Strategies of Refugee Integration by Enhancing Urban Transitions by Master Emergency Architecture

STRATEGIES OF REFUGEE INTEGRATION BY ENHANCING URBAN TRANSITIONS INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP THESSALONIKI, GREECE SAPFOUS STREET

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS: UNIVERSITAT INTERNACIONAL DE CATALUNIA (UIC) BARCELONA MUNICIPALITY OF THESSALONIKI WORKSHOP CO-ORDINATORS: MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SUSTAINABLE EMERGENCY ARCHITECTURE CARMEN MENDOZA ARROYO, UIC BARCELONA RAQUEL COLACIOS, UIC BARCELONA PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATORS: ARCH. ESTER MENDUIÑA EDITING, GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT: ANDRÉA BENOIST, UIC BARCELONA ASSIA BELGUEDJ, UIC BARCELONA PHOTOGRAPHY COVER CREDITS: ANDRÉA BENOIST

CONTACT UIC BARCELONA, School of Architecture, Immaculada, 22 08017 Barcelona (+34) 93 254 1800 masteremergencyarchitecture@uic.es 2

STRATEGIES OF REFUGEE INTEGRATION BY ENHANCING URBAN TRANSITIONS THESSALONIKI, GREECE SAPFOUS STREET

INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP 20 - 27 JAN 2019

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This international workshop involved students from all over the world registered in two universities, one in Barcelona (UIC) and one in Melbourne (RMIT). The intense work produced in one whole week could not have been possible without the cooperation with the local government and the community of Thessaloniki. This project resulted in a cooperation of a group of people working together towards a common goal which explored refugee integration strategies by enhancing urban transitions in Thessaloniki, Greece. We would like to thank not only our academic partners but also all the professors and people that made this workshop possible and a success. We would like to start by thanking the professors of the Master of International Cooperation School of Architecture at UIC for their amazing coordination, organization and participation in making the workshop possible. Specially to Professor Raquel Colacios. Moreover, we would like to extend our gratitude to Impact Hub Athens and Oikopolis Social Center for giving us the opportunity of using their workshop space and generously sharing their experience and contacts. We would also like to thank the Municipality of Thessaloniki Urban Response Team and Arrival Cities coordinator Meriç Vedia Özgüneş for making our work possible in a relevant site to the city. And, we would like to give a special thanks to the 2018-2019 group of students of the Master of Internatiocal Cooperation Sustainable Emergency Architecture of (MICSEA) UIC and students of the Master of Disaster, Design and Development at RMIT in Melbourne for their hard work and commitment in their proposals. We specially want to thank

Andrea Benoist for her excellent work in the editing, graphic design and layout of the publication, and to Assia Belguedj for her help with her graphic skills. We would also like to be thanking the intervenants: Annika Grafweg (IOM), Kilian Kleinschmidt, Maria Athanastsiki (CRS), Martha Giannakopoulou (UNDP), and Seki Hirano (CRS) for their very interesting lectures and shareness of their expertise. Finally, we wanted to thank all the members with which the students had interviews with, this includes the local communities and its very hospitable Greek people, local NGOs and associations such as Alkyone Day centre, Arsis, Caritas, Praksis, Steki Metanaston, and Volunteer groups in Sapfous Street for food distribution, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, and finally, the various refugees (coming from Afghanistan, Algeria, Ethiopia, Iraq, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria) willing to share their stories and answer our interviews. As every year, we are happy to contribute with our work and that of our students of the international workshop in the MICSEA program. Specifically, through applying a methodology that helps bridge the existing gap between the physical and social realms in urban and architectural practice. This publication intends to contribute with a collection of solution-oriented proposals in ways that reveal what is really at stake in the emergency field, in this case, refugee integration through urban betterment. Once again, we are very grateful for our amazing and committed Master students, which are professionals that make us feel optimistic about the future. Carmen Mendoza Arroyo Barcelona, March 2019 5

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

COLLABORATIONS

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

METHODOLOGY AND STRUCTURE

INTERVIEWS

ANALYSIS AND OUTCOMES

PROPOSALS

GROUP 1 Urban fabric

GROUP 2 Mobility

GROUP 3 Open spaces and voids

GROUP 4 Activities and services

STUDENT BIOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION

COLLABORATIONS INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATIONS

Universitat International de Catalunya School of Architecture

Master of International Cooperation Sustainable Emergency Architecture

Municipality of Thessaloniki Meriç Vedia Özgüneş Coordinator, Arrival Cities Municipality of Thessaloniki Urban Response Team

Maria Sizoglou Resilient Thessaloniki

Municipality of Thessaloniki

WORKSHOP TUTORS UNIVERSITAT INTERNACIONAL DE CATALUNYA (UIC) Dr Carmen Mendoza Arroyo

Co-Director of the Masters of International Cooperation in Sustainable Emergency Architecture. Artchitect. Carmen combines teaching and research on the development of integrated approaches in urban regeneration projects. Specifically, she delves on a comprehensive methodology, with special attention to the physical and social characteristics of settlements in order to mitigate the social and spatial schism in our understanding of space, place and social order. She explores on design processes which incorporate an interscalar approach and the needs of local communities. Related to this line, she has developed plans, projects and research in the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona, and informal settlements in Latin America. Her second line of research encompasses reconstruction and urban strategies in the field of emergency architecture and post-conflict situations. In this line she is supervising research and focusing on methodologies for the physical and social integration of refugees.

Raquel Colacios

PhD. Architect, Assistant Professor and Director of the area of Cooperation in UIC. Raquel research focuses on the recognition of community identity and place attachment in territorially stigmatized neighborhoods, in order to give value to the community as a towards a participatory model of urban regeneration. She explores the various links and values that residents show towards their community, through methodology that encompasses fieldwork of qualitative data and spatial characteristics. She is co-founder, along with Ivan Llach, of the architecture firm TAAB6, which activity extends to countries like France, Belgium, Vietnam and India, among others. 15

LOCAL PRACTITIONERS

Martha Giannakopoulou

UNDP Urban consultant, Athens Municipality adviser, Founder of If-Untitled Architects. Martha is an architect and urban planner. She has been an urban researcher on sustainability issues with the Cooper Union University, a consultant for social integration and urban development at the Municipality of Athens and realized projects such as Synathina, Urbact/Refill and POLIS 2 and a consultant to CRS (Catholic Relief Services) urban accommodation strategies for refugees. She has collaborated with many citizens group, universities, ngos and non-profit organizations delivering participatory projects and initiatives on city-making, social activation and sustainability.

Annika Grafweg

IOM consultant on Urban Migration and Displacement. Architect. Annika is a qualified Architect (London, UK), Emergency and Development Practice (Oxford Brookes, UK), and Professional Practice and Management in Architecture (University College London, UK). Annika has 11 years of lecturing experience at the Architectural Association and London Metropolitan University, and King Mongkut's University of Technology (Bangkok, Thailand) with focus on the topic of “Cities in rapid change and scare resources”.

Seki Hirano

Global Senior Technical Advisor Shelter and Settlement Catholic Releif Services (CRS). Architect. Seki Hirano leads a team of global technical advisors at CRS who provides technical support to shelter and settlement programming across 44 crisis affected countries. He is the co- author of the new Sphere Standards 2018 revision for the shelter and settlement. Seki is also an active member of the Strategic Advisory Group for the Global Shelter Cluster and co-chairs the Urban Settlement Working group championing area-based approaches. He has worked as a Humanitarian Architect for various organisations such as UNICEF, CARE, IFRC, OXFAM.

Kilian Kleinschmidt

Global Networker and Humanitarian Expert, Founder of IPA, Innovation and Planning Agency. Kilian has over 25 years hands-on experience in international development, emergency response, resource mobilization, and political/ regional cooperation in a wide range of organizations (UN, NGOs), countries and programs. Previous assignments include Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Deputy Representative for UNHCR in Kenya, Deputy to the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Assistance to Pakistan. He was Head of Sub-Office and Camp Manager for Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan with UNHCR.

LOCAL NGO AND ASSOCIATIONS Alkyone Day centre

This NGO aims to develop research to assist in creating a space to distribute food to homeless refugee and citizens in Thessaloniki. Its reasearch area is focusing on Sapfous street, running from the Thessaloniki Train Station in Xirokrini to the courthouse in Vardaris. It provides meals, hygiene services, cloths and other services during the day.

ARSIS

Association for the Social Support of Youth is a Non Governmental Organization, specializing in the social support of youth that are in difficulty or danger and in the advocacy of their rights. The main target is the prevention of youth marginalisation, the elaboration of policies which defend youth rights and the active social support towards disadvantaged young people.

CARITAS (HELLAS)

Caritas promotes and safeguard human dignity through social support services to migrants and refugees, advocate on behalf of the poor and needy and provide humanitarian aid when emergency situations such as natural disasters. It has an extensive range of programmes that include offering nourishment and expert social support services (food/ cloths distribution, education, counselling and psychological suport).

IMPACT HUB ATHENS

Impact Hub Athens is part of an International Network of social driven professionals and a variety of high impact creative professionals that are dedicated into prototyping the future of business. From social inclusion and social integration to environment and fair trade, the Impact Hub Athens is engaging expertise from its worldwide presence and creating a net of intercultural, high impact community that acts locally and internationally. 18

PRAKSIS - Stefania Patnazti

PRAKSIS provides healthcare, psychiatric and social support services to socially and economically excluded people such as Greek poor, homeless, uninsured, economic migrants, undocumented migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, unaccompanied minors, trafficking victims, sex workers, street children, injection drug users, Roma, people living with HIV/AIDS, men having sex with men (MSM), inmates and ex-inmates, Greek families heavily affected by the economic crisis.

OIKOPOLIS

The Oikopolis social center was created in 2013 by the Ecological Movement’s initiative. One of the main goals of Oikopolis is the practical solidarity to individuals and social groups in need, independently of nationality, race, color, religion. The association involves distributing clothes, food supplies and essential items 2/3 times per day.

Steki Metanaston

Artspace of active solidarity to migrants. Steki Metanaston consists also an open space for social and resistance movements to meet. Courses in Greek are held, for beginners but mostly advanced students, depending on the level and the needs that are presented each year. These courses take place twice a week per level with the contribution of two teachers.”Steki Metanaston” is open every evening after 19:00 for further information.

Nefeli Pandiri (Food distribution)

The food distribution happens in the car parks in Sapfous Street, next to the informal refugee camp. About 200 tokens are handed out to the people who are then waiting one after the other as first come, first serve basis. Food is cooked in available kitchens and brought by car, there is no shelter on site and an ambulance (DocMobile) is also there to provide basic medical assistance. 19

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP According to UNHCR figures, more than 1 million refugees and migrants arrived in Greece between 2015 and early 2016 (UNHCR, 2018). In March 2016, due the in large influx of refugees from war torn countries and migrants seeking asylum such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen and others, the Balkan border providing access to the rest of Europe was closed, and a deal was struck with Turkey to help curb the number of migrants entering into Greece. Despite the Dublin agreement, all Asylum Seekers who arrived after the closure of the border must be returned to the country in which they first registered for asylum (European Commission, 2019). The number of Asylum Seekers arriving in Greece increased again in the second half of 2017 walking over land from the Turkey border and arriving by boat in the Greek Islands (UNHCR, 2018). In May 2018, “the number of refugees and migrants in Greece stood at more than 60,000, including about 14,000 on the islands” (UNHCR, 2018) which put significant pressure on already overcrowded camps and government and NGO services. Around 11,000 refugees and migrants crossed the land border, arriving in Thessaloniki in 2018 alone (Squires, 2018), in the hopes of finding better living conditions, opportunities and the hope of reaching other parts of Europe. After devastating effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, Greece continues to cope with high unemployment for its citizens, and a diminished capacity to provide for the influx of additional migrants (Greek Council for Refugees, 2018). Currently large numbers of Asylum Seekers

and Refugees are housed in two camps on the outskirts of Thessaloniki, with the most vulnerable (families, women, children and others) shifted into apartment accommodation throughout the city via the UNHCR supported ESTIA program (UNHCR, 2018). This program provides cash assistance through cash cards and apartments rent free, among other services. Due to the Dublin Agreement, many Asylum Seekers who do not wish to settle in Greece attempt to avoid registration, and/or see Thessaloniki as a temporary place to be smuggled illegally to other parts of Europe. This, combined with overcrowded camps and not enough apartment accommodation has resulted in many Asylum Seekers living in the streets and informal settlements, relying on the support of local NGO services. Hence the main problem is still the lack of physical and social integration strategies and policies for urban refugees in a sustainable way, to prevent conflicts and avoid the perception of them as an economic and social burden. There is a need to give a voice to all stakeholders in the refugee integration process and to avoid the creation of new marginal spaces where hosting refugees would imply the creation of ghettos. The goal is to overcome the emergency approach in the refugees reception model and find new sustainable solutions, integrated into the physical, social and economic realms. In addition, we need to focus in developing strategies and methods for a gender and culturally balanced integration. (C. Mendoza, 2018) 21

METHODOLOGY AND STRUCTURE This international workshop intended to delve into a pending issue in all European cities, the social and spatial integration of refugees. We believe the integration must start at an urban scale as it is necessary to consider urban IDPs and refugees within the overall urban planning of cities. Fostering this goal, the present workshop focus on urban voids or ‘areas in urban transitions’ in order to offer a betterment of the area by mixing social and physical strategies. The area of study is around the Thessaloniki Railway station and Saphous street, in Thessaloniki, Greece. The intent of the workshop is to enable students to learn how to: • Perform effectively in a team situation. • Develop appropriate written and oral communication skills for addressing community members’ concerns. • Work with urban and architectural methodologies/tools to target different needs felt by diverse social groups, and apply practical skills and knowledge learned elsewhere in the curriculum. • Learn to act ethically while maintaining a balance between independent and critical • professional work and responsiveness to the partners in the project. • Build the capacity of the community members to carry out small and strategic open • space and architectural betterment projects in Thessaloniki. • Ensure that all work developed respects and responds to ongoing urban betterment initiatives 22

• Develop and work on site on a specific betterment action in order to contribute to the urban betterment and integration of migrants/refugees of the area of study. Physical integration: There needs to be a shift in urban governance and planning “spatial organization, patterns and design of urban space can promote or hinder social cohesion, equity and inclusion.” (UNHCR, 2016:2). Social integration: Social integration is achieved when: “the interaction between refugees and the local community allows refugees to participate in the social life of their new country without fear of discrimination or hostility while not obliged to abandon their own culture” (UNHCR,2011). Place attachment can be linked to physical features or social dimensions; while the spatial is a social construction, conversely the social is a spatial construction (Massey, 1984). Gender and economic integration: There are changing roles of men and women among refugee populations (Bonewit, 2016; Edwards 2010; Freedman 2010; UNHCR, 2005). Proper economic integration is achieved when “refugees gradually become less dependent on aid from the country of asylum or on humanitarian assistance and become increasingly self-reliant to support themselves and contribute to the local economy” (UNHCR, 2011:35).

Our objective is to develop an integrated (from void to urban fabric) and social diagnosis in order to deliver specific regenerative proposals for the site. The methodological process will follow three steps: STEP 1 INITIAL PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT ONSITE Development of base maps and fieldwork methods for spatial analysis. Identify what conditions should be reinforced and bettered after reviewing the plans developed by the local and partner institutions, and visit the intervention site. The students will be devided in the following groups based on the different layers of analysis, looking in two urban scales: the station sector and the Sapfous street until the courthouse: 1. Urban fabric 2. Mobility 3. Open spaces and voids 4. Activities and services STEP 2 SOCIAL APPROACHES Design and elaborate the methods for data collection for interviews, observations and maps to gather information from the refugee experiences and with local entities related to refugee/ migrant integration of the sector for each layer. The fieldwork incorporate observation techniques, questionnaires and maps. Incorporate the results and recommendations already developed by the local institutions and collaborators

regarding the community’s perception with respect to housing, open spaces and socioeconomic conditions of the area. Conduct semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders and existing NGO’s as well as locals and refugees of the area to identify their needs and perceptions of the site. STEP 3 SOCIO-SPATIAL INTEGRATION OF THE DATA COLLECTED AND STRATEGIC PROPOSALS Assess the information regarding each topic in order to develop specific proposals which bridge the physical and socially based findings. The proposals must explain how they intend to be implemented and developed (stakeholders and actors involved, phases, budgeting ideas, etc.) as well as which are the limitations and reflections.

(C. Mendoza, 2018) 23

•

Ethiopian women (ARSIS)

•

Iraqi woman_ Sahar Radhi (Caritas)

The first women has been in Thessaloniki for 4 months, she comes to the NGO to learn Greek language, she is satisfied with the dervices and the city. She leaves with another lady who has a child in an appartment that has all the basic furnitures needed. The second woman has been in Thessaloniki for 14 years, she has a 14 years old child, she mostly leaves and socialize inside her appartment. Her son has psychological problems.

She is a single mother who left Iraq in 2017 when pregnant. She gave birth on a Greek island and leaves in Thessalonki since 4 months. She has helpful neighbors, but doesn’t cook at home. She goes out to the markt, studies German at home and take care of her child. She says the services provided for refugees are not adequete nor professional.

INTERVIEWS •

Iraqi man_ Shehab Ahmad Ramadan (Caritas)

•

Syrian man_ Alaa Din Al Refaai (Site street)

•

Afghanistan man_ Saaed Ayoub (Informal Camp in Sapfous street)

•

Afghanistan man_ Abdul Mateen (Informal Camp in Sapfous street)

Living in Thessaloniki since 1 month with his prenant wife and 5 kids in a temporary apartment (2 bedrooms and 1 livingroom). They have cash support and 3 of the kids go to school. The older kids are struggling with the language barrier. They often get lost a lot in the city. The man was a hairdresser now has no job. The family does not mix with its own community. They use street furnitures but say street lightning could be added.

He is suffering a lot from sadness. He leaves in a very good accomodation with 3 flatmates, sharing his room. He has cash support of 150 euros per month. He has health problems due to bullet that has not been treated correctly and needs to do surgery. He uses transportation and is looking for a job. He wants to join her sister who is in Germany.

Saaed is 16 years old and has been in Greece for 1 month. He is leaving in a tent donated by DocMobile in the camp where most of the people are single man afghans of more than 50 years old. He has wooden planks below the tents to protect from floods on the ground. Some have 3 people in one tent. The informal camp act as a transitional space without toilets and poor hygiene and many are sick. They are provided dinner by the food distribution every night and sometimes go to day centers for lunch.

The single man is 25 years old, he applied as an asylum seeker one year and half ago and still waiting for a recognised state. He was squatting a building for 4 months before being kicked out and leaving in the informal camp. He is receiving 150 euros per month. He is looking for a job and does not want to learn Greek language.

• Algerian, Moroccan and Syrian migran aged 17 to 35 (Food distribution) All entered into Greece through Turkey by foot. Live in abandoned buildings or spaces and sometimes in local homeless shelters when lucky. They are very frustrated about legal paperwork procedures, and poor formal/informal work opportunities and discrimination even though most have labor skilled backgrounds in trades, construction, painting and plumbing. They have used their skills to upgrade their houses but lack of basic services such as water, electricity and heating. 25

URBAN FABRIC

FACILITIES RESIDENTIAL

URBAN FABRIC

MIXED USE FACILITIES EDUCATION RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL MIXED USE

OPEN SPACE EDUCATION GREEN SPACE COMMERCIAL

PUBLIC SPACE

OPEN SPACE PARKING

GREEN SPACE

TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC SPACE BUS ROUTES PARKING BUS STOPS

TRANSPORTATION

BUS ROUTES

26 BUS STOPS

ANALYSIS AND OUTCOMES

SITE PROPOSALS

NEW STREET LOCATION OF SERVICES MAP

NEW USE OF VACANT AREAS

PROPOSALS (SEESITE URBAN FABRIC CHAPTER FOR DETAILS)

NEW STREET LOCATION OF SERVICES MAP

NEW USE OF VACANT AREAS

(SEE URBAN FABRIC CHAPTER FOR DETAILS)

PROPOSALS

URBAN FABRIC

GROUP 1 URBAN FABRIC STUDENTS ROCIO GARCIA | JUDY MAHFOUZ | ANDREA NOBLEGA | SRUTHI RAVI | MATT WILSON

INTRODUCTION For the Urban fabric component we analyzed the urban landscape surrounding our site (Sapfous Street) through qualitative and quantitative parameters. For quantitative analysis we mapped the morphology, land uses, building conditions, typologies, urban density, scale and the occupancy of the area. In addition to this, we examined qualitatively the refugee situation through semi structured interviews, site observations, organization’s talks and visits. On the next stage, we overlapped the different layers from the quantitative section with the highlighted issues collected during the interviews, and afterwards created a diagnose in order to recognize the opportunities of the area so as to respond to the special needs of the community. Some of the observations drawn from the qualitative research were that transitional accommodation, healthcare, job opportunities, sense of belonging, food distribution and individuality are shared issues among the refugee community. Nevertheless, the quantitative analysis demonstrated that there are several opportunities in the area, as there are empty buildings (many of them in bad conditions) and voids that can be reused or rehabilitated. Our recommendations and proposals are based on these observations and opportunities, and they will be explained below. The recommendation program is divided in two time frames -initial response 32

and long term- and four main topics: Job Opportunities, Food Distribution, Housing, and Education & Health. Initial response: Due to the lack of job opportunities and the high percentage of unemployment in greece, the implementation of coworking spaces (community center), and market spines to encourage the skill development and exchange of knowledge are essential. For food distribution strategy, the main goal is to create adequate sheltered spaces, kitchens, and community gardens. And, since the area has a high percentage of urban voids, unoccupied buildings and/ or in bad condition, this programs can be easily located in these spaces to solve the lack of covered comfortable open spaces for refugees and volunteers. Additionally, community gardens will allow refugees and the local community to share spaces and creates job opportunities. With this, our main recommendation is to use them as transitional shelters and reallocation areas while using the skills of refugees to rehabilitate the space they are occupying. Finally, in order to incorporate educational spaces in the area, we propose to use urban voids for educational activities, for both children and adults. Long term response: For long term strategies, we focused primarily on temporary job permits that can provide a legal framework for refugees to work, the rehabilitation of unfinished buildings and the building of new ones for accessible

housing, and also on the creation of a shelter for homeless animals that can be later incorporated for group or individual therapy. Each of these recommendations spatially grouped according to patible programs: recreation market spine, transitional hub long term upgrading, creating differentiated zones on the

2. Detailed report analysing the feasibility to use the selected empty buildings / voids 3. Create budget

were comand and three area.

Taking into account the above mentioned, it is visible that the area has the urban potential needed to accommodate the different programs of integration that nowadays several sectors of Thessaloniki’s population lack. Nevertheless, thorough research has to be done in order to engage all the stakeholders involved in this process, study the budget needed and its feasibility. Challenges: 1. Engage and create trust among the refugees, municipality, dwellers and shop owners of the area (and all stakeholders) 2. Raising funds for the projects 3. Create awareness of citizen duties (waste management, parking, environment, etc) 4. Future monitoring & maintenance Next Steps: 1. Detailed stakeholder analysis, assessing the power relationships among them, its interests and needs 33

Mapping and diagnosis

Urban voids, empty buildings and building conditions

83% 66% 34%

17%

Urban density and scale

Occupancy

1 2

69%

18%

13%

Land Uses (site)

Land Uses (Sapfou street) OPPORTUNITY ZONE 3

OPPORTUNITY ZONE 2

OPPORTUNITY ZONE 1

PROPOSAL - Opportunity zone 1 Recreation / Market spine

PROPOSAL - Opportunity zone 2 Transitional hub

PROPOSAL - Opportunity zone 3 Long-term upgrading

MOBILITY

GROUP 2 MOBILITY STUDENTS JOSE BARASTEGUI | ANDRÉA BENOIST | ELSA DIAZ | ASHLEY HOWARD | KITTY SELKIRK

INTRODUCTION Our fieldtrip to Thessaloniki has the intention on looking towards mobility and potential linkages in the natural setting in analysis zone between Train Station and Courthouse, Sapfous street and surrounding streets. As the objective for each group was to bettering location to distribute food to homeless refugee and citizens in Thessalonique, our aim was to understand the significance and behaviours of the designated area to accommodate the analysis of the research problems and provide a potential solution and future strategy. A rudimentary examination of the space was established using archival research methods consisting of data collection, plans, map making, and contextual related agency visits and lectures.The phenomenological research used structured questionnaires and semi– structured/ unstructured interviews. Ethnographic research included primary systematic observations of the terrain and habitat combined with secondary observations of the area’s culture and activities.

Results: The examination undertaken exposed 3 major focal areas: • Traffic flow – Top Down • Pedestrian Flows – Mid Level • Social spatial research – Bottom Up

Constraints: • Period 24th and 25th of January 2019 • Designated observation times • Observations of 7 perspective locations • Language barrier in observation area • Cultural differences

Pedestrian Flows: Using the qualitative and quantitative data, maps were created indicating pedestrian flows and routes from the observation points. These figures suggest the re-establishment of certain intersection and pedestrian points. By re-instating these paths, the intention is to create better accessibility to the proposed rejuvenation areas discussed by other groups in the study.

Assumptions: Weather does not affect the data recorded and the political climate has not changed. 44

Traffic flow: When combining logistics, public transport and road users it is evident that the zone has many intersecting streets that deviate from efficient grid patterns. The transposing traffic flow creates regions of congestion and encourages irregular parking patterns in open spaces. A proposal is to remove unnecessary roads to stimulate public spaces and develop conformity in parking and more regular traffic movement. It is also observed single passage is limiting traffic in the west and is contributing to the area’s abandonment and derelict nature. An extension of the road onto the main port thoroughfare is presented to restore the areas connections and potentially restore the community activity.

Observations of street lightsand zebra crossings has established locations where these services need to be updated and added to encourage flow. Social spatial research: This research was used by the group to assist in the observation zones of transport and pedestrian flows. A gender sensitive analysis was taken with records of movement patterns of workers, men, women, children and the elderly. By establishing patterns, direction between nodes were formulated to address pathways to be focused on. The research also assisted in developing potential bottom up strategies within the community that can assist in complementing flow, including, proposed delivery times and safe street initiatives. To conclude, by focusing on the three other research components and mobility there is an opportunity to slowly turn the behaviour of the streets and neighbourhoods to be more efficient, therefore creating a better environment for refugee and homeless activity. This approach drives a bottom up perspective with top down and mid-level strategies in hope of widening perspective for the greater rejuvenation of the zone our and future community potential. Methodology: The observations have been made over 4 time periods between the 24th and 25th: • 6am - 8am: before business, work and

school hours • 8am - 10am: local business opening, commutes to work and school • 12pm - 3pm: lunch hours and peak business activity. School ends • 4pm - 6pm: Work and business closing hours. This phenomenological research has been undertaken using structured questionnaires and semi– structured and unstructured interview types. Ethnographic research has been implemented holistically and includes primary systematic observations of the terrain, habitat, urban environment and secondary observations of the culture and mobility activities of the designated area. There has been no participant observations. Additional methodology actioned: - Visits to relative agencies and NGO organisations. - Guest speakers, expert opinion - Contextual on-site observations - Archival research, including independent studies and government information Conclusion: • Traffic flow: Top down, high cost, longterm • Improved pedestrian access: Mid-level, medium cost, mid term • Community engagement: Bottom up, low cost, short term

Public bus routes

Number of bus stops

Traffic flows - Road hierarchy

We observe traffic patterns in the area and analysed 3 different flux with google map: • Light flow: 10 PM - 7AM • Heavy flow: 7AM - 9AM, 1PM - 3PM, 6PM - 10PM • Very heavy flow: 9AM - 1PM, 3PM - 6PM

Circulation in site

Results and findings Most trafﬁc goes along Giannitson, Stavrou, Voutira and Anagenniseos. There are additional accesses to the existing parking lots. Many of the roads are left unused or receive much less trafﬁc or are load / unload.

Proposal

Re-organising road grid and eliminating redundant streets. Create open space and common areas in previous street location. Re- allocating routes. Re-organise congested parking zones. Road width adjustments. Paciﬁcation of streets.

PROPOSAL

Opening between Stathmou and Monasteriou streets. Paciﬁcation of Sapfous street access.

3 4

Re-organising parking and entry-exit routes. Creation of green spaces. Eliminating access road. 50

Creation of green spaces. Eliminating car access road (Kazantzaki). Adjustment of width in Damonos street.

Re-organising parking access - exit (Damonos - Tantalou). Creation of green spaces. 51

Socio-spatial research

Gender perspective analysis through six observation points and interviews with a special focus in children, woman and elderly

Picture by Elsa Diaz

Pedestrian flows proposal Focused areas on pavement mobility

1. New street to allow circulation flow. Solar sensors to control timing for street lights. Cross road signs. Traffic lights. Accessibility for disabled and elderly people

2. Parking zones. Green spaces, soft urban planning. Improved accessibility. Tactile pavement.

3. Green spaces, soft urban planning. Improved accessibility. Tactile pavement. Bollards to prevent parking.

4. Parking restrictions. Loading time restrictions. Improved accessibility. Tactile pavement. Location. Bollards to prevent parking.

5. Loading time restrictions. Green spaces, soft urban planning. Improved accessibility. Tactile pavement. Location. Bollards to prevent parking.

6. Parking restrictions in front of the courthouse

OPEN SPACES & VOIDS

GROUP 3 OPEN SPACES AND VOIDS STUDENTS BROOJ AL-AMMARI | LUCA ARBAU | SARAH DUNN | GIULIA GRAMPA | DINI KUSUMAWARDHANI

INTRODUCTION Open spaces and voids in the neighborhood of Sapfous Street were observed and analyzed through the following methods: • •

• •

Mapping the existing built environment. Observing activities in the morning (08.30-11.30), the afternoon (11.3015.30), and the evening (20.1521.00). Conducting interviews with refugees and locals. Reviewing the Thessaloniki Resilience Strategy for Objective G: Co-creation of Inclusive Open Spaces.

The main site observations are the vacant buildings, the informal homeless settlement, the abundance of waste, and the stormwater drainage issues. There are also other services located in the neighborhood such as the train station, bus terminal, vocational training center, stores, coffee shops, and a church with grocery distribution. In addition, there were only two areas of observation where people gathered throughout the day along Sapfous Street. Most people were passing through the area from their vehicles to their places of work. The interviews with refugees yielded the following information regarding their use and perception of open spaces. Parks are not important in their daily routine. Sometimes the families will 60

take their children to the park, but do not let them play there alone. The women we interviewed spend most of their time indoors. We also interviewed three locals who work or own businesses in the neighbourhood. They acknowledge the non-existence of open spaces that can be used as gathering places. The analysis of the urban area, the selected site, and Sapfous Street were conducted through several mapping exercises. Through the urban analysis, we can see a lack of public parks but numerous vacant spaces, both green and paved. The site analysis shows the abundance of parking lots and vacant spaces to the detriment of parks and playgrounds. Therefore, people—especially children—in the area appropriate informal open spaces for common activities. Through the analysis, the continuity of open spaces located the areas of opportunity for solving the noted deficiencies in a consistent and cohesive manner. We recommend upgrading the neighborhood by focusing on the reuse of urban voids for community activities and on fostering the quality of open spaces. There are three recommendations for activating the open spaces along Sapfous Street. The first recommendation is to combine the need for parking and open space through a submerged parking area under a new plaza that connects through the proposed pedestrian

pathways to a new public park. This would require municipal planning and funding, but would solve the lack of public space, playgrounds, etc. while also preserving the parking already in the area. The second recommendation is to develop a community garden for the short term plan. The idea is to grow own foods with the concept of co-ownership. The garden is planned to host side activities and events, such as cooking, harvesting, and a food bazaar. Community saving scheme and donations are the intended funding sources. The third recommendation is to create meanwhile spaces through the temporary use of vacant lots for neighborhood activities. These community-led ‘pop-up’ projects can create opportunities for workspaces, training, and other community spaces. In conclusion, these recommended concepts are intended to trigger integration through the appropriation of under-utilized open spaces that are designed and constructed with community participation.

Site observations

Population-space-time

Parking

Usage of open spaces

Hierarchy of open spaces

Analysis conclusions: Lack of green spaces Abundance of parking lots Abundance of urban voids Deficient sidewalk Lack of playgrounds Concentration of usage 64

Recommendations: Re-use urban voids Increase quality of green spaces Design open spaces to foster activities Foster participatory design and construction Encourage public-private initiatives Relocate parkings

Continuity of open spaces

PROPOSAL

Sc.Kaboom

Budgeting Ideas: Paid Parking, Municipality, Sponsors for small initiatives by Local Community, NGOs, CBOs, Volunteers Potential Challenges: Funding, Municipality Priorities, Logistics Phases: Medium to Long Term

Budgeting Ideas: Community saving scheme / cost sharing, Plantation seed donations from CBO, volunteers, and local community, Provision from the food selling Potential Challenges: Inconsistency of citizens in managing & maintaining the garden. Poor drainage system that potentially inundate the garden Phases: Short Term

Budgeting Ideas: Private donations: Money, recycled materialial. Municipality support. Online donation. Sales of goods and services Potential Challenges: Lack of collaboration and adoption from stakeholders. Lack of interest from inhabitants of the neighborhood. Legal complication Phases: Short/Medium Term

ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES

GROUP 4 ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES STUDENTS ASSIA BELGUEDJ | SO HAN CHEUNG | CRISTINA GARCIA | CAROLYN LAMBERT | DAMIANA PACHECO

INTRODUCTION In order to better understand and identify gaps in activities and services for both refugees in accommodation and homeless asylum seekers, we first began by mapping the services available in the predetermined site area of study where informal settlements had been identified. This area was the 2 block radius around Saphous Street, bordered by the train station in the north and the industrial land along the foreshore and Politechniou Street in the South, Christou Pipsou street in the west and the courthouse and Dodekanisou Street in the East. The research team used the following methodology: •

Used secondary information sources such as UNHCR and information provided by the Municipality to map already identified NGOs and services provided to new migrants and asylum seekers.

•

Services were then confirmed and additional unmapped services were added through a physical survey of the site, as well as signs of informal settlements.

•

Formal meetings with the following NGOs and refugees, helped inform a deeper understanding of needs and challenges;

Organisations: Oikopolis, PRAXIS, Alkyone Day Center, Naomi, Philoxenia, Caritas Hellas, Municipality of Thessaloniki, and CRS. Informal and Structured 70

interviews with refugees: - Single mother with infant - A refugee family (2 adults and 5 children) - A homeless Asylum Seeker Analysis Organizations that provide services related to children support, women support, hygiene facilities, essential needs, medical services, recreational activities and information can be found in different places of the city of Thessaloniki. However, the survey of current services found that they were often difficult to identify. The services that are provided in larger amount along the different NGOs, Municipality of Thessaloniki programs and grassroots organizations are related to social services, psychological support, legal support, accommodation advice and food distribution. For instance, eleven organizations located in our site and its surroundings provide legal support. On the other hand, only three organizations have facilities related to toilets and showers. This could likely be because the creation of addition physical facilities would require a larger investment of financial support that is not currently available to local NGOs, where as office based services were more easily implemented in the existing infrastructure. Scenarios From this assessment the research team worked up three scenarios of the way each

interviewed refugee demographic might be accessing these services on any given day. The scenarios identified that the homeless Asylum Seeker was mostly accessing services on foot and in the local area. The refugee family mostly used services associated with their children, walking them to school and accessing medical services, while the single mother relied heavily on the public buses. In all cases, language was a barrier. In addition, the ground floor entrances to buildings were confusing and unclear, which made finding services difficult. Development of iconography system It was proposed the creation of an universal and consistent non-language based iconography system displayed across a digital interactive map* (google maps), physical collaterals such as posters and flyers and building signage could make a comprehensive system that would give people confidence in accessing services throughout the city. As part of our proposal, the signage would be placed on the facades and at the entrance doors of each organization with a consistent logo, which includes the map network of services, along with the icon for each service that is being provided on site. *http://bit.ly/2DCE4pT Recommendations 1. Shift from a organisation centric information system to a user centric non-language based information system with physical interventions to link services to

other information collateral through the use of consistent service iconography (regardless of the service provider) across the municipality. 2. Add the 17 additional service providers identified but not currently appearing on the Municipal interactive map and .pdf files (Salvation Army, Immigrant’s Social Center, etc). 3. Link the beneficiaries to the services through physical maps in pocket size brochures, which will provide information with the proposed iconography system. 4. Identify a visible spot outside facilities with accessible services for the target population, in order to locate the main icon of the system and the icons according to the services offered. 5. Better integrate digital resources such as an interactive google map broken down by services, and embed them on websites where other information exists (rather than hiding it in long .pdf files). 6. Expand the iconography system to other parts of Greece including the camps in the peri-urban areas of Thessaloniki, and to other locations on common migrant routes (For example, locations in Turkey, the Greek Islands and along the Macedonian border).

Distribution of NGO’s

25 1

19 11

09 02

14 21 20 22 05

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Advocates abroad Agii Pantes Greek Orthodox Church ALKYONE Day Center/DKH ARSIS ARSIS and Charitable Brotherhood of Men ARSIS Hospitality & Care of unaccompanied child asylum seekers Blue Refugee Center / Solidarity Now Caritas HELLAS Center for integration for migrants and refugees (Municipality of Thessaloniki) FILOXENIA food distribution point Homeless Day Center (Municipality of Thessaloniki) Immigrants’ Social Center INTERSOS Greece Migrant Integration Center (Municipality of Thessaloniki) Multifunctional Center for Refugees and Migrants (ICRC) Municipal Clinic (Municipality of Thessaloniki) Odysseas Solidarity School PRAKSIS PRAKSIS Day Center Laundry and Bath Public Library (Municipality of Thessaloniki) Refugee Assistance Collaboration Thessaloniki (REACT) (Municipality of Thessaloniki) Refugee Care Center (Greek Evangelical Alliance) (Municipality of Thessaloniki) Salvation Army Social grocery and Social pharmacy (Municipality of Thessaloniki) UNHCR Thessaloniki Regional Asylum Office Women's Counseling Center (Municipality of Thessaloniki) Xirokrini Children's Library (Municipality of Thessaloniki)

tra

ain

sta t io n 16

24 23

cour

t hou

03 01

06 15

08 12

26 13

Distribution of services Accessibility of services: gaps in public lockers, medical services, facilities, NFI distribution, public toilets and showers, organizations branding, vocational training, social markets (donation) and recreational activities. Target beneﬁciaries: Refugees (9 for children, 6 for women, 10 for hygiene, 42 for medical, 6 for essentials, 10 for informations and 13 for activities), Asylum seekers (10 for hygiene, 20 for medical, 6 for essentials, 8 for informations, 4 for activities), Unregistered persons (3 for hygiene, 20 for medical, 2 for essentials, 2 for informations, 2 activities).

ch ur ch tra in

children educational lessons children space child protection women breastfeeding social support hygiene toilets showers laundry barber 74

essentials food cash assistance clothing dist. money transfer information adult education interpretation information employability adv referal to services legal support

acitivities cultural computer recreational

sta t

ion

security signs of informal settlements

medical social services medical dentist social pharmacy psychological sexual reproductive health psycho-social support

e hous court

Beneficiaries routes

Refugee Family 5 children limited greek proficiency bus dependent 76

Asylum Seeker (single) homeless basic needs searching for employment

Single Mother 7 month old (breast feeding) english proficient bus dependent 77

Distance for service accessibility

Site observations: Difficult to read the information in public spaces. In many places, the information is outdated and only in greek. There are no iconography. Uninviting & dark entry cluster of signs and no clear entry point. Lack of paper signs with no hierarchy and few information with multiple languages. Proposals and recommendations: Online accessibility of information, distribution of physical map therefore easy accessibility for facilities and services. Disponibility of maps in bus stops and building entry. • Online: reframing google interactive map of urban services • Tangible: layered brochure connecting online maps with physical experience • Facility: iconography system used in maps and signs at facilities

You can access the Google Interactive map prototype with the following link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=13Bf8CfUL3zwqEL8Erkf9HJcl9EORkPZk&ll=40.63855785107293%2C22.929024750000053&z=14

Brochures available in multiple locations and maps organized by types of services

Facility entrance

Facility entrance 79

STUDENT BIOGRAPHY MELBOURNE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (RMIT) Ashley Howard (Australia)

Graduate Certificate in Project Management Domestic Builders Limited and Carpentry trade qualification I am an operations/project manager with 13 years experience in commercial construction, hotel refurbishment and domestic building. Currently I am undertaking the Master of Disaster Development and Design (MoDDD) degree at RMIT University Melbourne. My intentions through this course are to transition my building and management experience into the humanitarian field, assisting in efficient project design and building consultation. My goals of this module are to develop insight on long term dignified living solutions for refugees and asylum seekers with consideration to cultural and social needs. My interests are empathy driven leadership and people-oriented management. My technical knowledge in building excels in mechanical air distribution, hydraulics, wet and dry fire safety systems, sanitising and ambulant services. I am also an advocate for climate change solutions and sustainable projects.

Carolyn Lambert (Australia)

Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design Master of Communication (Public Relations) I’m currently studying the Master of Disaster, Design and Development at RMIT in Melbourne. My background includes working with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (Asia-Pacific) and workshop experience in natural building techniques (Earthships, SuperAdobe and Bamboo). I currently work with a Community Engagement Consultancy. My interest is in learning how to build more supportive temporary asylum communities, to shift the asylum seeker process away from simply refuge and life on hold, to one that restores dignity, values skills and provides opportunities. I’m also concerned for the fate of Pacific Island communities that are at risk of statelessness and becoming the world’s first group of Climate Change refugees as we head towards 2-3 degrees of warming. Through MoDDD, I hope to learn how to build community resilience in informal and urban settlements and incorporate Climate Change adaptation strategies. 80

UNIVERSITAT INTERNACIONAL DE CATALUNYA (UIC) MICSEA 2018-2019 Brooj Al-Ammari (Yemen)

Bachelor of Engineering, Sana’a University Studied architecture at Sana’a University, Faculty of engineering. Specialized in planning and worked after graduation for a year with an architectural office in Yemen, and later I worked for another year in Jordan. Volunteered in rights-based awareness campaigns and cultural initiatives. Coming from a deep-rooted city like Sana’a, I was always motivated to protect the identity of cultures and learn from local knowledge. hope the program will help me gain a deeper understanding of urban problems and will allow me to be part of the movement that aims to mitigate these issues.

Luca Arbau (Italy)

Masters in Architecture, University of Ferrara Studied in Italy, with abroad experiences in Spain and Argentina, developing a thesis about a new housing model with cardboard structure for emergency contexts. Worked as a researcher for new materials in economical architecture and as architectural assistant for autoconstruction design, with building experiences in Seville, Madrid and Antwerp. I’m hoping to achieve new skills about international cooperation for humanitarian goals, with focus on the world population growth and housing.

Jose Barastegui Ramirez (Spain)

Masters in Architecture . Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) Worked in architecture offices in Spain, Iceland and Norway before leaving for Asia where I took part in several volunteer programmes in Nepal, Thailand and Mongolia related to children, migrants and housing. I spent the last 7 years working in Shanghai (China) where I gained experience in master planning, office, mixed use and retail. I’m interested in transitioning from the commercial aspect of architecture to a more humanitarian and sustainable side of the profession, developing an interdisciplinary approach and learning the skills to manage cooperation and sustainable development projects. 81

Assia Belguedj (Algeria/USA)

Bachelors in Science of Architecture, Northeastern University Masters in Architecture, Northeastern University Studied architecture in the US with a Master’s Degree focused on affordable housing focused on sustainable urban design and adaptive architecture in cities prone to climate change. My professional career focused on residential and civic projects in the US and Algeria, while also volunteering with the Habitat for Humanity chapter in Washington, D.C., which included building sustainable affordable homes. My focus is to redirect my professional career towards post-disaster reconstruction and/or inclusive adaptive architecture for displaced people in the MENA & Sub-Saharan region.

Andréa Benoist (France/Guatemala)

Bachelors in Sciences Architecture, Université de Montréal Studied architecture in Canada while volunteering in cooperative and emergency architecture office AUC, Montreal. Worked in two architecture offices in Guatemala and took part in the construction of emergency houses in remote communities with NGO called TECHO. Started the mundus urbano master in TUD Darmstadt, Germany in 2017. I am looking forward to have a role in the humanitarian response sector with a special interest over development, culture and identity.

So Han Cheung (Hong Kong)

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Curtin University AU Bachelor of Social Work,HK Baptist University Worked for 5 years of social work practice in Hong Kong. Involved in 1 classroom building project in Nepal, sustained after 8.5 MW earthquake.1 year of drafting autocad in a window firm. Volunteered as one of the founder of a pilot NGO in HK, got experience in failure to take grants and poor team building. Interested to get a stable job in refugee shelter, maybe i can do registry. Interested: trampoline shelter of IFRC/ orphanage/ water database by Marie Aquil./fund writing/ microfinance and women bank Sri lanka.

Elsa Diaz Castro (Mexico)

Bachelor degree in architecture oriented urbanism at ETSAB Elsa has been mainly focused in the urban design field and her professional experience is based on the local government in Mexico. She joined the multidisciplinary team of Public space authority at CDMX while she was studying her master degree in urban planning at UNAM. She coordinated the Zapopan Historic Center master plan, guided by a regional strategyg developed by UN- Habitat. She performed as urban manager of Digital Creative City, urban and social project within a prototype of a smart city in Guadalajara’s historic centre. Excited about new learning in the Humanitarian field that could merge with her previous professional experience. 82

Sarah Dunn (USA)

Bachelor of Architecture, Auburn University (2003) Registered as an architect in the U.S. working in architectural design and master planning. Worked as a staff architect and design manager for a NGO in Uganda, East Africa for 4.5 years. I want to expand my knowledge of design/development in regards to architectural education where none exists, design best practices in developing contexts, and preservation of the architectural heritage of displaced peoples.

Maria Cristina Garcia Escobar (Mexico)

Bachelor of Architecture ITESO Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara Studied architecture in Mexico. Volunteered in a literacy program for adults from indigenous communities. Also volunteered at the NGO TECHO building a transitional house in an informal settlements area in Mexico. Worked in an energy consultancy company specialized in LEED Certification system and got accredited as Green Associate. I am interested in city resilience, integration of marginalized communities and sustainable development.

Rocío Garcia Santamaria (Spain)

Bachelor of Architecture, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia. Studied architecture in Colombia. Lived in Latin America for 18 years, including Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala and Colombia, where I volunteered in helping people during post-disaster situations. Living in countries with high poverty rates and experiencing several natural disasters, exists a need for working towards improving and preventing this situations. I am hoping to extend my knowledge in post-disaster reconstruction strategies, participatory urban planning, and community development, to really understand the humanitarian world in architecture and urbanism and learn how all fields in the humanitarian world work together.

Giulia Grampa (Italy)

Masters in Architecture and Urban Design – Politecnico of Milano Collaborates in drafting the “Malawi safer house construction guidelines”, a project supported by World Bank and UN-Habitat; designs the Jakarta Kali Bezar river area, in collaboration with Binus University; works for UNHCR fundraising and experiences the intervention criteria for displaced populations. Interested in drafting human settlements programs, aware (from the previous experiences) that an anthropological analysis of the population is required, with a strong collaboration with the local government and respecting the dynamics of the society.

Dini Kusumawardhani (Indonesia)

Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture, Sriwijaya University Experienced in community development which was gained under community service exchange program under Canada World Youth after graduation. For the last 3 years, I worked in the Research & Development Agency of the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works & Housing in which I responsible as a Monitoring & Evaluation and Reporting Officer. Being raised in a disaster-prone archipelagic country, I have research interest in urban resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Judy Mahfouz (Syria/UAE)

Bachelors of Architecture, American University of Sharjah Has work experience of six years in Dubai, working on various disciplines including architecture, interior design and urban design. She has experience with residential and hospitality projects. She volunteered in 2014 for one month in Zanzibar to rebuild the floor of a nursery and her perspective in life changed. She has developed a passion for humanitarian architecture and she aims to utilize architecture and design to solve complex problems in the built environment. She would like to start with her home city, Aleppo.

Andrea Noblega (Uruguay)

Bachelor in Architecture, Universidad ORT Worked in architecture and construction firms related to commercial architecture and housing. She specialized in budgeting, construction management and architecture design. She also worked as an assistant professor in her university. She volunteered at the NGO “TECHO”, working in informal settlements. In 2017 she joined the Mundus Urbano Program. She aims to learn from multi-disciplinary professionals and obtain the necessary skills in order to mitigate social inequalities in urban development. She looks forward to focus on DRM and post disaster reconstruction.

Damiana Pacheco Avilés (Ecuador)

Bachelor of Architecture, University of Cuenca, Ecuador Masters of Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA I was volunteer at the NGO “TECHO” and worked in 2013 in its housing prototype for Ecuador. For my undergraduate thesis I studied the features of overcrowded tenement houses in Cuenca. Architecture after forced migration was the topic of my graduate thesis. I worked at the Research Department at University of Cuenca and at an architectural firm. At Virginia Tech I was a GTA and worked in a Disaster Relief Housing prototype. I want to study architectural strategies in interdisciplinary conditions to address the challenges involved in forced migration situations. 84

Sruthi Ravi (India)

Bachelor of Architecture, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology India Passionate about humanitarian architecture since she graduated architecture school. Sruthi experience as an architect at a firm in Dubai for 2 years helped her strengthen her technical base before she could venture into the development sector. She went on to working in Selco foundation, Bangalore, as an architect in the built environment team. She mostly worked in urban and rural areas in Karnataka (India), providing built environment solutions like transitional housing for urban migrants. She also has a keen interest in vernacular architecture, and would like to explore its role in different phases of emergency architecture.

Kitty Selkirk (UK)

Bachelor of Architecture, University of Edinburgh Kitty completed her Part 1 in architecture at the University of Edinburgh in 2017. During that time, she interned in Nepal working on post-disaster reconstruction following the 2015 earthquake, using earthbag technology as a means of seismic resistance in school and homes. Following this interned in 2018 with Community Organisation Resource Centre (CORC) in Cape Town, working on informal settlement upgrading – mainly on the provision of basic services and a housing project.

Matthew Wilson (Australia)

Masters of Architecture - Deakin University, Geelong, Australia I have been working for a number of years in an architectural firm, based in Melbourne Australia, specialising mainly in Hospital and Health-care design. I am particularly interested in the role of Architecture to help provide improved health care infrastructure to remote and disaster stricken communities. Outside of my professional background, I have spent time volunteering in Lebanon, working with Syrian refugees displaced by war. I have also had the opportunity to spend time volunteering in Argentina helping impoverished communities in slum neighbourhoods. I am excited about the opportunity this course offers to use architecture and design to help those in need around the world.