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FRIHUMSAM-Fri prosj.st. hum og sam

What Buildings do: The Effect of the Physical Environment on Quality of Life of Asylum Seekers

Awarded: NOK 4.1 mill.

Asylum seekers are offered far poorer housing conditions than the population in general. This is usually based on the argument that the accommodation is meant to be temporary, but in fact many asylum seekers live in reception centers for several years. The buildings are often built for other purposes than being homes, they are overcrowded, worn down and many have an inadequate technical, functional and aesthetical standard. Asylum seekers are in risk of developing mental problems, and we know from previous research that the physical characteristics and localization of the living environment affects how residents view themselves and their own situation, and not at least how others perceive them. The overall objective of the research has been two-fold. First, it has been to investigate how the physical environment of reception centers for asylum seekers affects the well being, empowerment and safety of residents, and not least their relationship with the community. Secondly, the project has aimed to influence practice in the reception sector. It argues that architecture should be actively used to support positive social and mental processes, provide space for meaningful activities and create meeting places between asylum seekers and the local community. A survey has been conducted to all Norwegian reception centers and qualitative case studies has been carried out in a selection of centers (in total about 15). The survey shows that, although the standard of the accommodation varies, about half of the centers report on building related problems such as moisture, draught, worn-down surfaces, poor indoor climate and lacking accessibility for disabled residents. Most single residents have to share room with one or more others. The research indicates that the low standard of asylum seeker reception centers counteract the goal of integration. Poor aesthetic and technical standard become symbols of exclusion and the group's low status in society. Instead of supporting the dignity and independence of asylum seekers and their ability to function as members of the society, the physical environment may lead to an increased level of conflict among the residents. A positive trend, however, is the increased use of ordinary dwellings in decentralized reception centers. This contributes to the normalization of the situation of the asylum seekers and to greater participation in society. The problem is that often the cheapest homes with the poorest quality in the private rental market are being used, in some cases even demolition objects, which may lead to a further stigmatization of residents. Based on findings from case studies, architectural students' design projects and information obtained from other relevant built examples, a booklet with guidelines has been published aiming towards the reception center industry, public authorities and other actors involved in planning and running reception centers. Publications from the project and selected examples of media coverage are posted on a separate website: https://www.ntnu.no/ad/asylmottak

This research proposal focuses both upon the effect physical environments may have for the well-being of asylum seekers and their relationship with the local community. Based on a human rights perspective one could argue that asylum seekers are entitled t o have the same housing standards as the general population of the country they arrive in. But asylum seekers are often provided a low housing standard that reflects a temporary stay. However, many stay for years, waiting for answers to their application. The attitudes towards housing for asylum seekers in Europe are based on ethical dilemmas that need to be illuminated. Asylum seekers are in risk of developing psychological problems, and research shows that housing quality may be used as a strategy to af fect the mental health of the residents, their activity level, and well-being. This project is not about artistic design. It focuses upon physical environments that facilitate positive social processes, lower conflict levels, secure and inspire the reside nts to an increased activity level, and improve contact between asylum seekers and local community - thereby contributing to improving the mental health and self-esteem of the asylum seekers. The project will be based on case studies, survey, qualitative interviews, and typology studies. The project will provide practical knowledge on the physical aspects that are important to address during the different stages of planning, rehabilitation and operation of asylum centers. Even if the focus of this researc h proposal is asylum seekers, the results are also relevant for other types of vulnerable resident groups, especially resident groups in need of temporary housing. The project therefore aims to develop theories on housing as a strategy for improving life conditions for vulnerable groups of residents.

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FRIHUMSAM-Fri prosj.st. hum og sam