The project has been the result of intense research, following Rai Studio's focus on "social sustainability". This investigation sought to identify habits and beliefs in this group of refugees, from construction techniques and timeframes to the importance and meaning of concepts such as "privacy".
Upon observation and research, the built structure materialized using traditional construction techniques and materials, replicating the functions of previously existing shelters as well as their spatial qualities.
The resulting adobe construction also sought to address a series of issues, updating the traditional format to reflect concerns about erosion, durability and resilience, ventilation, lighting, and insulation. The volume also seeks to integrate an interior, private courtyard where the inhabitants' activities can unfold; simultaneously, space for domestic animals was accounted for, in a series of adjacent spaces.
Location: Afghan Refugee Camp, Kerman, Iran
Site area: 10 x 10 metres
Area of intervention: 30 square metres
Material: Mud bricks (handmade, sun-dried)
Number bricks: 6,000 (25 x 25 x 10 cm)
Completion: October 2012
Client: Norwegian Refugee Council
Norwegian Refugee Council Support: Roberto Vila-Sexto, Arjang Abdolahi, Shiva Zendedel
Architecture for Humanity Support: Kate Stoher, Frederika Zipp
Lead Architects: Pouya Khazaeli Parsa, Mehrnoosh Khalooghi
Design Team: Bahar Amirinanlou, Nasim Vakili, Mohammad Abdolrezazadeh, Sanaz Jafari
Collaborator: Elyas Bagheri
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