BEYOND THE TENT [RE]thinking Architecture of Response to Service Refugees And Their Host Communities

BEYOND THE TENT

Problem | Displaced

The Syrian civil war or Syrian crisis started in March 2011. By mid-2014, more than two mil-lion refugees are displaced into five neighbor-ing countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Egypt. Caught in the war, families leave everything and everything behind them and cross the border to the host country. The refu-gees’ situation is acknowledged by the United Nations as the worst exodus since the Rwan-dan exodus 20 years ago.

Architecture | A Role

Neighboring countries have a weak infrastruc-ture system, and limited resources. Refugees’ basic needs are left to NGOs to take care of. Families with financial resources start a new life. Other families rely on the hospitality of citizens of host countries and/or live in small unorganized tents. As there are no camps for refugees in Lebanon, refugees seek shelter in abandoned structure, unfinished buildings or vacant lots.

Users | Host and Guest

Designing a refugees’ camp is also about de-signing for people who are invisible. It means designing for a refugee, elderly or children. Making the place not only bearable, but liv-able. Creating a safe place, not a permanent home, but a safe space. Keeping in mind the host community is key. What’s in it for them?

Site | Fertile and in Need

With this large number of refugees, I envision a new city emerging independently in the vast agricultural valley. The location would be ben-eficial for energy autonomy, and work oppor-tunities. The landscape could bring peace to the displaced and wounded. A system of roads maintains the circulation within the city, using local materials and low impact substances

Process | Participatory

The purpose of my project is to develop a seed for an urban design that serves the Syrian ref-ugees in the agricultural valley of Lebanon, while providing investment opportunities for the host community during both short and long terms. The central campus building is a new kind of mixed use functioning as a transi-tional and adaptation center for refugees, but also as an agroforestry enhancement center for the host community.

Grace Aaraj, Assoc. AIA

Research Booklet Design Booklet

Winner in 3MT

Interdisciplinary

Statewide Thesis

Award- Oregon 2014