Community for Refugee

COMMUNITY FOR REFUGEE In the Netherlands, about approximately 60.000 refugees have come seeking safety from conflict and persecution. This situation showed the need for quick and lasting solutions to help these people settle into Dutch society. Ter Apel, where the largest refugee center is located, had to find space for up to 2.000 people during this crisis. Our design proposes a fundamental shift in how we view refugees. Instead of solely focusing on short-term humanitarian concerns, we aim to create long-term opportunities for economic integration and social inclusion of refugees. Understanding the transformative potential of architecture in fostering inclusivity, our design approach focuses on repurposing the existing football field site in Ter Apel into a multifunctional space that addresses the diverse needs of refugees. The current land use of the existing 1.500 sqm site is primarily recreational, which may not be the most effective utilization. Also it is located next to the COA ( Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers) Ter Appel camp. To enhance the site, we are transforming it by introducing small dwellings, creating a combined medium-density residential and recreational area. Instead of viewing the football field solely as a recreational area, we propose converting it into a residential community featuring micro-homes 25 sqm tailored for two occupants, supplemented by rest areas and outdoor farming spaces equipped with hydroponic systems and garden beds. The integration of outdoor farming components, including two types of farming garden beds and hydroponic systems, to promotes self-sufficiency. Full electrical system powered by PV panels on the rooftops. The dwellings (micro-homes) on the site are intended as temporary housing for refugees. These homes are manufactured in a factory and easily transported to the site in Ter Apel. They are placed on the site temporarily. Once the refugee crisis is resolved, these micro-homes can be easily removed from the site and reused elsewhere. Through the adaptation of lightweight prefabricated living units and incorporating farming on the plot, we can address housing and refugee crises in multiple locations. These micro-homes are not only easily adaptable but also affordable and have a low carbon footprint. By combining these lightweight housing options with farming, we can establish a community for refugees that is human-centered and provides a sensitive solution to addressing the refugee crisis in the Netherlands.