Refugee Housing: the Implementation of Diverse Design Strategies for Enhancing the Wellbeing of Refugees

Abstract

The escalating global refugee crises, exemplified by the Ukrainian conflict, have reached unprecedented levels, with 103 million people forcibly displaced according to ProAsyl (2023). This surge, fueled in part by Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine, poses immense challenges for those seeking refuge. The Ukrainian refugee crisis, marked by traumatizing circumstances and family separations, highlights the struggles individuals face in unfamiliar environments. Unfortunately, many refugee accommodations fall short of humane standards, with overcrowding, limited privacy, and subpar conditions. These challenges, exacerbated by the Covid-19 outbreak, underscore the pressing need for refugee housing that meets humane standards (Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik and Stiller 2023). This thesis addresses the urgent need for design strategies and communal living solutions tailored to the specific needs of Ukrainian refugees. Focusing on physical and emotional wellbeing, privacy, safety, and cultural integration, the research explores the limitations of space in refugee housing. With a matriarchal perspective, the study delves into how families, predominantly composed of women and children, can engage in beneficial relationships and live contentedly in communal settings. The aim is to foster a more optimistic future for Ukrainian refugees by creating housing solutions that prioritize their unique needs. Keywords: Refugee Crisis, Ukrainian Conflict, Communal Living, Design Strategies, Matriarchal Perspective, Humane Standards, Wellbeing, Privacy, Safety, Cultural Integration