summaery2020: Projects

Project information

submitted by
Mazen Alazazmeh

Co-Authors
Begüm Kocabalkanlı, Bipin Niraula, Lisa Pontén, Manuel Magenau

Mentors
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Daniela Zupan, Arch. Mazen Alazazmeh

Faculty:
Architecture and Urbanism

Degree programme:
European Urban Studies (english) (Master of Science (M.Sc.))

Type of project presentation
Research project

Semester
Summer semester 2021

Project description

Crises and catastrophes have tremendous effects on different dimensions of housing. They are therefore intriguing lenses to engage with urban transformation. However, the aftermath of crises and catastrophes presents a dichotomy: on the one hand, they can trigger creative coping mechanisms and social innovations, thereby leading to favourable transformations in housing. On the other hand, they create opportunities for exploitation and oppression which in turn challenge housing provision and socio-spatial equality. The seminar’s objective is to tackle this conflicting nature of crises and catastrophes and to investigate the geographies of innovation and exploitation which they entail.

Upon arrival in a new society, finding a new home is key for one's own well-being; and this well-being of newly arrived populations is key for society to function. Following the long summer of migration, many societies fell into habits of treating refugees in dehumanising and criminalising ways.

However, we have also seen innovative approaches to integration and humane ways to tackle the challenge that new populations in cities poses. Based on different case studies, we are proposing a collaborative refugee housing model based on self-management and community-building. Our digital project consists of a booklet based on a physical model depicting a utopian housing project in an arrival society.

Files and presentations

• HOUSING_IN_THE_WAKE_OF_THE_LONG_SUMMER_OF_MIGRATION.pdf