
Line by Line Program
Spatial Considerations
WELL Standards
Building Codes
CASE STUDIES
Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre
Oak Park Community Recreation Cente
Maidan
Cooking School for Migrants of Renovation Industrial Hall / FREAKS
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES
Refugee Experiences
Criticism on Policies
Notes on Refugee- focused architecture
Resettlement in the US
MISSION STATEMENT
This space fosters community, empowerment and sense of belonging. Through intentional design of spaces that address physical, emotional, and social needs of refugees, the center will create inclusive spaces that encourage meaningful connections. Through promoting accessibility and adaptability, the space will serve as a nurturing environment where individuals can heal, share experiences and thrive in a supportive community.
This project seeks to design a space that fosters community engagement and growth through interaction and integration. By providing a space housing programs helping with basic skills, and a relief from the stresses of new beginnings, refugees will be able to engage better with the community while feeling a sense of belonging. The program helps to tackle the challenge of the refugee crisis in Seattle, a city where the continuous flow of refugees has made it a hub for new beginnings.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Security is something that everyone should have. When security is compromised, there are too many opportunities for negative long-term effects to take control of communities. Unfortunately the right to basic services like food, shelter and first aid is taken away from refugees. Coming to a completely new country and society, they deserve to have a space where they can heal. They deserve to have a space where they can go to for help. With the existing trauma that they carry, it is extremely important for the community to aid them in gettign settled into a new, and foreign life.
Many of the US states have welcomed refugees from all over the world since the 1970s. Seattle, Washington, in the past 3-4 years has received many thousands of Afghani refugees. The consistent flow of refugees and their arrival into states with limited resources leads to the question: How can the design of a wellness center for refugees enhance mental well-being by incorporating community engagement and trauma-informed design strategies?
CONTEXT
Over the past 5 years, the US has received close to a million and counting refugees into its states. This influx has been well-received by some states and has been difficult for others. States with diverse populations have enough resources to help assimilate people into the society, whereas some are struggling to find basic resources. Due to the consistent waves of refugees, there is a new branch of architecture that has emerged termed “emergency architecture”. This branch is focused on creating comfortable yet temporary spaces in order to let refugees get a safe haven. However, this approach only touches the surface of problems needing to be solved. Refugees come with an immense amount of trauma and mental stress which only heightens with the fear of displacement and assimilation to a new society. Therefore, refugeefocused design should focus on creating residential solutions, but it should also focus on creating solutions focused on a communal scale.
On a communal scale, the architecture approach requires designers to look into “neuroarchitecture“: an area focused on designing spaces to enhance the four types of wellbeing: body, brains, emotion and behavior. This means creating spaces centered around wellness for refugees, meaning the space not only serves their needs, but is a space that allows them to relieve stress and joing the community without feeling overwhelmed. Numerous literature reviews have found that a trauma-informed design (TID) base approach is the most effective way to tackle this issue. Refugees deserve to heal and share their happy moments with the local community. Most of all, they deserve to have a space catered to their well-being.
CLIENT + TARGET POPULATION
This community center is focused on serving the refugee and migrant community. This includes incoming refugee communities and existing migrants in the city who are in need of any type of aid. Additionally, the center serves as a main hub for interaction between the local and new communities. The multiple programs also result in the local students to become a target population as they can volunteer to help with community center services.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
1. Cultivate community
Objective: Design spaces geared towards programs where community members go to interact with other peers.
2. Accessibility to essential services
Objective: Design easily accessible spaces where users can inquire about essential services including medical, legal and translation services.
3. Stimulate Healing
Objective: Research how wellness is impacted by one’s surroundings and design spaces where users can go to relax and creat a comfortable atmosphere.
4. Absorb/Learn and Inspire
Objective: Design classrooms where there can be an exchange of teaching and learning between two communities. Allowing the new community to contribute and feel like they are helping out the community in any way they can.
5. Encourage Wellness
Objective: Use biophilic design as well as providing private, semi private and public spaces for interaction and meditative purposes. Natural materials, soft colors and controllable lights will help implement this.
DATA as of June 2024
122.6 MILLION
Forcibly displaced people worldwide
8 MILLION
Asylum Seekers
43.7 MILLION
Refugees
72.1 MILLION
Internally displaced people
Data from UNHCR “Refugee Data Finder”
Refugees Around the World
10 MILLION
1.3 MILLION
6.4 MILLION
6.8 MILLION
5.9 - 9 MILLION 800,000 20,000 7.7 MILLION
940,000
SUDAN
VENEZUELA
MYANMAR
Interviews Refugee Family
Designer
Healthcare Professional
Afghan Refugee Family
Bio:
Single mother, with one young daughter. Has been in the Blacksburg area for 8 years, was initially settled in Roanoke. Born in Pakistan, she got married to a man in Afghanistan near where her extended family lived. A year and a half into the marriage, the Taliban murdered her husband, and she was subjected to abuse by her in-laws. She escaped to Pakistan with her daughter and lived there for a year before being sent to the US under a refugee status again.
Note.: This interview was conducted completely in Urdu. Due to time constraints and lack of vocabulary, the answers of the following questions are very limited.
When did you arrive in the US, what helped you the most when you arrived?
8 years ago, my caseworker helped a lot, and some people [I] met at the airport when I came.
Did you have places to go for help or advice? What was missing?
I did not know English. I did not know where I was going, they would put me on a bus and I would be terrified not knowing the way or the end [destination].
What would have helped you relax and feel less stressed?
Someone to guide me or just give me basic instructions and information on how to get to areas like the grocery store or the doctor.
Is there something you wish people understood better about refugees’ needs?
We need help with very basic stuff. We don’t know how to get around. Some of us, like me, never left our street in our home countries, you can’t expect us to know everything when coming to a new country.
What parts of Afghan culture would you like to see in a community center?
Embroidery and our clothing is known for its beautiful colors.
Mira Theisen- Perkins & Will
Bio:
Mira is a Senior Project Manager and a licensed architect. She leads the Community Center practice for Perkins Will and is our expert in designing public buildings with community spaces. Based out of the Denver Office, Mira has worked on numerous community projects.
How do you approach the design for a public space? Does it start with required programming and then a conceptual element or vice versa?
Depending on the project, it can start with required programming, but it usually starts with community outreach. They conduct online questionnaires to the community via community leadership and consultants. It is also important to establish a level of trust.
What are your biggest takeaways when designing something for numerous user groups?
Have the ability for a space to be flexible. Example given of a swimming pool area and how it is difficult to create a private area for women who want to swim without men present.
Do you ever conduct community surveys or research to create a curated space?
Yes! They always put out questionnaires. These questionnaires ask what kind of services people want to see and what kinds of recreational activities they want included.
What are your goals when designing a space like a community center?
• Understanding the community and creating a space for THEM.
• Making the area as inclusive as possible for all community groups
• Creating an area where people not only make memories but also have the opportunity to learn life skills.
Hajra Ahmad- Carilion Roanoke
Bio:
Psychiatrist at Roanoke Memorial Emergency Department. She treats patients with acute mental health crisis from children to young adults. Hajrah has dealth with conditions including numerous types of trauma and has done counseling for two refugee patients.
What are common mental health challenges faced by refugees that a wellness center’s design could help address?
Couple of things: Refugee populations are coming to new communities; there is a moment of cultural shock, ptsd. They don’t know what challenges they have and they are too busy to even be aware of the mental health issues that they have.
How can the physical environment impact the emotional recovery and resilience of trauma survivors?
Less loud noises. Every community, country and city has very different forms of crime, coming and experiencing something negative can be retraumatizing.Any refugees that come in are not going into the safest housing. Providing them with a safe zone.
How might potential cultural differences influence the perception of safety and comfort in a space?
Be mindful of the environment they are coming from. Want something with some resemblance of the place they are coming from, creating a sense of “home”. Create a sense of familiarity.
Are there specific design features (acoustic control, low-light spaces, smaller, enclosed spaces) that can enhance a sense of security?
Less busy patterns, lavender scents.Music, light music, soft colors. Sensory walls, everyone is different, maybe have a room where they can paint, have a space where they can express themselves.
How can a multi-purpose space be designed to facilitate various wellness activities (like yoga, art therapy, or group sessions)?
Recreational rooms are important, need that downtime where they can escape from the thoughts in their minds. They shouldn’t think that there’s not point of coming there. Access to computers, ppl who can help them find jobs
What sensory experiences (e.g., smell, sound) can be integrated into the design to support relaxation and healing?
Less busy patterns, lavender scents. Music, light music, soft colors
Sensory walls, everyone is different, maybe have a room where they can paint, have a space where they can express themselves.
Takeaways
All interviewees had one very important point they emphasized: refugees need more help with basic activities than people think.
The interviews with the healthcare professional and the designer gave insight on how to approach designing for the refugee population. It was helpful to learn that existing ocnsultation rooms are not welcoming. Additionally, the designer emphasized the space being used by everyone so that the refugee population feels at ease and included.
The interview with the refugee family was a rough one. The life story of the mother and the trauma she endured was so extensive that she did not even know where to start. It helped to listen to someone from the refugee community and have her be transparent about what her struggles were.
The Refugee Experience
The refugee family I interviewed is unfortunately, one of many similar experiences. This section of research, focuses on gaining insight into the refugee experience of resettlement and assimilation. These experiences are heartbreaking. Taking in people with the intent of giving them a better future, means to assist them in any way possible. The US as a whole must improve the resources available during the resettlement stage.
Language Barrier
“There is no opportunity to learn English. You are required to work a month after arrival. I am 40 years old and I cannot learn English at this age in one month. In addition, the time of ESL classes from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm conflicted with the time of my work from 3:00 pm -1:00 am. I chose to work to fulfil my financial commitments.”
Economic Dependency
“I am spending here double the time and effort I have ever spent in work in Jordan and Syria, all just to make ends meet. I pay $1,300 for rent; how I am going fulfil that along with the expenses of the car and expenditures of my children. Add to that, I do not have language skills to attain a better job … If I work more to increase my income to be above $2,500, the food stamps will cease, and my situation becomes worse than before.”
Literature Review
Neuroarchitecture
Trauma-informed design
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Trauma-Informed Design
Focuses on creating environments that support the well-being, healing, and safety of individuals who have experienced trauma.
Identifying types of trauma- 3 main types:
Acute Trauma: The result of a single distressing event which threatens a person’s security. Can present in the form of: Unreasonable lack of trust, excessive anxiety and/or panic, depression.
Chronic Trauma: The result of multiple, long-term, and/or prolonged distressing, traumatic events over an extended period. Many refugees experience this because of the prolonged proximity of consistent violence. Symptoms are deeply distressing and may manifest as labile or unpredictable emotional outbursts, anxiety, extreme anger, flashbacks, fatigue, body aches, headaches, and nausea.
Complex Trauma: Result of exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events or experiences. The events are generally within the context of an interpersonal (between people) relationship. People may feel trapped in a relationship.
Refugees fall under the context of complex and chronic trauma. Due to the presence of added stresses, their trauma is suppressed and comes out in ways such as anger, sudden reactions, and sometimes physical illnesses.
Suffer from PTSD Suffer from anxiety and emotional distress Suffer from severe mental illness
Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage is integral to refugee identity and experiences, encompassing practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that connect them to their homeland and journey
“Refugee Home Heritage”: Cultural practices from the refugees’ homeland.
“Refuge Heritage”: Cultural expressions formed during the refugee journey. There are different ways people preserve heritage and pass it on. One of them in particular through the use of textile patterns and types of dressing. This is very common in refugee communities, where many women will take embroidery and teach it to younger generations. Safeguarding ICH is essential for refugees’ wellbeing, social cohesion, and integration. In terms of referring to cultural heritage in the context of refugees and immigrants, there are two distinct types of heritage associated with this community.
This distinction not only highlights once again their straining journey, but also pushes the need for better preservation of this heritage. This means changes in legislation. Intangible cultural heritage protection frameworks, like UNESCO’s 2003 ICH Convention, need to better integrate refugee perspectives and practices. Additionally, International refugee law (e.g., 1951 Refugee Convention) inadequately addresses cultural heritage protection. As communities in host countries, we need to better understand our peers. The right to access and enjoy cultural heritage is linked to broader human rights, including self-determination and identity preservation. Violations of cultural heritage can lead to further persecution and hinder refugees’ reintegration.
Cultural Heritage and Design
Space is something unique to everyone. Comfort is dependent on the user and it is no exception when it comes to creating spaces for refugees and immigrants.
Safeguarding refugees’ intangible cultural heritage is critical for their protection and integration. This requires legal, policy, and institutional reforms to address the unique needs of refugee communities, ensuring their cultural identities are preserved and respected.
It is important to give refugees the autonomy to create their own spaces. They have to adjust so much after moving to refugee camps. Refugees are the future of design because they have such a unique perspective of a space. The incorporation of cultural identity into living spaces can foster a sense of belonging, psychological stability, and community cohesion among displaced populations. It gives them autonomy and identity, something that they lose when coming to their refuge country.
Rohingya refugee children attend a class at a school in Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia. The denial of education for years is a powerful symbol of Bangladesh’s ambivalence towards the refugee presence, some of whom have been relocated to a remote, flood-prone and previously uninhabited island
Environmental Adaptations: Refugees adapt their surroundings to reflect their agricultural heritage, such as creating green spaces and home gardens. This practice, seen in the Zaatari camps, mitigates environmental stressors and provides residents with a sense of control over their living conditions, reminiscent of their predisplacement rural lifestyles. This practice also confirms that nature and biophilia postiviely impact refugee health.
Zaatari refugee camp: Residents often replicate familiar spatial organizations from their homelands, such as clustering housing units to maintain family privacy and creating centralized communal spaces. These arrangements reflect traditional lifestyles and promote familial bonds while enabling cultural continuity in a foreign environment. It also shows how collectivist cultures view their living: communal. Shared spaces are common and spaces where they come together to play or celebrate are essential. Additionally, there is always an exterior component.
Cultural values surrounding privacy shape spatial designs, with residents in camps prioritizing fenced-in spaces and private yards. These areas function as secure, family-oriented zones while fostering micro-communities that echo traditional settlement patterns
House of a young Syrian teenager. Many homes inside Zaatari now have gardens and welcoming areas outside of their caravans made through scrap metal and other material.
Al-Jazeera” Syria’s war: Inside Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp”
SITE CONTEXT
1201 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122
Seattle Demographics
By June 2024, 2,788 newly resettled refugees were welcomed to Washington. Some of the top countries of origin for refugees arriving in Washington include Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Venezuela.
Language Demographics
Language demographics show how there is a large diverse population in Seattle.
Transit Map
Climate Conditions
Due to its location in central downtown next to the University district, there are numerous public transit stops. Within a 1/2 mile distance, there are 4 bus stops and 1 train station. There are also numerous trolley stops.
In Seattle, the summers are short, warm, dry, and partly cloudy and the winters are very cold, wet, and mostly cloudy.
BUILDING ANALYSIS
SEATTLE ACADEMY: HISTORY
Built in 2018, still in good condition. The building was part of the complete construction for the Seattle Academy of the Arts and Sciences Buildings. This one specifically houses the middle school.
SEATTLE ACADEMY: CURRENT USE
Currently, the building is in use as an educational program. The facade is composed of bricks and large windows to maximize sunlight. The school’s core academic spaces comprise the upper floors of the new 69,900-squarefoot building, while its lower floors accommodate athletic activities, administration, music instruction, and a makerspace
SUSTAINABILITY
Uses 64% less energy than comparable schools, and all five of its facades work together to support its sustainability goals. The site also aids in regional vegetation.
PLANS
Size: 69,900 sqft
Type: Educational architecture
Function: Middle School
Location: Seattle, Washington
Levels: 5
Outdoor Space: Outdoor gym area
Ceiling Height: 16’
Double-high space: 32’
Site plan
Level 1 plan
Level 2 plan Level 3 plan
Building Section- Circulation Analysis
INTERIOR VIEWS
DESIGN GOALS
Provide easy access to essential services required for refugees when they first settle in the US.
Provide clear paths of travel and access to all services and residential areas
Signage should be visible from all areas.
Provide spaces for respite and community collaboration.
Incorporate biophilic design and emphasize maximizing natural light in all areas, particularly large communal spaces.
Promote healing, growth and a positive community.
Include natural materials and soft colors to promote better health
Access to emergency housing if needed; especially taking into account single-parent families.
Create spaces with familiarity and comfort for the inhabitants.
Allowing for flexibility to adapt communal and private spaces to individual comfort.
Use modular furniture and adjustable lighting to allow autonomy for users to choose how they interact with the space.
LINE BY LINE PROGRAM
Multipurpose Area
Skills Market
Services+Counseling Area
Recreational Area
Level 2
Reception/Lobby
Translation Services
Community Kitchen
Cafeteria
Level 3
Educational Spaces
Meditation Areas
Library
Computer Lab
Level 4
Residential Area
Laundry Room
Communal Area
Level 5
Apartments
SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS
PUBLIC AREAS
• Reception should be easily accessible to the cafeteria and large communal spaces
• The library and meditation spaces should be away from loud areas
• Natural daylight should be used for large open spaces
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
• Residential area should be COMPLETELY separated from the public/commercial area
• All units should have easy access to egress routes
OVERALL CONSIDERATIONS
Privacy:
• It is one of the most common privileges taken away from refugee.
• For families especially, promoting a sense of privacy is critical. Include in-between spaces which could serve as respite areas.
• Allow adequate privacy for counseling rooms and meditation spaces
• All units should have easy access to egress routes
Safety:
• Coming from a constant fight or flight focused life, it is import to be considerate and put efforts to creating a space which they know is safe.
• Incorporate controlled access and security measures such as motion sensored lights for the night time.
Inclusivity:
• They want to feel respected and have a sense of belonging. It is important to include aspects which respect their cultures AND religion.
• Make use of open spaces being collaboration zones through the use of skillbuilding programs or a place for entertainment through tv, games, etc.
WELL STANDARDS
The WELL Building Standard takes a holistic approach to health in the built environment addressing behavior, operations and design.
Design considerations for this project will include:
1. Incorporating biophilic design for integrated air purification
2. Ensure thermal comfort in all areas, with adjustable controls in private and residential areas.
3. Ensure acoustic materials are used throughout to minimize noise pollution
4. Maintain air quality with low-VOC furniture and filters
5. Provide task lighting in the library and computer lab.
6. Allow for ample natural light to enter the space
7. Use ergonomic and modular furniture to allow for flexibility
DIAGRAMMING
Main Center Adjacency Diagram
Looking at the sun diagram with the site, the large windows on the East side provide maximal opportunity for sunlight to enter the building.
Level 2 Bubble Diagram
Apartment Adjacency Diagram
Apartment Common Area Adjacency Diagram
Only showing the first floor/public area, the bubble diagram shows a potential layout for the main services.
Apartment adjacencies are fairly basic, having more of an open floorplan per unit.
The common area is a similar layout to a typical apartment building, keeping the area central for the whole floor.
BUILDING CODES+ ADA
GENERAL CODES
International Building Code (IBC)
Seattle follows the Washington State Building Code, which adopts and amends the IBC.
Occupancy Classification:
• Group A (assembly)
• Group B (business)
• Group R (residential)
Fire Protection
Fire-rated walls, sprinkler systems, and fire alarms must comply with IBC Chapter 9.
Egress
Emergency exits must meet the requirements for width, travel distance, and signage (IBC Chapter 10)
Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) Mandates energy efficiency in building design.
Insulation, window glazing, and HVAC systems must meet efficiency standards. Use energy-efficient lighting and renewable energy sources if possible.
Seattle Energy Code (SEC)
Specific amendments for stricter energy conservation requirements in Seattle.
RESIDENTIAL CODES
Minimum Room Sizes
Bedrooms
At least 70 sq. ft. of floor space.
Ceiling Heights
Minimum 7 feet in habitable spaces.
Ventilation and Lighting
Natural light and ventilation must meet code requirements.
Emergency Egress
Each apartment must have at least one operable window or door for emergency escape and rescue.
Accessible Path of Travel
1104.4 At least one accessible route shall connect each accessible story
1104.5 Accessible routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as a general circulation path. Where the circulation path is interior, the accessible route shall be interior. Where only one accessible route is provided, the accessible route shall not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, restrooms, closets or similar spaces.
Entrances
1105.1.3 where restricted entrances are provided to a building or facility, at least one restricted entrance to the building or facility shall be accessible.
1105.1.7 At least one accessible entrance shall be provided to each dwelling unit and sleeping unit in a facility.
Doorways
Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors that are not automatic or power-assisted shall be as shown below:
Wheelchair Accessibility
Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre
Oak Park Community Recreation Center
Maidan
CASE STUDY #1
Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre
Architect: Rizvi Hassan
Year: 2022
Location: Bangladesh
Area: 501 m^2
The center aims to collect, preserve, and spread the rich knowledge these refugees bring. In a time of uncertainty, this center provides assurance that their culture will be remembered and commemorated. Rohingya artisans and community members shared their stories that helped visualize an appropriate approach for designing the space.
Takeaways:
Rizvi Hassan’s approach to designing this space was a unique one. Not only did it focus on designing for the Rohingya but the Rohingya community was a driving aspect of the design itself from start to finish. Along with the design, the use of sustainable materials was well established especially concerning the local climate.
Depiction of pattern drawn by Rohingya Refugee.
CASE STUDY #2
Oak Park Community Recreation Center
Firm: Perkins & Will
Size: 42,000 square feet
Completion Year: 2023
This center is a net-zero project which is focused on including everyone in the community in terms of using this center. There is a wide range of programming for people of all ages and abilities with a focus on after-school and inclusive programming. The three-story, 42,000 square-foot community center is a focal point in this historic city outside Chicago and an anchor for future revitalization of the area
A yellow tower extending all levels not only serves as a vertical visual connection, but the yellow allows for a welcoming and soft environment to be conveyed.
The main staircase allows for a central viewing location.
There are activities to do for all ages, including a game room for children as well as graphics pertaining to the type of activity taking place.
Takeaways:
The approach to the design was an effective one. The use of a vertical element to draw attention worked well for the community and the attention to detail with the differing activities for different age groups was well-executed.
CASE STUDY #3
Maiden Tent Greece
Architects: Bonaventura Visconti di Modrone and Leo Bettini Oberkalmsteine
Size: 200 square meters
Year: 2017
Designed to improve the mental health of refugees in camps. Supported by the UN International Organization for Migration, “Maidan Tent” allows refugees to benefit from indoor public space –a communal area to counteract the psychological trauma induced by war, persecution, and forced migration.
The tent covers up to 200 sqm with an aluminum structure covered by a water, wind, and fire resistant textile offering a sheltered, safe environment for up to 100 people
The shelter is a flexible design, in the sense that the installation is fairly easy to execute.
Takeaways:
Simple yet effective approach to solving a solution
Appreciate them looking at shapes that are organic yet can still elude a certain intent. The flooring idea works well with making it seem like it is the main gathering area.
This structure allows “the community to play, interact, and empathize under a moveable, sheltered, expressive structure.”
The different levels of public use are illustrated below, as well as a study on wind flowing through the space. The fabric of the tent allows the atmospher to be pleasant instead making it an effective way of inviting people in.
CASE STUDY #4
Cooking School for Migrants of Renovation Industrial Hall / FREAKS
Architects: FREAKS Architecture
Area: 700 m²
Year: 2023
The school, located in France, offers cooking training for regular migrants, offering both theoretical and practical courses. The interior spaces are organized to accommodate kitchen rooms equipped with individual workstations, technical rooms, changing rooms, and a double-height event space, connecting the interior to the exterior square.
Takeaways:
The organic design allows for easy navigation throughout the space and it creates a deep spatial relationship between the kitchen and communal space.
Natural materials allow the space to seem waarm and work effectively in terms of cleanability for the spatial use.
Refugee Experiences
Resettlement Experiences of Syrian Refugees in the United States: Policy Challenges and Directions
Bhatia R, Wallace P.
The Language Barrier and the United States Refugee Policy
“The focus of the United States policy on early economic self-sufficiency and lack of support interacted with each other to perpetuate the language barrier. The language barrier limited participants’ pursuits of adequate employment. Thus, participants were obliged to pursue jobs with extended working hours and minimal English proficiency requirements that, in turn, perpetuated the language barrier. “I withdrew from ESL programs because of a shortage in income. I needed to go to work and not depend on the provisions they [agency] provided.” (Interviewee 2, NY)”
Lack of Economic Support and Dependency on Public Benefits
Forms of public support did not fulfill the basic living needs of participants. Moreover, the provision of public financial support (e.g., Medicaid and food stamps) were conditioned upon reaching certain limits of income which, when exceeded, would cease. Participants said that the financial support ought to consider the circumstances of the Syrian refugees who need time to adapt to the new context of the United States, face a language barrier, have health conditions, and most of the time have extended families and high living expenses:
Undermined Sense of Dignity and Disempowerment
Participants felt the direct provision of public benefits undermined their sense of dignity and choice, disempowered them to take the lead in their own lives, and in a way did not meet their needs:
I am trying every mean possible to avoid returning to square one. I want to move forward, to have dreams to accomplish and hopes to live for. Life is not about eating and drinking. We came to the United States because we know that we all share the value of humanity. The United States government is giving me an implied message that it is okay to be dependent on public benefits, but if you chose to work, you have to strive on your own alone …. I feel I am on the brink of despair and devastation, hanging on by every possible thread to avoid falling and never be able to rise again...”
(Interviewee 11, Nebraska)
Separation from Family and the Fluctuating United States Refugee Policy
Several resettled Syrian refugees in the United States experienced separation from their family abroad due to the constraints imposed by the lack of resources and the fluctuating United States refugee policy:
My father, mother, and sister are in Aleppo and I have not seen them in nine years. I cannot return back to visit them, and there is a travel ban that prevents them from coming here [face turned red and cried]. (Interviewee 4, NY)
Separation from Family and the United States Allocation Policy
Participants reported that the allocation policy of Syrian refugees across the country was mismanaged and exacerbated the experiences of separation from family members:
The process of allocation in placement states is guided by poor judgement. Every case should be evaluated on an individual basis, taken into consideration the age, health condition, and number of family members. I have extended family members in California and my family and I wanted to join them. The agency did not help us move there nor give us our welcome provisions so we could move by ourselves.
(Interviewee 7, FL)
Deficient Support at the Beginning of Resettlement
Participants reported that the role of resettlement agencies in the United States stops within the first few months of their arrival. The role of agencies was mainly directed to secure refugees in accommodations and facilitate their applications for social security numbers (SSNs) and their registration in public benefit programs (e.g., Medicaid and food stamps). However, Syrian refugees faced several living difficulties without support. Language barriers and lack of preparation and training for living skills in the United States exacerbated those difficulties.
We did not know where the schools were, we could not speak English. I was calling workers at the agency to assist me in enrolling my children at schools. They did not care to take any action until the schools started. My neighbors somehow understood the situation and assisted me. (Interviewee 14, FL)
Inadequacy of Preparatory, ESL, and Cultural Orientation Programs
Participants reported lack of knowledge and education concerning their rights, the laws, and regulations that govern the system of living in the United States. This disempowered Syrian refugees and caused them to experience suppression and sense of unease. “I am unable to concentrate 100 percent at work because I am afraid of committing any mistake out of ignorance as I do not know the regulations and laws here” (Interviewee 14, Florida).
Participants reported that cultural orientation programs were brief and did not meet their daily living needs in the United States. “The cultural orientations classes were very brief and general. They were conducted only for three days, and their content was very general like headnotes or highlights” (Interviewee 1, NY). “The cultural orientation programs were three classes conducted over three days; each class was of a four-hour duration. They were conducted 15 days before arrival to the United States. Topics were of a general content” (Interviewee 7, FL).
Lack of Psychological Support
Participants witnessed several forms of stressors associated with displacement and resettlement living. Participants needed psychological support and some even required specialized psychological attention because they witnessed various forms of torture when detained. “The beginning of resettlement was like going through red death [sic]. Life here was really difficult, adding to that the experience of alienation from home” (Interviewee 4, NY, 13 Mar 19). “There should be parties responsible for evaluation and providing psychological support and treatment for refugees. The refugees might be unaware of their psychological status and whether they might need psychological attention” (Interviewee 9, FL).
I face difficulty sleeping. I encounter several fears aroused by my unconsciousness, I guess. I remember the remnants of my house and keep wondering when the war in Syria will stop and whether we will be able to return. Listening to the news makes me melancholic and swinging between states of hope and despair. (Interviewee 5, NY)
Criticism on Policies
The United States Refugee Policy’s Focus on Self-sufficiency
“Moreover, the literature shows that the United States refugee policy lacks substantial support. Funding and sociocultural support for refugees in the United States has continuously decreased since 2016 which perpetuated the United States policy’s emphasis on early economic self-sufficiency and minimized the roles of resettlement agencies..This in turn maximized the dependency of refugees on public benefits, exacerbated linguistic isolation, limited their social inclusion in the society, and adversely affected their quality of life (QoL) and psychological status...”
Separation from Family and the United States’ Refugee Allocation Policy
“The United States allocation policy not only exacerbated the experiences of separation from family and the language barrier but also triggered refugees’ secondary migration. Syrian refugees reported that they were settled in secluded neighborhoods that minimized their social inclusion and hindered their language proficiency....”
“.... If the United States refugee allocation policy seeks to prevent their secondary migration and control the distribution of population, then it needs to be reconsidered whereby sociocultural characteristics and needs of Syrian refugees and their aspirations to be reunited with their extended family members are acknowledged”
Psychological Support
Psychological support programs need to incorporate activities that promote social inclusion as they are associated with reduced levels of stress and depression among refugees ...Outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and enjoying the scenic views of nature are effective ways to cope with homesickness, distress, and depression (ElBialy & Mulay, 2015). Furthermore, refugees tend to better manage the stressors of resettlement when they can establish connections with other refugees and agency staff who have had similar experiences and can empathize with them (Agbényiga et al., 2012). Support groups would be an effective strategy to support, develop social bonding, and promote refugees’ language skills and acculturation (Fike & Androff, 2016). Social activities (e.g., sport events or cooking) would be perfect ways to achieve the goals of support groups (Fike & Androff, 2016)....”
Notes on Refugee- Focused Architecture
Emergency architecture
Due to the consistent waves of refugees, there is a new branch of architecture that has emerged termed “emergency architecture”. This branch is focused on creating comfortable yet temporary spaces in order to let refugees get a safe haven. In doing so, architecture acts as a beacon of hope in a period of hopelessness. Art and architecture responses need to be neutral and carefully thought out so they don’t interfere too much with politics.
“Fast construction rises to the challenges of abrupt events in the refugee diaspora— the unanticipated and quick unfolding of events. To this purpose, architects have devised the new usage of materials such as paper, cardboard, and pins,....”
Domestic refugee architecture in Jordan: a sociospatial analysis of chaotic camps
Refugee architecture has greatly improved and has been more accommodating to needs. However, this does not mean that the refugees accept what they get, they still have their own design languages that they want to include into their living spaces. This has caused refugees to take a unique and creative approach to creating spaces where they feel comfortable and can feel like they belong.
“Each of these waves of refugees produced a specific culture of displacement knowledge carried from their homelands growing unique in an alien environment”
“In a refugee camp, the physical enveloping surfaces of thbuilt environment are neither an imposed artistic expression, nor have an intrinsic aesthetic value. The refugee buildings are instead the direct result of the necessity to fulfil the urgent functional needs within the imposed humanitarian solutions.41 Yet the additions by the refugees to the built environment of the camp —chaotic and improvised, loaded with cultural significance, subversions of the original ‘humanitarian design solution’— are what creates domestic refugee architecture.”
Resettlement in the US
US Department of State
Role of Resettlement Agencies
The sponsoring resettlement agency is responsible for placing refugees with one of its local affiliates and for providing initial services for up to 90 days after arrival.
The Department of State’s standard cooperative agreement with each of the resettlement agencies specifies the services the agency must provide. A limited onetime per capita amount is available for the local resettlement affiliates’ use on behalf of refugees to meet their critical direct assistance needs, such as rent, food, clothing, and furnishings.
The Reception and Placement Program combines public and private resources, and resettlement agencies work closely with local communities to supplement federal funding through volunteers and donations
Programs Offering Help for Immigrant Single Mothers
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Immigrant single mothers who are refugees may qualify for help through a special federal program. The government provides a refugee support program. The program will provide a wide variety of help for immigrant single mothers, including employment assistance, job training, job placement, English language training, day care for children, and more.
Assistance Programs
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Many immigrant single mothers can qualify for help through TANF. Those who are approved will receive a monthly cash benefit that can be used to pay for any type of living expenses, such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, etc.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be called food stamps and is still known as that by many people. The program will provide those who qualify with help purchasing food each month. If you are approved, you will receive a debit-style card that can be used to pay for your food at the store or some farmers markets each month. The funds are added electronically to the card each month by the government.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance – This program will provide help for immigrant single mothers who need assistance paying for their heating bill. To qualify for the assistance, you have to have a low income and be a legal immigrant.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a federal agency that focuses on helping people with their housing needs. They will provide help for immigrant single mothers who need housing assistance. Some of the ways they will help includes paying rent, making necessary home repairs, finding affordable housing options, and avoiding foreclosure. To get help through HUD, you must have a low income and be a legal immigrant.
National Immigration Law Center – Many immigrant single mothers need law assistance, so that they can become legal citizens of the country. The National Immigration Law Center can help with that process.
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