Itinerant Geographies Lezandri van Rooyen
Itinerant Itinerant Geographies Geographies Lezandri Lezandri van van Rooyen Rooyen
s in Malta
Itinerant Itinerant Geographies Geographies Itinerant Geographies
2] Migration Migration Routes, Detention Routes,Centres Detention Centres Centres Refugee &Organisations Refugee Organisations Malta [Part in Malta Migration Routes, Detention && Refugee Organisations in in Malta
Itinerant Geographies
Migration Routes, Detention Centres & Refugee Organisations in Malta [Part 2]
Lezandri van Rooyen
Contents Introduction A Recap Detention Typology Case Study Detention Breakdown Design System The Site Organisation Who’s On Site The Building 3D Visuals
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Introduction The prominent issue of displacement has prompted the question as to whether architecture could aid in providing a solution to the current refugee crisis in Europe. Itinerant Geographies [Part 2] proposes an architectural solution to the integration of refugees in today’s society by means of investigating existing migrant detention facilities and working to better the process, living, and outcome. Furthermore, outlining what life might look like if local communities are encouraged to engage with their new neighbours - the refugees - through architectural design.
Itinerant Geographies | A Recap
Migration Routes, Detention Centres & Refugee Organisations in Malta [Part 1]
The issue of displacement and migration is one of the most controversial topics today. The increasing numbers of conicts and shifts in our global political and socioeconomic systems have resulted in a persecuted minority having to ďŹ ght for aid, refuge and survival. Itinerant Geographies [Part 1] presented statistics and
facts regarding migration to and through Malta by mapping the various places of transit, the geographical places and the institutional stations on the refugees’ journeys.
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Migration | the Journey The illustration highlights the key stages currently undergone by refugees en-route mainland Europe. The highlighted portion of the journey will be explored and adapted in favour of the refugee to propose a more comfortable alternative upon arrival. Stage 6a
Stage 1
Stage 3
Stage 5 Stage 4
Stage 2
Stage 9
Stage 6b Stage 7
Stage 8
Stage 6c
Stage 1 Current national situations of
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
Stage 6a
Stage 7
Stage 8
Stage 9
and tragedy.
Traverse the Sahara via truck, jeep, and foot.
Travel to northern African countries boardering the Mediterranean sea.
Board boats crossing the Mediterranean sea.
Shipwrecked or found by the Malta coast guard and taken to port.
Seized by governmental authorities upon arrival.
Screened by local authorities and recorded on arrival in EU.
Detained for up to 18 months in governemntal detention facilities and Open Centres.
Stage 6b Arrive at chosen destination after days at sea. Stage 6c Due to harsh conditions at sea a large percentage never make it beyond this point.
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BUILDINGS
ARMY BARRACKS
ISSUES
UNSANITARY
ABUSE
PRISONS MENTAL HEALTH SCHOOLS DECLINING
NO HEATING OR VENTILATION OVERCROWDED
BOARDING FACILITIES WAREHOUSES NOT BUILT FOR PURPOSE
QUOTES
INVISIBILITY AND SECRECY
IS WHAT SUSTAINS THE SYSTEM
NEWSPAPER STORIES EVERY MONTH
&
RECOUNT A
LITANY OF ABUSES
DEATHS
BROKEN FAMILIES
TRAUMATISED INDIVIDUALS
POLITICIANS ON ALL SIDES WHEN IT SUITS THEM
HAVE CRITICISED THE CURRENT
ASYLUM SYSTEM MANY PEOPLE WHO CLAIM ASYLUM
DETAINED ARRIVAL IN A COUNTRY
ARE
S
LACKING EDUCATIONAL & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
NO PRIVACY
ON
&IMPRISONED
IN ONE OF THESE FACILITIES WITH POOR ACCESS TO
LEGAL ADVICE
& HEALTHCARE
INSIDE Detention | Typology Study Upon completion of research phase one it was decided to investigate more thoroughly what might exist in the vein of detention facilities and their building ‘typology’. It was clear to find that not much was available for research under this topic; that when looked in more detail a lot is held back from media coverage, and recorded listings. The detention world would seem to be nothing but secretive, exclusive and utterly ‘hidden’ from the outside world and today’s society. As far as buildings go, detention facilities could be very much understood as ‘botch-jobs’ whereby anywhere and anything will do. Some of the common building types used in these cases to date are: army barracks, old / empty prisons, schools, boarding facilities, and warehouses. Buildings for detaining and relocating refugees are not currently build to purpose or understood to be a serious issue. The conditions recorded by individuals within detention facilities are horrifying, and amount large in number. Unsanitary, abuse, and overcrowded spaces are to mention a mere few. 05
Marsa Open Centre
| Aerial mapping of Marsa Open Centre
Detention | Case Study In research phase one a study was undertaken to identify various refugee detention facilities in Malta; Marsa Open Centre, on the outskirts of Valletta, was identified. A small primary study resulted in a collation of site specific statistics, and photographs taken by numerous photojournalists. As a means of primary research a visit was made to Malta whereby the site of Marsa Open Centre was visited and explored. Vast security meant that the site itself could not be entered, but exploring the site boundary, block and local area proved beneficial. Large external security walls, as well as the locational positioning of the detention centre (on the industrial outskirts of Marsa) confirmed the earlier research undertaken regarding the detention ‘typology’. 06
Entrance / Reception Living zones / Accommodation facilities External recreational space
? ?
Sporting facilities ? ?
Name | Marsa Open Centre, Marsa Detention Time frame | Long Term Security | Open Security - Residents are free to enter and exit open centres. Public visitors require security clearance. Management | Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers Capacity | 500 Demographics | Adult Males and Male Minors Building Previously Used As | School Building
Migrants playing pool in the common area
African immigrants play football in outdoor sporting facilities
Group of refugees stand in their shared bedroom accommodation
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Typical
cramped shared bedroom facilities
Communal cooking area at accommodation block
Communal courtyard area
Recreational open space in area in front of the Open Centre
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Marsa industrialised ship docking zone
Migrants site outside the open centre (some say this is were individuals are approached for short term labouring work opportunities)
Small ‘one-stop’ shop and Tiger Bar located next to Marsa Open Centre
Secure and guarded entrance to Marsa Open Centre. Residents are allowed in and out - all other visitor must be screened prior to entry and arrival
Marsa Open Centre accommodation and reception fa-
External recreational space
Main road connecting to major Malta transport links / highway.
Canal separating Marsa Open Centre from main pedestrianised road areas
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The streets of Marsa are empty and roamed only by local industrial traders in the shipping docks, and Migrants awaiting work oppor-
Marsa Open Centre is surrounded by walls with barbed wire a minim of 3 metres high
The area surrounding the Open Centre is derelict and empty. Walls extend beyond 3 metre heights on both sides of the narrow roads
The land used for a parking area directly adjacent to the rear of the Open Centre is in the process of being assessed for EU development projects
Buildings in neighbouring roads are derelict
Security gate and walled enclosure of property to the rear of Marsa Open Centre
The land used for a parking area directly adjacent to the rear of the Open Centre is in the process of being assessed for EU development projects
Properties near the Open Centre are high level security monitored
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Canal separating the Open Centre from the main road connecting to major Malta transport links / highway.
The canal, Marsa industrialised ship docking zone (furthest), Marsa Open Centre (in the distance), and its neighbouring site (nearest)
Panoramic of the Marsa Open Centre site highlighting temporary structures as well as the recreational sporting / football area
Marsa Open Centre with the hovering crane structure towering on adjacent
Marsa Open Centre with the hovering crane structure towering on adjacent site.
Marsa Open Centre’s contextual surroundings and neighbourhood facilities on the developed block
Neighbouring site
Secured fencing on the facility neighbouring the Open Centre
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Detention | Programmatic Organisation Post-research it was questioned as to what might happen if refugee’s were ‘allowed’ or enabled to engage with the local communities upon arrival within society? What would happen if an alternate architectural proposal was set in motion, whereby communities are encouraged to engage with refugees - an element of shared facilities etc. Illustrations below analyse the programmatic organisation of detention facilities. What is inside? What can be taken out?
Education
Intake Zone
Outake Zone
Counselling
Healthcare
Library
I.T. Zone
Intake Zone
Sport Facilities
Work Outake Zone
Accommodation Units
Sports Facilities
Faith Space
Education
Common Areas
Accommodation Units
Counselling
Other
?
Library
I.T. Zone
Common Areas
Other
?
Living Zone Healthcare
Self-Inclusive All components are contained within the enclosed walled facility causing segregation from all surroundings and communal ideals.
Faith Space
Integration with Community Key components are removed from the walled facility and placed in the surrounding community for mixed (migrant \ local) use.
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Education
Intake Zone Sport Facilities
Work
Counselling Accommodation Units
Outake Zone
Common Areas
Other
?
Living Zone Healthcare
Faith Space
Infiltrating the Community
I.T. Zone
Library
All programmatic components bar the absolute necessities are removed from the facility and used as ‘injection’ tools to infiltrate the community via mixed (migrant / local) use.
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exposed CLT ceiling
internal (non-load-baring) wall system exposed CLT wall
factory installed windows
modular balcony components
Design System | Prefab Unit To design a type of architecture that is cost effective, speedily erected, and easily adapted it was decided that prefabrication with elements of bespoke design would result in the best outcome. Research regarding various prefab units was done, culminating on designs by means of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) - see images on the right. CLT are structural timber panels that are prefabricated off
site and assembled like a puzzle on site. This system, modular in design (illustrated above), is based on one unit (5600 x 4600mm) that can be adapted with various panels to adjust internal layouts. Units can be joined, extended and customised on site to fit bespoke site specifications. Further, units can be stacked to achieve maximum numerical capacity, and due to their self sufficient structural capability can be constructed anywhere.
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Marsaxlokk
Il-Qajjenza
Delimara
Birżebbuġa
Kalafrana: The Malta Freeport
Site Identification | Marsaxlokk Hal Far
To apply and explore the outcomes of the project on a ‘site’ it was necessary to identify an area of Malta easily reached by refugees on boat. Marsaxlokk is part of a group of four towns (Marsaxlokk, Il-Qajjenza, Birzzebbuga, and Hal Far) situated on the south-east coast of Malta comprising the ‘Marsaxlokk Bay Area’. The region is predominantly known as Malta’s fishing district, and is also the base of Kalafrana: The Malta Freeport. 14
Site Analysis | Marsaxlokk Analysis was made to fully understand the context, layout, and planning of Marsaxlokk in order to better inform the choice of a specific site / sites in moving forward with the project. As a small coastal town it has little to offer it’s community in terms of local facilities, and proved to be a great area for developing the project. Developing the scheme in an area like this provides the incoming refugees with a living solution, as well as the community with various communal facilities. Inhabitants | 3534 - a large majority of inhabitants are fishermen and part of the town and island’s fishing community. Parish Church | Built in 1897, the Marsaxlokk Parish Church is a pilgrimage venue annually on the 8th of May. Accommodation | A few 3 star hotels, guest-houses, self-catering apartments and houses. Shopping | A few small shops, and the Marsaxlokk Sunday Open Market. The nearest shopping district is in Fgura. Healthcare | Several pharmacies are available. The nearest hospital / medical centre is located at St James in Zabbar. Entertainment | Fish, Restaurants, Bars, Wine Bars, Churches, and St Thomas Bay.
Accommodation Port Church Primary School Football Club Urban Conservation Area 1st Degree Protection 2nd Degree Protection
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7 8
1
6
9
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14
5
3
4
Availability | Site Analysis Illustration of sites available for proposed development / design for the integrated refugee facility. The sites vary in size and location, and span across the entirety of Marsaxlokk. All sites are underdeveloped; the sites are open land areas available for building and future development. The prefab design system might be deployed on any one of these sites in Marsaxlokk (Malta, or greater Europe) in variation of stack and layout. The system enables exibility, mass production, speedy construction, and allows for adaptation throughout it’s lifespan and depending on it’s usage. 16
Chosen Site | Migrant Centre An example of a site used for full development of the prefab system for a migrant facility in Marsaxlokk is identiďŹ ed here. Reasons for choosing the site include proximity to water (for easy access to incoming arrivals), space for relative sized accommodation facilities, an ‘Arrival Processing Centre’, as well as other community-related building programs (including garden allotments, classrooms, medical units, and cafe facilities).
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Stage 4
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3a
Stage 3
Stage 3b
Stage 8a
Stage 3c
Stage 3d
Stage 5
Stage 6
Stage 7
Stage 8
Stage 12
Stage 11
Stage 10
Stage 9
Arrival in Marsaxlokk | the Journey With the identified Migration site situated directly at port-side, it is possible to suggest a ‘journey’ like this here illustrated might be able to take place on arrival in Malta. The journey aims to achieve a more comfortable and easing route through the ‘detention’ process by means of welcoming the individuals (caring for their immediate needs: food, clothes, hygiene, health etc.) and then processing them with boarder control; finally, housing in the migrant accommodation centre.
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Migrant Centre | Programmatic Organisation Using the specified site in Marsaxlokk as an example of deployment of the scheme it was necessary to ‘bridge’ the link between the refugee accommodation requirements, boarder administration and control, and the local community. Illustration analysing the programmatic organisation of intended facilities whereby the community is encouraged to engage with the site via a public building. The detention facilities are completely self inclusive, and the migrant accommodation is private.
Counselling
Accommodation Units
I.T. Zone
Living Zone
Faith Space
Intake Zone
Healthcare
Education
Library
Work
Outake Zone
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Site Programme | Migrant Centre
Living Zone
Accommodation
Intake Entrance
Single Rooms
Common Areas
Security / Screening
Family Rooms
Kitchen Facilities
Welcome Room
Nun Rooms
I.T. Zone
Phase 1
Dining Hall
Laundry Room Outside
Supply Provision WC Facilities Bunking Room Security
Illustration depicting the details of each area to be located on site for the ease of the refugees and surrounding community. The ‘Intake Zone’ is solely responsible for the arrival of new refugees on the island (welcoming, dealing with immediate health and physical needs, and administration processing with boarder control). Following ‘Intake’ refugees will be assigned living accommodation and be provided with language and basic vocational skills by trained professionals. Finally, the scheme proposes a ‘shared’ facility for the refugees and community acting as a buffer zone: healthcare facilities, classrooms, faith spaces, cafe / food zones and external leisure areas.
Processing
Holding Tank
Phase 2
Personal Property
Segregation Holding Interview Rooms Admin Room Supply / Provision
Work
Education
Faith Space
Library Classrooms Training Studios
Counselling
Healthcare Reception
Counselling Rooms
Waiting Room
Therapy Room
Nurse Room
Group Room
GP Room Dental Suite X-Ray Room A&E Medine Room Specimen Room
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Who’s on Site | Migrant Centre
56 x Single Migrants
8 x Migrant Couples
8x Migrant Families
8x Catholic Nuns
2x English Teachers
8 x Migration Control Officers
3 x Doctors
2 x Nurses
Due to their vast existing involvement with Refugees on the island of Malta, the catholic church will be responsible for the running of this particular migrant centre. The church should aim to provide eight nuns to assist in the everyday running and management of the migrant facility in Marsaxlokk. The nuns will live on site in private accommodation within the Migrant accommodation facility. The Accommodation facility on this particular site can house up to 56 single migrants, 8 couples, and 8 families. 2 English / Maltese language teachers will be on site to provide teaching for better integration with the Marsaxlokk and wider Maltese community. 8 Migration Control Officers will be
within the Migration Arrival Centre to aid arrival of new refugees - they will be responsible for documentation checks, interviews and aid in continual administration throughout the ‘asylum-seeking’ process. 3 doctors and 2 nurses will be on site; 2 doctors and 1 nurse working within the community healthcare facility, and 1 doctor and 1 nurse within the Migrant Arrival Centre in the Accident and Emergency unity in care of immediate casualties upon arrival.
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g f
c b
a e
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The Building | Site Plan a b c d e f g
Public Entrance Community Centre & Healthcare Community Park Migrant Entrance Migrant Arrival Centre Migrant Accommodation Courtyard
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The Building | Communal Centre [left] and Migrant Arrival Centre [right]
female j wc
food kioskf 1 class a
classb 2
cafce
welcome m room
male k wc lift d
preparation area g
search n room
e d lift
emergeny l supplies
gathering o zone
h kitchen
Ground Floor a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p
Classroom 1 Classroom 2 Cafe Lift Main Site Entrance Food Kiosk Preparation Area Kitchen A&E Treatment Room Female WC Male WC Emergency Supplies Welcome Room Search Room Gathering Zone Refugee Entrance
A&E / treatment iroom
p entrance
Scale Bar [metres]
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2
3
4
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interview 2f
interview f 1 GPa room
GPa room
nurse b room
filing k archive
n male bunking
m female bunking
personal l property
lift e mediccine room
waiting roodm
o
segregation g holding
p eift llift
processing h
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r
GP Room Nurse Room Medicine Room Reception / Waiting Room Lift Interview Room Segregation Holding Processing Area Holding Tank Holding Tank WC Filing Archive Personal Property Female Bunking Male Bunking Male Shower Female Shower Sta Room Sta WC
r
j
First Floor
staff q facilities
r
j
holding i tank
Scale Bar [metres]
1
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The Building | Migrant Accommodation Centre
female h wc
g Storage
g Storage
g Storage
supply / f provision
male i wc
j Chapel e Mosque n
Ground Floor
councel d 1 m
o lift
councel d 2
councel d 3
Main Entrance Reception Admin Counsel Room Mosque Refugee Supply / Provision Storage Female WC Male WC Chapel Sta Facilities Sta WC Cloister Courtyard Lift
councel d 4 l
l
staff facilities k
b reception
a
admin c
Scale Bar [metres]
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a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o
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b b
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common c area
laundry f
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b a e
kitchen / d dining
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kitchen / d dining e
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computer g
common c area
h lift
First Floor Nun Accommodation Single Accommodation Common Area Communal Kitchen Communal Dining Laundry Room I.T. Room Lift
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Scale Bar [metres]
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a b c d e f g h 10
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a c
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a common d area
laundry g
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kitchen / e dining
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a common d area
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computer h
kitchen / e dining
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laundry g
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computer h
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lift
common d area
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lift
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Second & Third Floor Single Accommodation Couple Accommodation Family Accommodation Common Area Communal Kitchen Communal Dining Laundry Room I.T. Room Lift Scale Bar [metres]
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a b c d e f g h i 10
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SINGLE SINGLE X 56 X 56
The Building | Accommodation Units
Single Accommodation Units
COUPLE X 8 (2people) COUPLE X 8 (2people) COUPLE X 8 (2people)
COUPLE X 8 (2people)
Couple Accommodation Units
FAMILY X 8 (4people)
FAMILY X 8 (4people)
Family Accommodation Units
NUNS X 8 (1person)
NUNS X 8 (1person)
Nun Accommodation Units
FAMILY X 8 (4people)
Scale Bar [metres]
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The Building | Birds Eye View
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The Building | View of Communal Centre and Migrant Arrival Centre from Promenade
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The Building | View of Main Site Entrance
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The Building | View of Migrant Accommodation from Main Entrance
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The Building | View of Migrant Accommodation Entrance, Cloister and Courtyard
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The Building | View of Migrant Accommodation Centre from the Rear
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Lezandri van Rooyen