Dr. Ioulia Moraitou1, Prof. John Kiousopoulos, UNIWA Athens, GR

Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade with Balkan Architectural Biennale - BAB 2021 International Conference: Global Village – Shelter for Resilient Living

NOMADIC AND REFUGEE LIVES: HOW CAN INNOVATIVE CITIES SUPPORT THIS KIND OF POPULATION?

E. Konstantopoulou*1, L.Tousia*2 Postgraduate Students in Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, 38334 Volos, Greece *1Author: e-mail: elekonstant@uth.gr*2Author: e-mail: ltousia@uth.gr Abstract In 2021, almost two years since the SARS-CoV-2 breakout, a global need has emerged to fulfill our everyday needs, under different protocols, even in EU countries. If our cities and countries became more innovative, even part of their resident population would be better supported. It would be most helpful, however, for the nomadic and refugee populations, who are in constant movement until they find their new home. Our first step in this direction would be to create a platform/application in order to collect and regularly update all the information necessary to facilitate their research for accommodation, occupation, education, healthcare, public services etc. Secondly, this information would become available in at least two languages, in the official language as well as in English, ultimately aiming in providing translation in other languages in the future. The third step would be to study and implement all of the above. This project’s realization is expected to have positive results in several fields, and its social and financial impact will be immediate, while it will also result in several indirect and long-term psychological benefits for the general population, as its needs will be met easier and more directly. The project’s objective and vision is to combine the efforts of several professional fields in the long run, including architects and engineers, programmers, educators, psychologists, and law experts, who can promote the realization of future projects. We shouldn’t need to be in the shoes of the nomads and refugees in order to put in the effort for quality services. Our goal is to reinvent life in the Balkans, not only for the native population but for everyone.

Keywords:Nomadic life, refugee life, innovative systems, innovation, support