Fortress Europe was an architectural event conducted by 23 Indonesian architects during the event of Venice Architecture Biennale in 2016, showcasing concepts of works, proposals, and ideas to benefit the many parties involved during the refugee crisis of 2015 in Europe. The exhibition was one of many positive steps for Indonesian architects as Indonesia is considered to be the largest country of Muslim population in the world and wanted contribute the thoughts in the migrant crisis in Europe, utilizing architecture as a tool to further humanizing humanity.
Syria’s war has been one of the worst humanitarian crisis that happened in the earlier part of the 21st century. Half of the country’s pre-war population – more than 11 million people – have been killed or forced to flee their homes. Families and many households are struggling to survive inside Syria, or make a new home in neighboring countries, ranging from Turkey to the coasts of Portugal. These many refugees are risking their lives on their way to Europe, hoping to find new environments of acceptance and opportunities. Unfortunately, the onset conditions of harsh winters have only made their journey to be even more challenging and difficult, the further they go.
At times, the consequences of war and conflicts can be felt as truly overwhelming, as no security can be acquired to sustain their proper living conditions, but one clear fact does make things certain, the millions of Syrian need our help. According to the UN, it will take up to US$7.7 billion to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable Syrians in 2016. As many refugees have started to cross multiple countries at once, local oppositions have taken many actions to ensure their place within the society. This meant new problems of social segregation. If not properly taken care of, these social phenomenon could lead the countries into many turbulent justices.
This is where the ideas for sustainable life pods emerged, to educate the societies and the refugees the importance for a proper living spaces through design. The formation of this idea starts with the basic needs for comfortable spaces such as gardens, safe paths, and proper drainage systems for the proper refuge.
The social housing is comprised with a number of modular units of dwelling spaces, and services, with each of these 2.40 m in width and 4.80 m of length to be easily delivered through intermodal platforms that are commonly used by logistical trucks. These modules are then installed into place to the fitting core structure set on site. With many possibilities of unit arrangements, the modular units can also be adapted according the resident’s needs, making it easy to replicate and expand in the future.
