Temporary housing in the context of crisis

Master's degree final project

University of Zagreb
Faculty of Architecture
School of design
mentor: Mladen Orešić

assistant: Andrea Hercog

Temporary housing in the context of crisis is a system of modular units designed for situations such as wars or natural disasters, in which the displaced people are placed in large spaces (halls, tents). The system adapts to any individual or group and allows personalization of space use.

The modular system of elements provides the basic functions of temporary residence: sleep, privacy, storage. Each unit can be connected in the grid and used in countless ways. Usage of elements is arbitrary and left to the user to decide. The elements adjust to the functional and emotional needs of the individual.

By designing an equipment that includes users in the process of using and providing assistance in the refugee camp, it is possible to strengthen the sense of equality, self-esteem and independence of humanitarian assistance. This design approach can ultimately contribute to the sense of independence and autonomy of users, promote participation, and of course, reduce the costs of equipment and labor.

The idea is to encourage a sense of equality through a free way usage of the furniture elements and donations, which doesn't mean a one-way provision of assistance by volunteers, but proposes mutual transfer, helping and participating in humanitarian processes, placing refugees in the same position of power with volunteers.

The system consists of frames that make up the walls of the units and modular elements. Elements include beds, ladders, tables, chairs, night lights, and elements for storage. All of these elements should facilitate a refugee life and make their temporary stay in camp as close as possible to normal life.

The elements are a combination of wooden boards and a wire frame construction with hooks. Hooks are universal and an integral part of every element that allow hanging them to a wall construction. The combination of warm-toned exposed timber and painted bright red metal contrasts well and provides a feeling of warmth and safety with a dose of playfulness. Red is the most vibrant color, so it encourages activity, helping to exercise individual freedoms inherent in the design, which is the main objective of the the project.

The ability to create their own space and to decide on opening up to or closing away from the neighboring units with blinds gives it a glance of common life in a city or a building and encourages interaction, independence and individuality.