Date of Graduation

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Architecture

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Architecture

Advisor/Mentor

Messadi, Tahar

Committee Member

Webb, Jennifer

Second Committee Member

Billig, Noah

Abstract

This capstone investigates the overlap of psychology and architecture as a tool to address the issue of mental wellness in refugees. It focuses on the way refugee camp conditions perpetuate the trauma that is experienced, and how the inhabited spaces foster unhealthy interactions that add to the emotional stress refugees endure. Most of these unhealthy interactions are caused by overcrowded living conditions that prevail in most refugee camps, leading to violations of privacy and personal space. By investigating aspects of social psychology and proxemics, this capstone connects these concepts to spatial solutions, with the goal of reducing emotional stress and improving mental wellness conditions among the refugee population. As an outcome, a taxonomy is developed in categorizing design guidelines.

Keywords

Refugee; Refugee camps; Refugee health; Design guidelines; Taxonomy; Mental wellness

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