In the context of the Syria crisis and as a contribution to the global response to mass displacement, In Transit II aims to develop design solutions, urban planning strategies, and tactical urbanism interventions to increase the livability for people in transit and their host communities.

Traditional, centralized urban planning seems to fail when faced with extreme, even temporary, population growth. Whether the reasons are due to political will, ability to engage or economic incapacity, the slow-moving urban planning processes are not meeting the urgency of these matters. Simultaneously, transitional spaces - such as refugee camps, are designed for the short term: to meet an emergency need and then disappear. This is no longer the reality in a globalizing world faced with urbanization and mass displacement caused by disasters and prolonged conflicts. The average stay in a refugee camp is now 17 years. At the same time, over 80% of displaced populations worldwide are seeking sanctuary in cities instead of settling in camps or camp-like settings. There is currently a disconnect between solving immediate needs and developing sustainable solutions benefitting the ones fleeing and the urban environments hosting them.

Both host community arrangements and large-scale refugee facilities require rapid urban planning interventions. Both situations also require hands-on design solutions ready for immediate implementation. In line with the urgency of the situation, the In Transit II course will be fast-paced, and make use of the following approach: smart programming combined with attractive physical spaces – where the goal is to achieve city or neighborhood coherence, and social cohesion between the new arrivals and their host communities.

The studio will focus on mass displacement and urbanization by looking at the situation in two vastly different host countries: JORDAN and NORWAY
The Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan is currently housing 80,000 persons, while in Norway the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is planning to rent “flotels” (ships) and construct “barrack cities” that will each house between 1000-5000 persons.

Despite the temporary nature of such facilities, emergency accommodations tend to become permanent settlements. How can we maximize the capacity of people in acute need of protection, and at the same time ensure a high degree of dignity and livability? How are we addressing the long-term spatial and specifically urban needs with rapid relief interventions?
How can we develop design strategies for durable solutions and livable communities in in countries where refugees seek asylum?

What is the best option for the new arrivals, and what are acceptable solutions for the hosts? What is the spatial and programmatic common ground for the new arrivals and their host communities?

“Barrack cities” or “Flotels”– can’t we do better?
Background:
The number of refugees arriving in Europe seeking international protection continues to increase. However, it remains low compared to Syria`s neighboring countries, with slightly more than 10% of those who have fled the conflict seeking safety in Europe. As Syria is entering its sixth year of conflict, more than 2.1 million Syrians have been registered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in neighboring countries: Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. Approximately 2 million Syrian refugees are currently in Turkey. One million refugees and migrants fled to Europe in 2015.