Unseen Cities - Strategies for building community in transience.

2018

UNSEEN CITIES

Strategies for building community in transience.

By Eve Zorawska

UNSEEN CITIES Spatial strategies for building community in transience.

“Investigating the value and influence of community spaces within the refugee camp context.”

MASTER THESIS PROJECT Fall Term 2017 Nordic Double Master: N5UT Sustainable Urban Transitions

Tutor: Emilio Da Cruz Brandao Examiner: Maria Nyström

With special thanks to: Andreas Møller Nielsen, Chalmers University Kristjana Aðalgeirsdóttir, SGT - Aalto University Matleena Muhonen, SGT - Aalto University

© Eve Żórawska 2018 eve.zrk@gmail.com

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering Chalmers University of Technology

INDEX

Abstract Foreword Personal story

1.0 Introduction Project summary and information

2 4 5

2.0 Comparing Two Refugee Contexts: Lebanon & Greece 2.1 Journeys, Demographics, Housing, Work and Asylum 2.2 Findings and Discussion

17-28

3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3

Theory of Human Resilience Three Pillars of Human Resilience Social Capital Project Terminology & Tools

29-42

4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

Hypothesis, Method and Analysis Informal Site Analysis - 4 Nodes Formal Site Analysis - 4 Nodes Findings & Vernacular Examples Discussion

43-86

7 - 16

5.0 Proposal 5.1 Strategic Checklist 5.2 Testing the Strategy in Kordelio Camp

87-110

6.0 Discussion

111-116

7.0 Conclusion

117-118

Annex

119-124

References

125-126

1

ABSTRACT

Today, humanitarian relief camps are temporary homes to over 23 million people worldwide fleeing war, among other causes for evacuation (UNHCR, 2017).

Although only ever intended as a temporary, rudimentary solution, the camp reality for many is becoming a much more permanent one – creating nothing short of unseen cities.

Their state of deterioration is sadly synonymous with their very existence and institutions worldwide are struggling everyday to provide safe and dignified solutions in this everongoing world crisis.

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate ways to improve human resilience and quality of life in these environments, focusing more precisely on ways to improve social health and community in the refugee camp context.

The aim is to equip agencies and institutions with strategic methods to plan for community building public spaces in refugee camps.

Through direct relationship building on-site, using interviews and informal meetings, the project was able to develop with a very intimate perspective of the existing spatial and social dynamics of camps in Lebanon and Greece.

strategic checklist intended as a comprehensive tool for planning community spaces in refugee camps as a future standard, as well as a redesign of one of the studied camps using the tools developed.

By adapting traditional public space theories and pairing social health guidelines when conducting spatial studies, the results offered a candid window into what was hurting or helping community life within the camps.

The overall research generated a method to measure a community’s existing social health in public space, applicable both in refugee camps and beyond, a

2

3

This thesis project does not in any shape or form condone the existence of refugee camps as the best solution for refugees. It does however acknowledge that it is often the most agencies and governments can do in emergencies today.

Until new and more tangible solutions become available, our camp strategies need to be improved today. They must offer habitable and dignified results immediately. Refugee camps are oftentimes not as temporary as we would like to intend either, making positive change all the more important.

Our Western society has also sadly painted a very vivid caricature of the refugee of today, of an outsider, the other something that we could never picture us ourselves to be. But remain cognizant that, it could actually be you.

Let us not forget that war, political unrest and natural disasters can happen anywhere, anytime and in fact none of us are immune.

4

A PERSONAL STORY

My thesis is a personal mission, one that stems from my time as a volunteer in Moria Camp on Lesvos Island. My experience there has fueled my pursuit of a strategy to create good public spaces in refugee camps. And it is my belief that these very spaces can play a positive pivotal role in the everyday lives of refugees in camps.

collect as many as I could find.

I frantically went over my own good childhood memories for inspiration. As they followed with great enthusiasm and anticipation; I knew I couldn’t let them down. But unbeknownst to us, there wasn’t a single space for us to even organize in. It was as though the camp layout itself was stifling our social intentions.

Kurdish, English and Arabic)

In March 2016, Moria camp was in notorious chaos and the organization was suffering greatly. The brunt of that suffering was of course being borne by the refugees themselves. I will never forget how helpless I felt, useless even, unsure of what to do with all the suffering around me.

With a colleague, who decided this was a good idea as well, we collected as many UNHCR mats we could find and made a makeshift sitting area in a clearing near the toilets. It was the best we could manage.

After that day, I couldn’t shake the disappointment I felt with the planning of these camps and how much the quality of life is deteriorated because of it. No wonder the strife was ripe here – people didn’t even have the space to live or even laugh!

The children in their idling state, abandoned by activity, trapped by boredom, were perhaps the most striking to see.

Despite being personally inept with children in comparison to many, I took it upon myself to

5

I sat down and started to draw for them. They were surprisingly captivated and excitedly asked what the words for the animals or objects were in English. They weren’t shy to share their own knowledge in their mother tongues too! There were four different languages. (Farsi,

For that brief moment we shared and learned a great deal. Then when it was time for me to change stations in the camp, an older girl with a good grasp of English, promised me she would bring her friends back here and practice together with the papers I left her.

That being said however, the solutions in turn couldn’t be more simple and inexpensive, at least to start. Simply implementing thoughtful and strategic layouts for gathering spaces could actually make the world of difference.

6

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Problem Statement 1.2 Brief Background 1.3 Aim & Purpose 1.4 Research Question

7

1.5 Delimitations 1.6 Process, Method, Theory & References 1.7 Results & Activities 1.8 Existing Camp Standards

The following chapter includes an overall summary of the project and a guide to the content of each of the book chapters.

8

9

1 . 1 P R O B L E M S TAT E M E N T

1.2 BRIEF BACKGROUND

Although only ever intended as a temporary, rudimentary solution, the camp reality for many is becoming a much more permanent one – creating nothing short of unseen cities. Today, refugee camps (or settlements) are temporary homes to over 23 million people worldwide fleeing war, among other causes for evacuation (UNHCR, 2017).

Refugee camps, specifically in Europe after the crisis since 2015, have gained global attention for being dangerous, unhealthy and generally inhumane places to be, let alone live. When camps deteriorate (physically and socially) often due to crime and/or squalor, they are shut down. This was the case for one of the camps analyzed in this project after it had been completed.

Their state of deterioration is sadly synonymous with their very existence and institutions worldwide are struggling everyday to provide safe and dignified solutions in this everongoing crisis.

The dialogue regarding avoiding this deterioration by including strategies and planning tools is also missing from the overall conversation about refugee camps.

1.3 AIM & PURPOSE

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate ways to improve human resilience and quality of life in these environments, focusing primarily on social health. The aim is to equip agencies and institutions with a thoughtful method to plan for community building public spaces in refugee camps.

How can we create a comprehensive and accessible strategy to constructively influence social health in refugee camps? Thus also avoiding the squalor, inhumanity and the camps’ deterioration?

1 . 5 P R OJ E C T D E L I M I TAT I O N S The factors of creating and maintaining efficient, healthy and safe humanitarian settlements are many. (UNHCR, 2017) See graphic below.

In the case of this project, the direct focus was on Methods & Tools and indirect/secondary focus is on Standards and Platforms. A general platform to begin the planning dialogue.

MANAGEMENT MONITORING

REFUGEE SETTLEMENT S T R AT E GY

SUPPORT EXPERTISE OPERATIONS PLATFORMS INVENTORY / STANDARDS METHODS & TOOLS

10

1.6 PROCESS & METHOD

STEPS:

11

A

O V E R A L L U N D E R S TA N D I N G

B

TOOLBOX INVENTORY

C

O N - S I T E I N V E S T I G AT I O N

D

D I S T I L L I N G I N F O R M AT I O N

E

S T R AT E GY P R O P O S A L

A

CHAPTER 2: BACKGROUND

Comparative background investigation of two refugee contexts: Lebanon and Greece. a. Study of both contexts; investigating journeys, demographics, housing options, as well as work and asylum options – through interviews, data, articles and observations. b. Identifying the most apparent and commonly present issues.

B

CHAPTER 3: THEORY

Inventory of investigation tools and methods for understanding existing spatial dynamics and community social health in the refugee camp context.

C

C H A P T E R 4 : A N A LY S I S

Analysis of two refugee camps: 1- Settlement in Lebanon (informal) and 2- Military operated camp in Greece (formal).

1 INFORMAL / 2 FORMAL a. Maps (Spatial analysis) b. Node analysis using investigation criteria

D E

CHAPTER 5: PROPOSAL

a. Distilling findings to create strategic criteria. b. Testing the strategy in Kordelio Camp, Greece.

12

1.6 [CONTINUED] THEORY & REFERENCES

13

PUBLIC S PAC E

HUMAN RESILIENCE

SOCIAL C A P I TA L

Theories of public space from Gehl, Whyte, Lynch and Jacobs, regarding urban design practices, spatial qualities and elements, are combined and adapted to the refugee camp context.

Investigating mental and social health guidelines from health manuals to bring forth their value and methods in improving human wellbeing, particularly in the refugee camp context.

Combing through social capital strategies from Putnam and Sander to find the right language and tools to understand social relationships and their dynamics.

1.7

R E S U LT S

1

+++

Insight to social dynamics in existing refugee camps.

2

Strategic base guideline for planning public spaces in refugee camps.

3

Testing strategy in Kordelio Camp, Greece.

ACTIONS 5 refugee camp visits in both Lebanon and Greece.

Interviews with camp residents, workers, organizers and city legislators.

Volunteering with Salam LADC in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

Raising over 1000 kr for Syrian women in the settlements of Bekaa Valley.

14

1 . 8 E X I S T I N G S PAT I A L S TA N DA R D S Currently, the Finnish Red Cross has a spatials standards checklist for camps for up to 10 000 people. This is also an example of what existing planning standards exist.

Family House (~ 4 people)

This Finnish Red Cross checklist will be used as a guideline for discussion and further development in this project.

1.

PER 20p.

- Latrines - Clean water storage

2.

PER 200p.

- Garbage disposal - Communal kitchen - Commnal space - Water point - Playground

15

3.

PER 1 000p.

- School - Shared laundry facilities - Sports activity space - Distribution point for fuel [heating/cooling]

4.

PER 5 000p.

- Water purification point

5.

PER 10 000p.

- Basic health clinic - Market square - Cemetary

16

2.0 COMPARING TWO REFUGEE CONTEXTS 2.1 Journeys, Demographics, Housing, Work and Asylum 2.2 Findings and Discussion

17

In all contexts, one never chooses to become a refugee.

This unexpected path in life is usually onset by war or conflict, forcing individuals to flee, almost always against their will. In this circumstance one must abandon their livelihood, community and the security of their homes and communities.

The trials and tribulations that lay ahead are difficult and the journey is more often than not, a harrowing experience.

Based on global data reports from UNHCR in 2017, Lebanon has the highest refugee population per capita in the Middle East and Greece the highest current influx into Europe.

Both cases have been the sites for much of the media coverage in the ongoing refugee crisis of the last five years.

For the purpose of this project, Lebanon and Greece are investigated so as to have a comparative study on the type of

victims, their journeys, problems faced and the current living conditions. The comparison applies to the following chapter and continues in Chapter 4: Analysis.

--

L E B A N O N P O P. 6 M I L L I O N

~ 1 million refugees currently in Lebanon.

G R E E C E P O P. 1 0 . 7 M I L L I O N

~ 60 000 refugees currently in Greece.

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2.1.1: JOURNEYS

Greece has 62 000 registered refugees as of May 2017. 10% of these arrivals have come since January 2017. These numbers can only be estimated as many refugees avoid interception at all costs in Greece and continue undetected towards countries like Germany or Sweden.

T H E S S A LO N Í K I

GREECE

HOW

TURKEY I ZMI R

Arrival to Turkey from home country.

ATHENS

Smuggling on ships or land to Greece.

Intercepted refugees are collected from detention centers or “hot spots”.

Detainees are transferred to mainland Greece and relocated to camps.

For some, the journey continues illegally, North by foot through F.Y.R.O.M. Greek waters border

19

Arriving to Greece is done illegally in most cases, unless an asylum seeker is granted asylum in Greece before entering the country, which is rarely the case.

The most common journey is by sea from Turkey. From the Mediterranean Situation Report (UNHCR, 2017)

Lebanon has 1 011 366 registered refugees, most coming from Syria. Lebanon does not have any formal refugee camps due to political issues stemming from Palestinian refugees living in the country for 50+ years.

Arriving to Lebanon was done legally with UNHCR providing residency permits for Syrians.

However, due to the political sensitivity of a religious balance in Lebanon, since 05.2015 UNHCR can no longer supply permits and crossings are done illegally. From the Lebanon Report (UNHCR, 2017)

HOMS

LEBANON

SYRIA

BEIRUT

Arrival to Lebanese border.

DAMASCUS

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

HOW

Main legal access points to Lebanon. To enter you must have a Lebanese sponsor or a residential permit.

Refugees in Lebanon (over 80% Syrian) primarily settle in informal settlements throughout the Bekaa Valley, along the Syrian border.

Lebanese borders

20

2.1.2: DEMOGRAPHICS

1,200

Data collected in January 2017 from UNHCR global reports shows that Syrians are still the major nationality that makes the crossing into Greece from Turkey.

The majority of people making the journey are men (15+), however the number of children (under 15) has increased since 2015.

1,000

800

600

400

200

CHILD Under 15

40%

37 % 23%

FEMALE Over 15

21

MALE Over 15

CONGOLESE

ALGERIAN

AFGHAN

IRAQI

SYRIAN

0

Most refugees are traveling through Greece without the intention of staying inside the country. (Eleftherios, 2017) This is why interception is avoided at all costs.

Interception happens when border police or coastal guards find people crossing the border

or illegally traveling through the country. Individuals are detained in a registration center and moved to a refugee camp or deported depending on their case.

1.2M

According to the UNHCR 2017 Lebanon data report, there are two distinct groups of refugees in Lebanon, Syrians being the largely predominant group at the present. This is likely due to geographical proximity and cultural similarities Syrian has with Lebanon. (Ahmed, 2017)

1M

800 K

600 K

The majority of people making the journey are actually children (under 15) at a staggering 41%.

(UNHCR, 2017)

400 K

200 K

Arrival to Lebanon was previously done legally, with relatively good policy and agreements between UNHCR and the Lebanese border control. However, this

41%

PALESTINIAN

SYRIAN

0

CHILD Under 15

has since changed in May 2015.

UNHCR is no longer permitted to provide residential permits to refugees arriving from Syria. This forces many still fleeing conflict to take the illegal route, which has high consequences such as deportation and a permanent ban from re-entering the country.

26%

MALE Over 15

33% FEMALE Over 15

22

2.1.3: HOUSING

There are two major options for refugees upon arrival in Greece when detained. Upon detention in registration centers, people are relocated into refugee camps (Option A). These are most often located within the mainland close to major cities.

Overtime, special cases such as families with children or vulnerable individuals such as women traveling alone are granted more secure residences in what’s called “integrated housing” (Option B) such as hotel apartments or a room with a host family. This applies for individuals who have applied for asylum in Greece. The cash allowance program is newly implemented and allots funds based on needs/family size instead of aid distribution. (Eleftherios, 2017)

Eleftherios also stated a very unexpected fact during the interview in March 2017:

A

Many people have been reported returning to refugee camps because there are better services and social networks. People feel more connected there instead of the integrated housing with the Greek population.

REFUGEE CAMPS Short-term: 2 years + Free + Tent or container house + Cash allowance program + Aid distribution + NGO activity centers + On-site UNHCR services + Social networks

B

I N T E G R AT E D H O U S I N G Long-term: + 2 years Free + Free + Cash allowance program + Off-site UNHCR services + Housing Types: Host family Building Hotel Room or Apartment

23

Lebanon has no formal refugee camps due to a policy, which resulted due to the complex history with Palestinian refugees and growing concerns that a long-term Syrian presence will disrupt the country’s politically and culturally sensitive religious balance. (Limoges, 2017) The lack of such camps puts many refugees in even more vulnerability, forcing them to pay rent for property whilst not having the legal right to work in the country. (Limoges, 2017) Refugees have two options when entering Lebanon: The most common option is to move into an informal settlement (OPTION A). There is a monthly rent, for the tent and a spot on

the land, but it is significantly less expensive than anything else.

The other option is rent an apartment or house (OPTION B), which can be very expensive since the cost of living in Lebanon is generally very high. (Limoges, 2017)

A

INFORMAL SETTLEMENT $ Less expensive + Rent average 50-100 USD/mo. + No Cash allowance program + Sporadic contact from NGOs + Social networks + Tent or shack: No running water No proper heating/ insulation Pests

B

R E N TA L H O U S I N G $$$ More expensive + Rent average 300+ USD/mo. + Apartment or house + No Cash allowance program + No aid distribution + Rare to no NGO contact + No social network

24

2.1.4: WORK & ASYLUM

IT IS ILLEGAL TO WORK AS A REFUGEE IN GREECE

Upon arrival to one’s allocated housing, a refugee cannot legally work, unless already granted asylum in Greece. Instead, the government of Greece and the E.U is funding a cash allowance program to allow refugees provide for themselves.

Although the cash program does improve conditions, people are often still living in severe poverty, forcing them to turn to crime or risky and illegal work.

(Eleftherios, 2017)

ASYLUM OPTIONS: 3 There are four conditions for asylum for refugees in Greece

1

Apply for asylum for another E.U country Very few E.U countries are currently relocating refugees from Greece - with less than 19% percent in the last year. If you reject your offer, you are forced to choose the country you applied from.

2

Apply for asylum in Greece The economic conditions in Greece are less than ideal, with an 23.5% unemployment rate among working adults in 2017.

3

Continue journey illegally This is very risky and costly. You must travel in grueling conditions.

If you are rejected and do not have money to continue illegally you will be deported to your country of origin.

25

Syrians are forbidden from legally working in Lebanon as refugees.

And although the cultural and religious similarities are of a big help in resettlement for many Syrians coming to Lebanon, the inability to work and high living costs in the region are problematic for maintaining daily life. Most are forced to work illegally or turn to begging, crime and/or risky jobs. (Kvernbekk, 2017) According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in 2016, 21% of Syrians interviewed stated the high cost of living in Lebanon is a main cause for contemplating their return to Syria. Most refugees have been living in the region for 1-5 years.

IT IS ILLEGAL TO WORK AS A REFUGEE IN LEBANON ASYLUM OPTIONS: 0 Syrians can no longer apply for asylum in Lebanon as of May 2015. (UNHCR, 2016) There are only two options today: A

Find a Lebanese citizen willing to hire or sponsor you The main option for many Syrians coming to Lebanon since May 2015, is to find work or a sponsor. They must then reenter the country with new documents. However, it has been reportedly difficult to re-enter regardless of this new policy.

B

Enter illegally, risking deportation and ban of re-entry If you are a Syrian national caught inside Lebanon without a valid residential permit you are asked to vacate the country in 5 days and must pay a fine of 633 USD. If you fail to pay the fine you are banned from re-entry permanently.

26

2.2: FINDINGS & DISCUSSION

TWO MOST RELEVANT FINDINGS

SOCIAL

ECONOMIC

Based on the investigations of these two contexts, the majority of refugees in both cases are opting for a communal living option (camps in Greece or informal settlements in Lebanon).

Social isolation can be mentally detrimental and many return to camps despite having to face poorer quality living conditions.

The other most common element of struggle in both contexts is economic.

The most common reason for this choice is the significant benefit of the social networks in these places- more specifically being among countrymen and having direct access to NGO services.

Social connection can be as integral to surviving the refugee experience as food and shelter.

(Eleftherios, 2017)

27

Both Greece and Lebanon forbid refugees from working legally, forcing them to make difficult choices such as begging, crime or taking on risky illegal employment since the costs often outweigh people’s available savings or loans. This also puts a large strain on NGOs and local governments, having to cover almost all survival costs for their newfound visitors.

PRESERVING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

FORBIDDEN FROM WORKING

DISCUSSION

Taking all this information into consideration, it would be highly relevant to start investigating strategies that could help maximize the benefits of social networks in the refugee context and make them part of the overall aid response. Most countries also prevent refugees and asylum seekers from working legally, which offers another research opportunity that could investigate alternative economic strategies for individuals to be able to sustain themselves during crisis.

base for improving trust, safety, camaraderie, and even potential for innovation, the evolution of which can then focus on economic solutions.

In the following chapter, Theory of Human Resilience, the research will continue with compiling and deciphering tools and methods that could achieve these results.

Nevertheless, the starting point for this research should be in establishing new guidelines that could help build stronger and healthier social communities within camps. This can serve as a

28

3.0 THEORY OF HUMAN RESILIENCE 3.1 Human Resilience 3.2 Social Capital 3.3 Terminology & Tools

29

The struggle or thrift of an individual, particularly in the refugee context, is largely related to their resilience. Human resilience is precisely what helps any given community and its members to survive difficult circumstances and create potential to flourish in everyday life.

The key pillars of resilience in the most basic context are: Physical (1), mental (2) and social (3). If all three elements are sufficiently supported and nurtured, it can create a healthy base to help us overcome almost anything or at least begin to heal after a disaster or crisis. (Mind, Mental Health Foundation, 2013) (See Graph 3.1.A on following page) In the humanitarian relief context, many large NGOs such as UNHCR and the Red Cross have been working together with

refugees and host communities to provide aid in two of the three basic elements, predominantly assisting in physical support (e.g., food and shelter) and more recently mental support (e.g., counseling and psychiatric care).

Unfortunately social support (e.g., refugee/victim community building) has been largely left unaddressed.

Aside from informal attempts by small scale NGOs and other volunteer based initiatives, there seems to be a lot of room left for improvement. (Kefala, 2017) This can be due to the common misconception that social wellbeing is only applicable in developmental aid, which comes after the initial recovery response.

(See Graph 3.1.C on second following page)

safety in a refugee community but can also positively affect the efficiency in the coordination of aid operations. This is especially relevant in crisis conditions where efficient operations and ensuring safety is key.

The following chapter defines human resilience and its three pillars (3.1), focusing in on the social pillar or social capital (3.2), and other project terminology & tools (3.3). The goal of this theory study is to formulate an insightful framework to understand and measure the level of social capital in varying group sizes from two differing refugee contexts.

The results can later provide an understanding of existing social health, community narratives and potential pathways for development.

Social wellbeing not only influences the state of trust and

30

3.1: THEORY OF HUMAN RESILIENCE

31

Human resilience, as described in psychological journals, is the core of each and every one of us in the face of hardship or crisis.

It is sustained and founded on three pillars: physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing and social wellbeing, which often can, and do overlap. (Mind, Mental Health Foundation, 2013) (See Graph 3.1.A) Food, water and shelter, the foundations of physical wellbeing, are the most instinctual to secure in crisis.

Mental and social wellbeing can often become over-looked due to their abstract nature, but are just as essential to our survival and thrift. (Kefala, 2017).

improved humanitarian response; a good balance and overlap in the triad is essential.

In the current humanitarian context, the lack of attention to mental wellbeing and particularly social wellbeing, has left a chasm in the aid response. There is also a distinct lack of communication with differing aid providers. (See Graph 3.1.B) Stress, depression and other mental illnesses linked with the lack of these two pillars are skyrocketing in refugee camps worldwide. (Médecins Sans Frontières, 2017) This unfortunately also includes the rise of crime and rioting in these centers. In order to provide an

Social health however is often left up to the victims themselves, with very few, high-turnover, small-scale volunteer groups attempting to fill the gap temporarily. (Kefala, 2017; Kvernbekk, 2017) Currently, it is the weakest link in creating a well-rounded humanitarian strategy and response. Poor social health and decreasing social capital can lead to a decrease in mental health, safety and community trust. (Akutsu, Kim, Oshio, Yamaguchi, 2017)

The aid response today consists almost only of physical support, providing shelter, food, clean water, medical care and basic legal services. In the last two years, Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières have begun dispatching psychologists and other mental health care professionals in their crisis units largely due to the surging need (MSF,2017; Kefala,2017). Smaller NGOs have also begun offering makeshift education and group activity facilities in camp settings.

(Kvernbekk, 2017)

When social health is skewed, this can manifest as a sickness of the community. During Fukushima’s recovery post nuclear crisis for example, the lack of fast action from the local government in reinstating jobless and struggling victims back into livelihood, created a “dark side” of social capital.

Victims bonded over a mutual distrust and disappointment of the overseeing government.

(Akutsu et al., 2017) Much of the rioting in refugee camps is almost always linked to the shared dissatisfaction and frustration of the victims regarding their living conditions.

One of the leading problems in failing refugee camps can also be linked to the poor coordination and missing communication networks between operating agencies. Thus, the value of building strong social capital also goes beyond the refugee community level, but also applies to the agencies themselves.

3 PILLARS OF HUMAN R E S I L I E N C E (3. 1. A)

CURRENT AID RESPONSE I N C O M P A R I S O N (3. 1. B)

LEGEND

1 PHYSICAL

2 MENTAL

3 SOCIAL

Food Clean Water Shelter Sanitation Medical Service

Counseling Legal Services Fiscal Responsibility Education

Community Interconnection Security Entertainment

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C U R R E N T I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F T H E THREE PILLARS IN THE DISASTER R I S K R E D U C T I O N T I M E L I N E (3. 1. C)

HUMANITARIAN AID

PHYSICAL PILLAR IMPLEMENTED

3 MONTHS

DEVELOPMENTAL AID

MENTAL PILLAR IMPLEMENTED

*

18 MONTHS

3 YEARS

LEGEND Emergency response Early recovery Longterm recovery Longterm reconstruction Poisitve change & renewal

33

SOCIAL PILLAR IMPLEMENTED

* Rough estimate based on interviews with Lighthouse Relief and Red Cross.

*

5 YEARS

+

34

3 . 2 : S O C I A L C A P I TA L

Social capital encompasses our social networks, the character and qualities of these networks, the strength of these ties and the extent to which they foster trust and reciprocity. (Sander & Lowney, 2006) In essence, the health of our community, interconnectivity, equality, security, entertainment, and other subtleties.

Social wellbeing has been consistently proven to be important in disaster and crisis management, however the lack of consensus or formalized framework for field applications has made it a challenging pillar to implement for acting NGOs and host countries. (Aldrich & Meyer, 2015) The lack of consensus in framing and measuring social capital is most likely due to the difficulties of fixing an empirical tool to understand something as subjective as social connection.

The most commonly relied on, consistent and measurable element however is social trust, to which the following research will adhere. (Putnam, 2002). Good trust can also directly influence the other framing dimensions of social capital. (Narayan & Cassidy, 2001) (See Graph 3.2.A on following page)

35

Good social health can be integral to preventing distress, depression and the symptoms and manifestations that emerge from this state of mind. In Building Resilience: Social Capital in Post-Disaster Recovery, Aldrich states that social capital is, in fact, the core engine of recovery.

In an attempt to avoid isolation in a new country for example, as mentioned in Chapter 2.3 Housing, many refugees will often return to much poorer living conditions, such as in refugee camps, should there be better social connections there.

-In the following sub chapter, 3.3 Terminology and Tools, each term and tool relating to this theory chapter is defined and inventoried.

These are the key elements which will be used later in the analysis in Chapter 4.

FRAMING SOCIAL C A P I T A L (3. 2. A) 1 TRUST

2 GROUP CHARACTER 3 GENERALIZED NORMS 4 TOGETHERNESS 5 EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY 6 INTERCONNECTIVITY 7 ALTRUISM

SOCIAL C A P I TA L

36

3 . 3 : T E R M I N O LO GY & TO O L S

In the following subchapter, each term and tool relating to this theory chapter is defined and inventoried. These are the key tools which will be used later in the analysis in Chapter 4.

1. NETWORK TYPES

There are three types of social capital networks, bonding, bridging and linking. (Akutsu et al., 2017) Although all are essential, in the scope of this research project, bonding is a primary focus and bridging is a secondary focus. Linking can be more integral to developmental aid and the relationship aid agencies have with the host government.

* Linking networks were not investigated.

37

1 .A BO N DI N G Interpersonal relationships among relatively homogeneous groups (e.g., ethnic, religious, or socioeconomic) that strengthen internal social ties.

GROUP A

1 .B BR I DG I N G Social integration of institutional relationships among heterogeneous groups. (e.g., local social services and institutions, as well as small scale NGOs)

GROUP A

1 .C LI N K I N G * Relationship with and perception of government and larger organizational institutions (e.g., government (military/police/policy), large scale NGOs such as UNHCR)

GROUP B

GROUP C

GROUP A

GROUP B

2 . S PAT I A L Q U A L I T I E S

The Gehl Institute’s 12 outdoor spatial criteria help define the quality of outdoor public space.

In the context of a refugee camp however, not all traditional urban design criteria are applicable since focus still remains predominantly on survival.

G E H L SPATI A L Q UA LI TI E S C R I TE R I A

By using colour coding, one can easily assess the overall quality of a node with black signifying poor or bad, grey neutral and pink good.

1: Protection against vehicular traffic 2: Protection against crime + violence 3: Protection against unpleasant sensories 4: Invitations for walking 5: Invitations for standing + staying 6: Invitations for sitting 7: Invitations for seeing (-) * 8: Invitations for hearing + talking 9: Invitations for play + recreation 10: Dimensioned at human scale 11: Positive aspects of climate (-) * 12: Aesthetic qualities (-) *

QUAL ITY L E G E N D

P ROJ E CT C R I TE R I A

Good Neutral Poor

1: Protection against vehicular traffic 2: Protection against crime + violence 3: Protection against unpleasant sensories 4: Invitations for walking 5: Invitations for standing + staying 6: Invitations for sitting 8: Invitations for hearing + talking 9: Invitations for play + recreation 10: Dimensioned at human scale

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

* For this research project, 7, 11 and 12 were considered secondary thus were left out for the purpose of this investigation.

1

2

4

5

3 6

8

9

10

38

3 . 3 : T E R M I N O LO GY & TO O L S

3. TRUST SCALE

Social trust is based on the six-point trust scale in the social capital increase chart from the Social Capital Building Toolkit (Sander & Lowney, 2006). (See graph on opposite page) * Due to the privacy limitations in this research context, the highest trust point, 6, (one on one relationships) is not investigated.

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY

ALTRUISM 0

* Due to the privacy limitations in this research context, the smallest group (XS) is not investigated.

39

1

2

3

4

5

6

To quantify the trust scale or “score” of a node, the six framing components of social capital (Narayan & Cassidy, 2001) will offer a flexible context of measure.

4. GROUP SCALE

The group scale is based on the population in both the Red Cross camp guidelines and the group scale in social capital increase chart from the Social Capital Building Toolkit (Sander & Lowney, 2006).

(See graph on opposite page)

TRUST SCORE ICON

INTERCONNECTIVITY

XL

S

100-300

8-20

1-1

GROUP SIZE ICON

LOW LEVEL

Example Activities

1 Group Celebration with food

HIGH LEVEL

TRUST SCALE

2 Joint activity in common interest

3 Doing a favour for community member

4 Discussing community issue

5 Undertaking joint goal

6 Relationship building (1 on 1)

XL 100-300

L

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

GROUP SCALE

40-100

M 20-40

S 8-20

XS 2-8

* Due to circumstances during data collection of this project, the scope does not investigate high-trust interpersonal relations or the lowest-trust general gatherings.

40

3 . 3 : T E R M I N O LO GY & TO O L S

5. SOCIAL ANCHORS

Social anchor is a term created for this project to define places or individuals that anchor or incubate social activity in a positive way, adding to the quality of social life in a space or community (e.g., camp leader, cafĂŠ, bakery, distribution point, playground).

41

PLACES

INDIVIDUALS

6. NODES

7 . A N E C D OTA L N A R R AT I V E S

The node is a strategic spot, intersection of everyday life and can often be the epitome of a district or space. (Lynch, 1960) In spatial analysis, this makes it the ideal type of space to gauge the social life of a community and the contributing actors in the scope of this research.

Narratives are highly subjective but add qualitative information to each research site. The narratives will be both personal observations and derived from interviews relevant to different locations.

TOOLS SUMMARY

NODE & IT’S USERS

NETWORK TYPE GROUP SCALE TRUST SCALE SOCIAL ANCHORS SPATIAL QUALITIES ANECTDOTAL NARRATIVES

SOCIAL C A P I TA L R E S U LT S

42

4.0 HYPOTHESIS, METHOD & ANALYSIS 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

43

LEBANON: Informal Site Analysis - 4 Nodes GREECE: Formal Site Analysis - 4 Nodes Findings Discussion

The following analysis will investigate two refugee contexts: the first, an informal settlement in Barelias, Lebanon and the second a formal refugee camp in ThessalonĂ­ki, Greece. Both the informal and formal contexts are investigated on the national, municipal and camp scales.

Four varying sizes of public nodes are analyzed at both sites to understand and compare existing social capital, detailing the type of networks, social anchors, group sizes, trust scales and users. Spatial analysis maps show how the spaces are used.

Anecdotal narratives and the spatial qualities chart help give a better idea of the quality of social atmospheres at each node.

44

4 . 0 : H Y P O T H E S I S , M E T H O D & A N A LY S I S

HYPOTHESIS

By analyzing the two sites using the tools generated in Chapter 3, the findings can offer a more detailed insight into what public nodes fair well in community health, which suffer and why. The detail of the data should show what exactly is hurtful to these public nodes and what helps them thrive.

METHOD

This project will investigate and analyze using spatial, empirical (quantitative) and observational (qualitative) research.

Each site, the informal in Lebanon and in the formal in Greece, will have an overall map of the area and its surroundings, an more detailed site map and an in-depth analysis of four distinct nodes.

The scope of this research focused on specific dimensions of social capital. (See analysis delimitations chart)

45

STEPS//

SITE 1:

CHOOSE NODE

LEBANON

IDENTIFY:

NETWORK TYPE GROUP SCALE TRUST SCALE SOCIAL ANCHORS SPATIAL QUALITIES ANECDOTAL NARRATIVES USERS SITE 2: GREECE

PERSPECTIVE

* SOCIAL SUPPORT

CONTEXT

A N A LY S I S D E L I M I TAT I O N S

* NEIGHBOURHOOD

INEQUALITIES POLITICAL/ECONOMIC HEALTH ASSETS

* PEERS FAMILY SCHOOL/INSTITUTIONS

TYPE

INDICATORS

SOCIAL C A P I TA L * SENSE OF BELONGING * SOCIAL NETWORKS PARTICIPATION AUTONOMY AND CONTROL

* BONDING * BRIDGING LINKING

46

47

48

4 . 1 : L E B A N O N : I N F O R M A L S I T E A N A LY S I S

The proximity of the settlement to the town center makes it easy for residents to access goods and services within walking distances.

The town center also offers transportation connections to other, bigger cities.

There are several settlements, usually located near one another, making them a common part of the town’s new “urban fabric”.

BARELIAS, BEKAA VALLEY

‫سايلارب‬

Studied Settlement 30 minute walking radius

Urban Barelias Local Informal Refugee Settlements

49

‫سايلارب‬

P O P U L AT I O N : 7 5 0 0 0

3 0 MIN .

P O P U L AT I O N : 7 5 0 0 0

Studied Settlement 30 minute walking radius

250M

Urban Barelias Local Informal Refugee Settlements

250 M 50

4 . 1 : L E B A N O N : I N F O R M A L S I T E A N A LY S I S

The informal settlement as it is marked in this map, no longer exists. In July 2017 the settlement burned down and residents have relocated to other neighbouring settlements.

This is a common occurrence in settlements due to the lack of fire proofing of residences and the use of fire and stoves for heating.

INFORMAL SETTLEMENT

Shaweesh [Settlement Representative] Settlement Shops + CafĂŠs [Often NGO funded]

Settlement Residences Settlement Parameters Water Storage or Source WC

51

Latrines

INFORMAL SETTLEMENT

WC

WC

WC

WC

WC WC

WC WC

WC

WC

P O P U L AT I O N : 2 9 2

Shaweesh [Settlement Representative] Settlement Shops + Cafés [Often NGO funded]

Settlement Residences

20 M

P O P U L AT I O N :

292

Settlement Parameters 52

Water Storage or Source WC

Latrines

10 M

RELEVANT ANECTDOTES:

A

SITE

E

The location for settlements is predominantly on farmlands or unoccupied industrial sites.

B

C

Bakeries, and other entrepreneurial projects are funded by NGOs such as Word Vision.

SHAWEESH Leases and other negotiations are conducted by the Shaweesh, usually a representing member of the settlement.

NGO FUNDED O P E R AT I O N S

F

INFORMAL SHOPS Entrepreneurial residents create and run their own shops selling simple necessities.

LANDLORD Occupation and rent of the site is negotiated by the Shaweesh with the landlord.

D

53

THE CAMP

NODES STUDIED:

Structures are built either independently or with assistance from NGOs such as UNHCR or NRC. Tents are often used for new arrivals or for single men.

1: 2: 3: 4:

ENTRANCE MAIN SQUARE NEIGHBOURHOOD INTERSECTION FA M I LY C O U R T YA R D

3

2 4

1

RIVER

E

D

F

B

A

C

10 M

54

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY INTERCONNECTIVITY ALTRUISM

55

BARELI AS C EN TRE [ 10MIN. ]

C OFFE E

SH AWEE SH

SH OP

PHAR MACY [ 5MIN. ]

56

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY INTERCONNECTIVITY ALTRUISM

57

WC

SNAC K S

C OFFE E BREA D

SH AWEE SH

WC

SH OP

58

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY INTERCONNECTIVITY ALTRUISM

59

60

WC

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY INTERCONNECTIVITY ALTRUISM

61

FAMILY 3B

FAMILY 3A

FAMILY 2

FAMILY 1

WC WC

WC

62

63

64

4 . 2 : F O R M A L S I T E A N A LY S I S : G R E E C E

Kordelio camp along with others like it in Greece, are often located on the outskirts of the city and almost always in desolate industrial areas. This makes it very difficult for camp residents to come and go freely and use services available downtown.

Many spend most of their day in the camp, which can be very isolating and can negatively affect their mental state.

THESSALONÍKI ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΊΚΗ

Kordelio Refugee Camp Walking radius Metropolitan Thessaloníki Downtown Thessaloníki Formal Refugee Camps

65

Θεσσαλονίκη

60 MIN .

3 0 MIN .

P O P U L AT I O N : 1 0 1 2 2 9 7

Kordelio Refugee Camp Walking radius Metropolitan Thessaloniki

1 KM

Downtown Thessaloniki Formal Refugee Camps

1 KM 66

4 . 2 : G R E E C E : F O R M A L S I T E A N A LY S I S

In August 2017 Kordelio camp has been permanently closed down.

The entire camp was fenced in with barbed wire. The main gate was patrolled by military or police, depending on the head of operations (this changed).

This was claimed to be for safety of the residents themselves, preventing anti-refugee activists

KORDELIO CAMP

Military Control Point Police / Military NGO Services Greek Ministry Dwelling Containers Barbed wire Fencing Water Storage or Source WC

67

Latrines

or sexual predators from entering and attacking the vulnerable population. However, in the back of the camp, the fences were broken or open, allowing for a free flow of strangers regardless of the patrol.

S AV E T H E CHILDREN

WC

WC

MA I N E N T R A N C E

U N O CC U P I E D E X I S T I N G BU I L D I N G S

WC WC

C OMMUNITY C ENTR E UNHCR

WC

R E D C RO S S

WC

P O P U L AT I O N : 3 0 2 WC

20 M

68

RELEVANT ANECTDOTES:

A

SITE

E

The camp is located in an industrial area with no public transit access to Thessaloníki and other urban areas.

B

ACCESS POINT Entrances are monitored by Police.

ID and signatures are necessary to enter.

C

S O F T E X T FAC TO R Y Initially refugees were housed in tents inside the unused factory.

The conditions proved unlivable and the access has since been closed.

F

COMMUNITY CENTER Intervolve, a Greek NGO, offers a community center with various activities on the opposite end of the residential area.

CONTROL Security and control is run by the Greek Military (March 2017).

D

UNHCR + GREEK MINISTRY UNHCR processes asylum applications and oversees other operating NGO alongside the Greek Ministry.

69

NODES STUDIED: 1: 2: 3: 4:

ENTRANCE NGO COMPOUND MAIN INTERSECTION RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION

F

RIVER

1

32

4

C

E

C

D

B

10 M A

70

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY INTERCONNECTIVITY ALTRUISM

71

CA MP

U NH CR C OM P OU ND

72

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY INTERCONNECTIVITY ALTRUISM

73

WC

MA IN GAT E

WC

WC

R E SI DENC E S

74

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY INTERCONNECTIVITY ALTRUISM

75

R E D C RO SS CO MP O U ND

WC

WC

UNH CR CO MP O UND

WC WC

R E SI DENC E S

WC

76

GROUP CHARACTER GENERALIZED NORMS TOGETHERNESS EVERYDAY SOCIABILITY INTERCONNECTIVITY ALTRUISM

77

78

4.3: FINDINGS

FINDINGS

When comparing both sites, it was very easy to notice that the seemingly thoughtless placement of facilities, services as well as residential areas by organizers can negatively affect the social atmospheres in camps. Of course it can be incredibly difficult to execute good public spaces when in a state of emergency and with highly limited resources.

This is why a pre-existing spatial checklist for camps could be a highly beneficial strategy in these circumstances.

When looking in more detail, it is also clear that high trust nodes almost always have a strong and relevant social anchor to back up the good social relationship among users. Social anchors can

IN SUM:

be as simple as shared WCs for example, but only in the right context. It is important to keep in mind a group’s scale when implementing social anchors, since some might not be relevant or impactful. It is also beneficial for morale and empowerment of the residents to provide opportunities and platforms for them to create their own social anchors.

between two varying groups. Not all nodes are meant for bridging scenarios, so it is important to understand what size and situation works best for this to happen.

When creating the spatial checklist strategy, it is integral to divide the needs based on scale of node. In bonding nodes, a lot can be left up to the natural social inclination of people from a homogeneous group. It gets more complicated however when aiming for bridging relationships

VERNACULAR AND NGO OPERATED SOCIAL ANCHORS INCREASE SOCIAL WELLBEING GOOD SOCIAL ANCHORS INCLUDE: XL - FOOD VENDORS/CAFE. L - CLUSTER OF NGO SERVICES, REFUGEE RUN SHOPS AND PLAY AREAS. M - SHARED LAUNDRY AND WATER STORAGE. S - OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES AND SHARED FACILITIES.

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LEARNING FROM VERNACULAR EXAMPLES

On the following pages are examples of vernacular* social anchors in respective nodes in camps that were visited during the study. Including the two camps analyzed.

These anchors were or served as platforms for community building in the camps and were often the direct link between high trust in a community space. ** Vernacular meaning they have been formed by refugees themselves based on their own needs excluding NGO initiatives.

Due to a request from camp security, Kordelio Camp was not photographed.

80

VERNACULAR SOCIAL ANCHORS: XL

81

Mona’s Falafel Shop Ritsona Camp - Greece

Ali’s Shop Bekaa Valley - Lebanon

Refugee run local businesses make an excellent addition to the social dynamics of the camp. They also empower individuals who operate them and the customers who feel free to buy what they want, when they want. They also attract camp workers, which bridges social groups.

Applicable in user group sizes: (1 per 100-300 people)

VERNACULAR SOCIAL ANCHORS: L

Camp Barber Ritsona Camp - Greece

Informal Swings Bekaa Valley - Lebanon

Services such as local barbers, schools, cafes or play spaces offer much needed reprieve and everyday noramlity during the wait for asylum. These anchors bring forward a space to enjoy and get to know new friends and neighbours. Schools also help children adapt and keep their education going.

Applicable in user group sizes: (1 per 100-200 people)

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VERNACULAR SOCIAL ANCHORS: M

83

Shared Laundry Area Ritsona Camp - Greece

Share Water Storage Bekaa Valley - Lebanon

Shared facilities, specifically water tanks or even laundry spaces can make neighbours open up to each other and build trust in their communities. Spatial openings with play areas here offer a safer place for younger children, closer to parental or neighbourly supervision.

Applicable in user group sizes: (1 per 20-60 people)

VERNACULAR SOCIAL ANCHORS: S

Outdoor “Patios” Eleonas Camp - Greece

Outdoor “Living Room” Bekaa Valley - Lebanon

The small intersection, between 3-4 family shelters, can make for an intimate bonding opportunity where neighbours share direct facilities surch as latrines and meet each other on a daily basis.

Applicable in user group sizes: (1 per 8-20 people)

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4.4: DISCUSSION

DISCUSSION

Although a defined strategic checklist is a good start, no one answer can always be deemed true or correct in the light of social interactions since there will always be differing subtleties in every social dynamic. The strategy could serve as a base or guide, rather than a firm framework. Camp coordinators should remain sensitive to their tenants and continue to study what works best in any given situation, improving and modifying along the way.

For the purpose of example, the results of this study will also include a reconfiguration of Kordelio camp’s nodes using the strategic checklist. This can serve as a spatial guide to match the checklist.

Shop in Ritsona, Greece TO DO:

CREATE A STRATEGIC CHECKLIST DIVIDE CHECKLIST BASED ON SCALE AND TYPE INITIVATIVE (NGO OR VERNACULAR) DEFINE RELEVANT SOCIAL ANCHORS BASED ON EACH GROUP SCALE

85

RELEVANT SOCIAL ANCHORS

+ PEOPLE

PLACES

= G O O D S O C I A L S PAC E S

86

5.0 PROPOSAL

5.1 Strategic Checklist 5.2 Testing Strategy: Kordelio Camp Revisited

87

The proposal consists of a drafted strategic checklist which could be used in the planning process of camps. It is intended as a guideline for the types of public social spaces that could be included and where with different types of relevant programming.

In the second half, the strategic checklist is tested on the formal investigation site, Kordelio Camp as an exercise.

The intention is not to create a fixed proposal, but a draft which can serve as a tool for further dialogue in the camp planning standards.

88

5 . 1 S T R AT E G I C C H E C K L I S T

The premise of the checklist is to organize potential public spaces by user size and type of programming as well as phasing.

The node size scale is on the left of the diagram and phasing on the top running right.

The type of initiative (marked in pink for NGOs to Grey for Vernacular - meaning residents) is intended as an additional layer in the planning process. This layer offers recommendations for including projects that could eventually be developed and run by the residents themselves, offering them more empowerment and control over their own spaces.

XL

Joint initiatives, for example, could be projects that are organized by NGOs with resident participation in the planning and/ or buidling process. ** The checklist is in its most rudimentary form. Adaptations to reflect specific demographics should be made when applying this in a planning strategy. For example the inclusion of religious facilities and other cultural specifications/needs.

L M S 1/300p.

89

1/100p.

1/40p.

1/20p.

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

0 - 15 MONTHS

15 - 24 MONTHS

NGOS INITIATIVE

JOINT INITIATIVE

XL 100-300

- Identity checkpoint

- Covered seating

- Distribution point - Medical services

- Social / Psych. services (eg. Women’s Shelter)

VERNACULAR INITIATIVE

- Food / beverage (eg. street vendor)

NODE SCALE

L 40-100

M 20-40

S 8-20

- Covered seating - Play areas - Community center

- Refugee run shops & services - Planting

- Urban farming gardens

- Water storage (Large) - Laundry - Waste disposal

- Seating - Play areas

- Urban farming gardens

- Latrines - Clean water storage - Cooking space

- Covered seating

- Urban farming gardens

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5.2 KORDELIO CAMP (EXISTING)

S AV E T H E CHILDREN

WC

WC

MAIN ENTRANCE

UNOCCUPIED E X I S T I N G BU I L D I N G S

WC WC

COMMUNITY CENTR E UNHCR

WC

R E D C RO S S

WC

Military Checkpoint Police/Ministry

302 RESIDENTS

WC

NGO Services Residences Water Storage

91

20 M

5.2 KOREDLIO CAMP (PROPOSED)

NODES REVISITED: 1: 2: 3: 4:

ENTRANCE MAIN SQUARE (NEW) MAIN INTERSECTION C O U R T YA R D ( N E W ) UNHCR & O P E R AT I O N S H Q ( M OV E D ) MAIN ENTRANCE

1 U N O CC U P I E D E X I S T I N G BU I L D I N G S AI D D I S T R I BU T ION/ M A R K E T P L AC E (NEW)

2

C O M M U N I T Y C E NTR E ( M OV E D ) S AV E v T H E C H I LDR EN ( M OV E D ) A D D I T I O NA L RESIDENTIAL S PACE

Entrance & Checkpoint Police/Ministry NGO Services

4

Refugee Operated Services

L I G H T H O U S E R ELIEF WO M E N ’ S S H E LTER (NEW)

3

Residential compounds (Including latrines and small water storage) Large Water storage & Laundry

R E D C RO S S ( E XI S T I N G )

4 2 0 P. C A PA C I T Y

20 M

92

(XL) ENTRANCE / BEFORE GUA RDED ENTRA NC E

M I L I TARY/POLIC E CHE CKPOINT

The original entrance was a very unpleasant place to be. The space was heavily guarded with military personel and police with high barbed wire fencing.

The overal experience and atmosphere of this node was very poor.

93

Although the entrance should be secure, it does not need to be as threatening. Identity checkpoints are necessary for security reasons to protect staff and residents, an armed and aggreessive method however is not entirely necessary.

(XL) ENTRANCE / PROPOSED - 1 /300-500 PERSONS STA FF C HEC KPOINT

REFUGEE RUN FOOD STA ND

BU S STOP

RESIDENT C HEC KPOINT

With two checkpoints facing each other, this creates good visibility and security without the need for prison like fencing and other offputting methods.

Adding a cafe or snack shop run by a resident (added in Phase 2 for example), could also increase security through a neighbourhood watch system.

It also provides a platform for bridging networks between workers and residents as well as visitors.

Providing a bus service and a waiting area in the entrance is crucial when locating a camp outside of a city and it’s transportation networks.

94

(XL) ENTRANCE / PROPOSED - AERIAL VIEW

R E F U GE E RUN F OOD STA ND S TA FF CH E CK P O I N T

RESIDENT C HEC KPOINT

ENTRA NC E

95

(XL) ENTRANCE / PROPOSED -EYE LEVEL VIEW

96

(L) “MAIN SQUARE” / BEFORE SHOW E R S

CAM P L AT R I NE S

RED C ROSS C OMPOUND

UNHC R OPERATIONS C A MP LATRINES

The closest area to mimic a central node was the area in the camp between the residential area and the entrance where hygiene facilities were located as well as a Red Cross compound.

The Red Cross compound was very active during it’s operational hours, with many social activities availble. However, outside of this space,the large clusters of

97

latrines made it a very unhygienic and unpleasant place to be.

These latrines and shower cabins were used by the entire camp population.

TO RESIDENTIA L C OMPOUNDS

(L) “MAIN SQUARE” /

PROPOSED - 1 /300-350 PERSONS

M AR K E T ST YL E DI ST R I BU T I ON

C OMMUNITY URBA N FA RMING GA RDENS SOC IA L SERVIC ES

REFUGEE RUN C A FE

The primary intention of the proposed main square is to create a unifying node for the entire camp by arranging it as a main intersection of all services, facilities and recreation.

In the first building phase, NGOs could establish themselves around this central space and in later phasing, offer space for vernacular initiatives related to

their operations.

Red Cross social services could offer urban gardening for therapy and food growth.

C OMMUNITY C ENTRE

RESIDENT BA RBER

The community center could help build and run a cafe which could hire the help of residents.

These are just some of the possibilities.

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(L) MAIN SQUARE / PROPOSED - AERIAL VIEW

S AV E T H E C H I L DR E N S CH O O L

R E D CROSS COM P OU ND

LIGHTHOUSE RELIEF WOMEN’ S SHELTHER

FOOD D I S T R I BUT I ON “ M AR K E T ”

INTERVOLVE C OMMUNITY CEN TR E

SEATING CAFE

GARDENS SWINGS

FOOTBA LL!

99

(L) MAIN SQUARE / PROPOSED -EYE LEVEL VIEW

100

BUILDING PHASE 1

S AVE THE CHILDREN

U N H C R : AID DI STR I BUT ION

RED CROS S PHYS ICAL HEALTH

LIGHTHOUS E RELIEF WOMEN’ S S HELTER

MA IN SQUA R E

COMMUNITY CENTRE

101

BUIDLING PHASE 2 RED C RO S S S O C I A L H EA LTH C EN TER & FA RMI N G G A RD EN S I N TER VOLVE “POP UP ” MAR KETS REFUGEE OP ER ATED BAKERY

WO MEN ’ S S H ELTER G A RD EN

MAI N SQUARE

REF UG EE O PERATED FA LA F EL S H O P & BA RB ER

102

(M) MAIN INTERSECTION / BEFORE

C A MP LATRINES

The main intersection was the primary entrance to the residential areas from the “main square” node. This was almost only used by the camp residents.

Good wifi connection unexpectedly brought on the occaisional cluster of lingering individuals but otherwise it was not exactly a place inviting of interaction.

103

(M) MAIN INTERSECTION / PROPOSED - 1 /40-60 PERSONS

C OVERED PUBLIC SEATING A REA S

SHA RED C OMMON NEED/INTEREST

S HAR E D W AT E R STOR AGE

The proposed main intersection is intended as a small widening in a road crossing. Here residents can access larger water storage, laundry facilities, play area for smaller childern and covered seating.

In the summer time it can be used to grow food or flowers, cook larger community dinners, among other social acitivities

104

(M) MAIN INTERSECTION / PROPOSED - AERIAL VIEW

WATER STORAGE C OVERED SEATING

LAUNDRY A REA FA RMING GA RDENS

SWINGS

105

(M) MAIN INTERSECTION / PROPOSED -EYE LEVEL VIEW

106

(S) RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION / BEFORE

The residential intersections were the heart of the residential area of the camp. Despite their spatial layout, residents created little front yards and porches to sit and talk with their neighbours.

These spaces could really have benefited from a more open and inviting space for people to interact.

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( S ) P R O P O S E D / “ C O U R T YA R D ” - 1 / 8 - 2 0 P E R S O N S

SHA RED FAC ILITIES (LATRINES & SMA LLER WATER STORAGE)

SHA RED OUTDOOR C OOKING A ND SEATING

The proposed courtyard layout takes the existing communal spirit of residents living closely together and offers them a space where these interactions can flourish.

The concept is actually derived from the way residents arranged their own homes in the informal site study in Lebanon.

108

( S ) C O U R T YA R D / P R O P O S E D - A E R I A L V I E W

FA MILY 3A FAM I LY 2

FA MILY 3B

FAM I LY 1

109

SHA RED SPAC E

( S ) C O U R T YA R D / P R O P O S E D - E Y E L E V E L V I E W

110

6.0 DISCUSSION

111

The following chapter will discuss the overall impressions of the overall project, the research, the results, as well as related questions for the future.

112

6.0 DISCUSSION

IN SUM:

The overall impression during this project has been positive.

The links between social anchors and community trust offer positive information and tools for future planning of community spaces in refugee camps. It is however important to mention that although the results have been beneficial, there remain subtleties within this research

that were not investigated, such as cultural sensitivities which will vary greatly based on the demographic in question. This was omitted for the purpose of covering a larger scope of the topic but to also underline that it is imperative to make these considerations and modifications on-site and in tandem with the target community.

Incorporating social anchors within a structure camp layout can positively influence community growth and thrift.

It is important to inventory appropriate social anchors to each node size to maximize their effect. Not all group scales are appropriate for all anchors.

When working with a specific demographic, it is important to make individual modifications to a strategy to better reflect the community’s needs. This is best achieved through interviews and/or workshops.

113

FURTHER RESEARCH:

The research is only a small part of the overall conversation of refugee camp planning and there remain many more paths for investigation.

For example, connecting various demographics within one camp, developing an economic strategy for camps residents, among many others.

One important point of consideration is also the role and relationship of camps within their host communities. How can they become more integrated, interrelated, collaborative and less ostracized and marginalized in the future?

Economic futures and possibilities for refugees prohibited from working within host communities.

Building bridging networks between two or more demographic groups sharing public spaces.

Testing strategies on-site with applications, workshops and interviews.

Strategy for incorporating refugee initiated social anchors or other actions within camp programming.

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6.0 DISCUSSION

U P DAT I N G E X I S T I N G S TA N DA R D S

Current camp standards, such as the 10 000 person capacity camp guidelines from the Finnish Red Cross used as a reference in this project, do not include facilities that could act as potential social anchors.

By updating these standards with social anchors and combining them with thoughtful spatial

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planning, we can begin the process of providing more humane and dignified solutions for those awaiting resettlement.

Although camps researched during this project were at most 500 person capacity, future research into larger scales is also necessary.

* U P DAT E D FINNISH RED CROSS S PAT I A L S TA N DA R D S

1.

PER 20p.

.P E R 1 0 0 0 p .

4.

- Latrines - Clean water storage - Communal cooking space 2.

PER 60p. (NEW SUB-GROUP) - Water storage (large) - Communal laundry - Waste disposal - Seating area - Play area -Urban farming gardens

3.

- Sports activity space - Distribution point for fuel [heating/cooling] - Shared laundry facilities - School

P E R 3 0 0 P. - Commnal space - Playground - Distribution Point - Medical services - Social Services - Refugee run shops/services - Urban farming gardens - Water point - Garbage disposal - Communal kitchen

PER 5 000p.

5.

- Water purification point

6.

PER 10 000p.

- Cemetary - Basic health clinic - Market square

*

Existing Proposed Moved or Removed

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7.0 CONCLUSION

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This project aims to bring camps and settlements into the sphere of urban planning and beyond the scope of the humanitarian field. Essentially allowing for unseen cities to be seen and discussed from a urban perspective. The project is also by no means an end, but rather the beginning of an ongoing discussion in regards to their role, purpose and future.

Currently, very little traditional planning methods are being applied on site. The results generated in this project will ideally assist humanitarian agencies in creating more thoughtful, safe and dignified camps in the future.

Transience does not need to be socially or emotionally vacuous. With community we can overcome nearly anything.

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ANNEX

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A . 1 W H AT D O E S C O M M U N I T Y M E A N TO YO U ?

A selection of drawings about community life from Syrian children in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

“My home�

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122

“Love”

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“My sister”

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