Structures of Protection?: Rethinking Refugee Shelter

This volume explores the different forms of refugee shelter and their theoretical implications, drawing on sociology, anthropology, law, architecture, and history to understand the relationship between architecture, place, politics, design, and displacement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This volume brings together essays on various forms of refugee shelter, with the aim of expanding public understanding about the lives of forced migrants and developing theoretical insights into this often overlooked aspect of the refugee experience. Drawing from a diverse range of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, law, architecture, and history, each chapter explores a specific shelter and uses it as a platform for theoretical reflections on the complex relationship between architecture, place, politics, design, and displacement.

The first essay in the volume examines the historical and cultural significance of shelter in refugee contexts, exploring how it has evolved over time and the different roles it has played in protecting and supporting vulnerable populations. The author argues that shelter is not just a physical structure but also a symbol of identity and belonging, and that it can have a powerful impact on the mental and physical well-being of refugees.

The second essay explores the legal and policy frameworks that govern refugee shelter, discussing the challenges and limitations faced by refugees in accessing adequate and safe housing. The author highlights the importance of international and national laws and policies that promote the rights of refugees and ensure their access to basic human needs, such as shelter.

The third essay examines the role of architecture in shaping refugee shelter, exploring how design can influence the physical and psychological well-being of refugees. The author discusses the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials and designs that promote self-sufficiency and community building.

The fourth essay explores the experiences of refugees living in urban contexts, discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly changing landscape of cities. The author argues that urban refugee shelters can be designed to be inclusive and accessible, and that they can play a vital role in promoting social integration and economic development.

The fifth essay examines the role of community-based organizations in providing refugee shelter, discussing the challenges and successes of these initiatives. The author highlights the importance of community engagement and participation in the design and management of shelter, and the role that these organizations can play in promoting social cohesion and resilience.

The final essay explores the role of technology in shaping refugee shelter, discussing the potential benefits and challenges of using new technologies to improve the quality and accessibility of shelter. The author discusses the use of digital technologies to facilitate communication and coordination between refugees and humanitarian organizations, as well as the use of drones and other advanced technologies to survey and monitor refugee camps.

In conclusion, this volume provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of refugee shelter, highlighting the diverse and complex ways in which it is shaped and experienced by forced migrants. By bringing together essays from a range of disciplines, the volume aims to expand public understanding about the lives of forced migrants and develop theoretical insights into this oft-neglected facet of the refugee experience.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800736306