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ReACTION
Re-purposing refugee housing in the Ampelokipi neighborhood of Central Athens, Greece.
Task
Repurposing refugees housing
Duration
6 Months
Team
Role
4 Architectural Designers
Research, Designer, Model Maker
Challenge
The existing site conditions consists of eight residential blocks known as "Prosfygika" or "Refugees' Area" built in the 1930's. Its original purpose was to host Greeks and Armenians who were expelled from Turkey during the Great Population Exchange. Being neglected by the government, it has provided unsettled spaces for refugees and an eye sore for the neighborhood.
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According to the Danish Refugee Council in Greece, the cost to build a camp with prefabricated structures for 1,000 people can cost approximately 5 million Euros with a yearly maintenance of 500 thousands Euros. Therefore, repurposing the Prosfygika complex is a financially sound scenario.
Design Process
Discover
Define
Design
Deliver
Architecture is very similar to UX Designing when it comes to problem solving. The design process utilized for UX work is also applied similarly to the architectural work.
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Discover - Understanding existing site conditions to deliver a proper proposal.
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Define - Analyze research insights to develop a proper user-centered design.
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Design - Design solutions that best fit the living stages of the refugees.
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Deliver - Present the final design that provides a clear solution to users in need.
Discover
Research
Site Conditions
Understanding the surrounding and the current conditions will help us shape a proper program to repurpose the existing buildings into proper refugee camps. This will allow a proper flow between new comers and existing users.
We also need to understand basic functionality such as existing programs and flows, that way we can incorporate the new designs without disrupting the existing conditions, and providing accessible ways to merge both seamlessly.
Existing Users
Being neglected by the government, most of the spaces are constantly occupied by squatters and new refugees. To repurpose the existing spaces, we need to consider the different stages between existing users and new users.
Existing and new users need reassurance and support to stay in a safe space without being pushed out by the government.
Define
Analysis
Typology
The site was dissected and organized in categories to understand the existing typology. Through this, we will be able to create a cohesive language with the new design.
Program + Users
To create a proper flow we need to properly establish a hierarchy between public and private spaces. This will guide users between spaces and give them a better understanding of to what is offered to them individually and what is shared in the community. Also, because this is a refugee camp after all, we need to take into consideration two user personas. The new comers (Phase 1) and long term residents (Phase 2).
How might we ensure that both group can have a proper transition without clashing with each other.
Design
Conceptual Design
Phase Distribution
Because this is a refugee camp after all, we need to take into consideration two user personas. The new comers (Phase 1) and long term residents (Phase 2).
Defining Spaces
Deliver
Final Designs
Aside from repurposing the existing conditions, we have also proposed the concept of "Pop-Out" spaces. With a unique accordion style frame, we can convert balcony spaces into rooms (Balcony Pop-Out)) or extend spaces to create more rooms (Independent Pop-Out).
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Discover
Reflection
Working on this project has been rewarding. Our professor taught us to believe in the political language that architecture has to offer and the beauty in re-using and reinforcing existing spaces to create something better for everyone.
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We were fortunate to be selected as the Best Comprehensive Design Project and get our work published by the Architecture Department at CCNY.
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However, We still believe in room for improvement and exploration. As the time given was not enough to explore construction drawings, we will take that as part of our next steps on this project.