Baukultur in the context of displacement: new paths for sustainable accommodation

Project description

The project analyses collective accommodation facilities for refugees. It develops economically, socially and ecologically sustainable models that address existing deficits and enable refugees and local populations to live together inclusively. The research focuses on the planning and construction of accommodation in the past, present and future. Historical analyses, interviews, focus groups, mapping and living labs provide insights for the development of a high-quality Baukultur for collective accommodation that complies with the Davos Baukultur Quality System.

Due to a lack of facilities, housing shortages and controversial planning procedures, asylum seekers in Switzerland are often accommodated in collective housing for long periods. While there are standards and best practice models exist for the design of such accommodation, they are rarely implemented. This reinforces precarity and marginalisation of the inhabitants. Previous research provides evidence on the negative consequences of such exclusionary Baukultur on the health and well-being of refugees, the residents of surrounding neighbourhoods and social cohesion more generally. The status quo of these buildings contradicts the goals of a sustainable Baukultur that “brings people together and promotes social cohesion”. (Federal Office of Culture, 2021).

Project implementation

Attitudes towards refugees have changed over time, depending on their origin, the circumstances of their flight and how they are portrayed in the media. The project examines how the discourse is linked to political and economic interests and how it is reflected in the historical Baukultur of refugee accommodation. It then examines buildings and current plans for refugee accommodation in Switzerland and analyses practices and challenges in the implementation of high-quality Baukultur. The findings aim to demonstrate how housing for refugees can be sustainably planned, built and maintained to enable inclusion as well as high-quality architecture and urban development. Model instruments and regulations for political and administrative planning are going to be developed.