Urban Refugee Integration in Rome of Prof. Hajo Neis Summer Program 2019

REGINA COELI INCLUSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD

Urban Refugee Integration in Rome

Rome Summer Program, June 18 - Aug 12, 2019

UO Department of Architecture, Professor Hajo Neis, PhD

4/584 Design Studio, 4/507 City of Rome, 4/523 Media

REGINA COELI INCLUSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD

Urban Refugee Integration in Rome

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . 5

2 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . 8

3 CITY CONTEXT (AXISES) . . . . . . . . 14

4 NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT . . . . . . . . 23

5 PATTERN LANGUAGE . . . . . . . . . 28

5 PROJECT LANGUAGE . . . . . . . . . 35

6 URBAN GAMES (1-4) . . . . . . . . . 41

7 PRISON BUILDING RE-USE PROPOSALS . . . . . . 47

8 NEW BUILDING PROPOSALS . . . . . . . . 55

9 LUNGARA STREET REDESIGN . . . . . . . . 74

10 U.N. REFUGEE DESIGN COMPETITION ENTRY . . . . . 77

11 BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . 83

FOREWORD

I want to thank our twelve students, three graduates and nine undergraduates. They are

fantastic students, with the heart on the right spot, energy, creativity and lots of

determinism. They did an incredibly good job over the course of the UO Rome summer

Program. Most impressive, they came through in the final review, not only with their

individual building designs, but also with the experimental communal urban design. And

to top the list, they also met the deadline on the same day for the International Design

Competition 'Cities and Refugees', that includes a wonderful 45 second video expressing

the wish for dignity of refugees in a poem.

I also want to thank all of our guest lecturers and reviewers, starting with Pia Katharine

Schneider from Rome and ending with Joachim Kieferle from Wiesbaden, Germany.

Thanks to our main reviewers and guest lecturers. They include Giuseppe Strappa,

Rome; Antonio Latini, Rome; Tom Rankin, Rome; Howard Davis, Oregon; Ralf Weber,

Dresden; Alexander Schmidt, Essen; Ihab Elzeyadi, Oregon; Vicky Kynourgiopoulou,

Greece; Grace Aaraj, Lebanon. I am very thankful for all their contributions.

It is also with great pleasure that I can thank Adam Abusukheila, who did a tremendous

amount of work in putting the Rome booklet together, so that we all have a wonderful

record of this exhilarating summer project in Rome.

Hajo Neis, PhD. Rome Program Director

The Team.

Upper row (left to right): Adam Abu-Sukheila (editor), Aaron Kennerley, Guiseppe Strappa, Joachim Kieferle, Ivan Castro, Antonio Latini, Hajo Neis, Masako Watanabe, Angel (Chief Engineer) Lopez and Tom Rankin.

Lower row (left to right): Madison Canelis, Adrienne Betchle, Hannah Gerton, Emma Cantor, Christiana Hedlund, Madison Drozd, Flynn Casey and Gemma Fucigna.

Contributors not in photo: Alexander Schmidt, Grace Aaraj, Howard Davis, Ihab Elzeyadi, Julian Watanabe-Neis, Pia K. Schnieder, Ralf Weber and Vicky Kynourgiopoulou.

A Neis INTRODUCTION

NARRATIVE INTRODUCTION: REFUGEE INTE-

GRATION IN THE ETERNAL CITY By Hajo Neis, PhD.

Photo by Adam Abu-Sukheila

This is the story of a design transformation of an outdated

but still active prison in the middle of the 'Centro Storico'

(historical center) of Rome for the purpose of creating a new

progressive neighborhood at the foot of the Gianicolo Hill and

next to the Tiber between the traditional Trastevere District and

the Vatican. The neighborhood is intended to be designed as

an inclusive neighborhood that includes 25-30% refugees or

assylants. The narrative starts with a visit to Rome in August of

2018.

Since 1975, I have visited Rome many times, sometimes

for months, or weeks, and sometimes only for a few days or

over the weekend. During these more than 20 visits over 45

years, I often walked along the Tiber to the Vatican from the

area around Piazza Farnese, Pantheon, or Piazza Navona.

And I must have seen a particular yellow plastered building on

my walks many times. It feels like a sort of government building,

about 100 years old, three stories high, regular window

repetition. It is also a location where Via della Lungara and the

Mazzini bridge meet perpendicularly in a difficult urban traffic

and transportation configuration. At some point I also started

to understand that it is a kind of prison administration building:

'Carcere e Djustizia'. But I never saw a prison, and I also was

not particularly keen on exploring a prison location at any of my

previous encounters.

Only in the late summer of 2018, when I was looking for

a site for refugee housing and a neighborhood design, I started

to get interested in the area behind the mysterious long yellow

administration building. First looking on google, I was very surprised

to find a gigantic prison area behind the yellow building.

This prison slowly made its way up toward the Gianicolo Hill. Immediately,

I went to the site, and found an incredibly large wall

behind the pleasant yellow building, accessed on what is called

Via della Mantellate. Walking all around the prison, the huge

size became palpable, and glimpses of the inner prison buildings

were starting to emerge behind the walls at higher levels or

different angles and their enormity created a strong impression.

My purpose in August of 2018 was to find a site that was

appropriate and interesting enough to accommodate a challenging

project for our students, and also could be part of my current

main design and research topic of urban refugee integration,

and it also had to be a worthwhile urban site for improving the

city itself. There was another competing site near the Collosseum

and the Celio Mountain next to the Santa Militare compound

that I considered, but it did not quite match up to the potential of

transforming a prison into an inclusive neighborhood with refugees.

Consequently, the Regina Coeli Prison Site became the

place to explore and prepare for the following summer architecture

program in Rome in 2019. The different axises, one

from the Baroque City over the Mazzini bridge and the prison

up to the Gianicolo and the second axis of Via della Lungara

from Trastevere to the Vatican crossing perpendicular right at

the prison site, made the situation much more exciting, and the

question was: what kind of precedents could be found, and what

professionals and academics had attempted this challenging

urban situation. It was my ISUF colleague, professor Giuseppe

Strappa from the Sapienza University in Rome, who made me

aware that there were some attempts made to recreate a functioning

axis from Chiesa Nueva via the Mazzini Bridge and up

the Gianicolo under Mussolini, but that will come later.

Another critical topic is the form and degree of help in

which refugees could be part of Rome's inner 'Centro Storico'.

While the City Hall administration tries to keep refugees at the

edge of the city, especially the historic city, it is also true that

refugees should be part of the active life of any inner city and

not be marginalized to the boundaries of cities. It is also true

that European city administrations do not follow any longer the

liberal doctrine of letting exclusive districts and neighborhoods

for refugees and other foreigners emerge in their cities. Partially

this is justified for reasons of the potential of creating terrorist

breeding grounds but also it is considered a better integration

policy. However, it seems to be quite reasonable and acceptable

for the indigenous population to live with and accept socalled

'inclusive neighborhoods' in which a part of the population

are refugees (or assylants) within a larger group being the

indigenous population.

Recent national politics in Italy have turned to populism

and the right, partially because of the huge refugee problem

in Europe with Italy at the Mediterranean Sea being one of the

main receiving countries of refugees from the war-torn Middle

East and Africa. These refugees mostly flee over the Mediterranean

Sea from Libya and other North African countries many

of them only to drown in the sea because of unsafe boats.

Recently, the new Italian Interior Minister Salvini has forbidden

anybody to bring in any refugees into Italian harbors, especially

not independent organizations picking up refugees in danger of

drowning on open Sea. In July of 2019 he introduced and succeeded

in creating a new law that would replace an older law

which penalizes ships and ship captains for bringing in refugees

to Italian harbors. The old law penalty was Euro 50,000 and

seizure of vessel. The new updated law is Euro 1,000,000 plus

seizure of vessel. Here, humanitarian activities are being criminalized

in the name of sovereign authority.

Looking back in time, we can observe that the Regina

Coeli site itself has a long history, not only in sociopolitical terms

but also in spatial urban-architectural terms. Looking at the Nolli

Planfrom 1748 for example one can observe a site that is surrounded

by the same streets as it is today. There were two convents,

one at the lower end right next to the River, which is the

Regina Coeli Convent and another smaller one at the top of the

site on the lower slopes of the Gianicolo. Here, some buildings

still exist, in particular a small chapel at the Northwest corner. At

the time of Nolli, the site was covered with gardens, trees and

agricultural land feeding Rome. (reference to the Regina Coeli

book).

Part of the history of the site, as referred to earlier, is a

monumental project attempt by the Mussolini architect Piacentini,

who proposed to reconnect the city with the Gianicolo Hill in

a grand way. He was the first who, urbanistically and architecturally,

proposed to replace the prison with a new urban design of

so-called rationalist architecture and urban office buildings and

a grandiose park walking up the Gianicolo Hill. A continuation of

the Mazzini bridge level led into a new park and into the hill with

elaborate stairs and pedestrian paths to complete the connection

from Chiesa Nueva to the green hill landscape near Villa

Lante. The plan was approved in 1932 and a refined version of

the plan was supposed to be build starting in 1942. Initial operations

of demolitions and cutting a new path between the

Mazzini Bridge and Chiesa Nuova into the medieval structure

leave urban scars until this day. Only the war prevented this

large monumental project to be realized and create further

urban fabric damage. As we will see in the second part of this introductory

narrative, our approach in some ways follows similar

ideas of connecting the city from Chiesa Nuova to Gianicolo, but

we also do it in a dramatically different fashion and in a more

modest and huminstic way.

TRANSFORMING THE REGINA COELI PRISON

INTO AN INCLUSIVE URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD

The University of Oregon Summer Program in Rome consists of

three classes for an eight week period:

1. An Architecture Studio Design Project.

2. A Theory/History Course that we called 'City of Rome' CoR.

3. A Hand Media Course.

The instructors rotate year by year with new faculty

members, new ideas and new projects. This year it was my

second rotation. This time with a project for refugees in the old

city of Rome. The primary class is the design studio around

which media and history/theory are organized, particularly in this

project with an actual real contemporary challenge and focus on

refugee urban integration.

The students, who selected the summer program and the

refugee topic consist of 12 class members, 3 graduate students,

and 9 undergraduate students who just finished their second

year of architecture education, including 3 interior architects, 5

males and 7 females, and some with refugee connections. In

the first several introductory meetings in the hometown of Eugene,

Oregon, I started to explain some of the topics presented

in part one of this introduction and I also presented some of the

essential design techniques, methods and philosophical points

that we would work with in the studio and in the CoR seminar.

These include my analysis of the Rome situation with regard to

the Regina Coeli site and the current refugee situation in Rome. 2

It includes the application of the Pattern Language Theory and

Practice that is being taught at the University of Oregon 3 . It also

includes some other methods and techniques that have been

first developed by Christopher Alexander, Hajo Neis, Howard

Davis and other members of the Center for Environmental Structure

(Berkeley, US and Binsted, UK) such as 'The Urban Game'

(method inspired by A New Theory of Urban Design, ANTUD.v)

In order to involve everybody from the start of this project,

the first exercise while still in Eugene, Oregon, was to make

each student responsible for studying one particular building

or building wing of the Regina Coeli prison complex and report

back to the group. The second exercise consisted of defining

criteria and principles that would be helpful for building a solid

urban neighborhood for today. The third exercise was closer to

home, as we discussed which kinds of patterns (from the book

A Pattern Language) might be helpful for developing an urban

neighborhood that includes 25% -30%refugees and 65%-70%

Rome inhabitants. This was the birth of our pattern language

that we continued to develop throughout the project not only for

the neighborhood but also for the design of the individual buildings,

spaces, smaller urban elements, and of course housing

and support functions for refugees and others. Another assignment

was to read initial chapters of the ANTUD book, that works

with a new communal urban design process.

Urban Design (two weeks)

With the move from Eugene, US, to Rome, IT, and the

beginning of the summer program 2019, students were very

energetic, but also some of the younger students were a bit

overwhelmed by the experience of probably the most historic

Western City with its many layers of history and architecture

structures. Furthermore, the historic City of Rome and its

'Centro Storico', which is only a small fraction of Modern Rome

in its administrative boundaries of today, is strictly regulated

by social understanding and agreement of the value of historic

preservation and the process of 'structure preserving transformations.'

This understanding is enforced by design rules

that prescribe how to design and build appropriately in such a

multi-layered historic context (starting with particular colors

and materials that are permissible). The historic part of Rome

is mostly defined by the Aurelian Walls within which one isn't to

take down any building without strict inspections and approval

by the building authorities. (Roman authorities)

In spite of these strict rules, and my partial approval of these

rules, the first exercise in our Design Studio was to determine

how many of the prison buildings we wanted to take down in

order to make enough space for the design of a new inclusive

urban neighborhood. Although, as pointed out, you cannot take

down any building without approval by the city, the argument

that I used in this case goes as follows: An outdated prison in

terms of spatial and social development, may as well be placed

and relocated outside of the Aurelian Walls to make place for

more effective and rich functions and spaces in this very valuable

piece of earth. Prisoners who can neither enjoy the beautiful

environment nor can they enjoy modern progressive prison

development and appropriate design at this location, may as

well be provided with a progressive modern social program at

a much better location and new buildings outside of the'Centro

Storico' (What would Pope Frances think of this argument? He

also loves prisoners and at one public meeting kissed prisoners'

feet inside the Regina Coeli Prison) For historic preferences

we also kept two major prison buildings, only modernizing the

interiors of the buildings and keeping the prison museum in

one of the buildings. One of these two is the mysterious yellow

building.

Before we continue with focus on the design process, we

need to try to understand better what we mean by an inclusive

urban neighborhood, and what we mean by an inclusive urban

neighborhood with 25% to 30% refugee inhabitants. In its best

form an inclusive urban neighborhood with refugees may be

described as the refugees being integrated and do not have to

listen to the word refugee anymore. The process that leads to

such a desirable state then is the focus of our attention:

In order to make progress on the question of the character

of the new neighborhood, it is worthwhile to mention that the

first idea of 'refugee housing in the eternal city' was superseded

by the idea of an inclusive mixed-use urban area that also

serves the refugee population. This was partially done because

of the large size and potential of our site, and also because

of better use of our site in a rather attractive location. While

a housing area can be developed by one developer and one

architecture office with similar designs (we tested one example

based on the San Saba housing complex in Rome), a mixeduse

urban area by character should include a range of different

buildings designed by different architects to create what we may

call variety in unity as we know from many mixed-use urban

areas world-wide, including the mixed-use areas that we see

in Rome such as in the area around Campo de Fiori or Piazza

Cinque Scole. Rather than having one person or one company

design the full urban neighborhood geometry and then develop

one building in more detail architecturally, it seemed more effective

to let the urban structure be designed by the whole

group with 12 architecture student and one urban design and

architectural curator in a communal and dynamic fashion. And

while the pattern language approach would provide such a

process, it seemed more appropriate in this case to apply first

the urban growth method described in A New Theory of Urban

Design ANTUD supported by patterns and pattern language.

A. Regular integrated neighborhood

B. Regular inclusive neighborhood

C. Inclusive neighborhood with refugees

D. Refugee neighborhood

"Gather Round". Photo by Adam Abu-Sukheila

"Hands on the Table". Photo and edit by Adam Abu-Sukheila

Illustration by Christiana Hedlund.

city

CONTEXT

Bird's view of Neighborhood. Courtesy of Google Earth.

Bird's view of Existing Prison. Courtesy of Google Earth.

VATICAN CITY

TIBER RIVER

Figure X: Aerial View of Rome. Courtesy of Google Earrth

REGINA COELI NEIGHBORHOOD

LUNGOTEVERE

ROAD

PONTE MAZZINI BRIDGE

CHIESA

NUOVA

The understanding of

the site came about

by analyzing its con

nection to the city

and neighborhhood

through two major

axises.

TIBER RIVER

GIANICOLO

HILL

Figure X: Aerial View of Neighborhood.

Courtesy of Google Earrth

GIANICOLO HILL - CHIESA NUOVA AXIS

Adam Abu-Sukheila, Adra Betchle, Madison Canelis,

Madison Drozd

The purpose of analyzing

the axis is to understand

how the prison site could

become more integrated

into the urban fabric. With

a bridge leading straight

to the prison, it's also

important to understand

strategies to handle such a

strong urban direction.

Original Axis

CHIESA

NUOVA

Ne

TIBER RIVER

GIANICOLO

HILL

Feeling Map Diagram

TIBER RIVER

Trastevere - Vatican Axis

Gemma Fucgina, Emma Cantor, Aaron Kennerly, Hannah Gerton

Feelings Map

FRAMING WITH COMMERCE

Illustration by Gemma Fucigna

Scanned with CamScanner

neighborhood

CONTEXT

NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT

Neighborhood Anaylsis composed by Angel Lopez, Flynn Casey, Ivan Castro and Christiana Hedlund

Figure X: Aerial View of Regina Coeli Prison. Courtesy of Google Earrth

BLOCK SIZES

Block Size Study. Graphic composed by

Angel, Christiana, Flynn, and Ivan

SURROUNDING BUILDING SIZES

Building Size Study. Graphic composed by

Angel, Christiana, Flynn, and Ivan

Building Size Constellation.

Graphic composed by Angel,

Christiana, Flynn, and Ivan

Illustration by Emma

Cantor.

pattern

LANGUAGE

Pattern and Project Language composed by Christiana Hedlund

ACCLIMATION STRUCTURE

COUNTRY IN THE CITY

* * *

due to barriers in the understanding of language, culture, and ways of life.

The current refugee crisis has displaced nearly 20 million people from their homes in

search of safety and protecion. Refugees entering any new country are leaving behind their

lives and starting from scratch. They are having to adapt to a foreign culture, language, and

to overcome on their own. Currently, systems are in place in some countries to help with

this, but more are needed in every country.

* * *


To aid refugees in acclimating to their host country a structure of support

services must be set up. This system should include health services (physical &

mental), classes on language, the country (Italy), and eveyday life in that location,

and other orientation resources. The support structure needs to tackle

the complex needs of refugees arriving from war torn countries, and provide

them the support needed to start fresh.

FRAMING WITH COMMERCE

LOCAL YOUTH PARTNERSHIP


* * *

sense of community between residents.

Without commerce, nonresidents have little reason to enter neighborhoods that are not

on their communte. Inhabitants of the area are forced to leave for all necessary purchases

and are also less likely to interact with eachother, with little incentive to hangout on the

streets. Commerce that frames a neighborhood promotes nonresidents to spend time in

the area and connects it to the adjacent neighborhoods. It supports residents ability to sell

goods, therefore creating a self-sustaining community. By having retail on the edge of an

area, it allows the central spaces to be prioritized for the community. In the case of creating

a neighborhood for refugees, these ideas are crucial. This pattern creates a place that they

can live integrated with the new culture, while still allowing them to stay close to home.

* * *

Framing commerce creates a neighborhood border, while providing a sense

between buyer and seller, as well as employment opportunity.

* * *

Young male and female citizens are not able to afford a place near the city

center due to the high cost of living and the low-income jobs available to

them.

Living close to the city center is rapidly becoming unaffordable to most young citizens. This

pushes the youth to the city edge, which not only limits their potential to contribute due to

long commutes and cost effectiveness but also affects the diversity that creates a succesful

urban fabric. However, young people have a great potential to help integrate refugee communities

by relating with the incoming youth and by offering support to refugee families and

single parents though social services such as childcare.

* * *

Local youth can play an important supporting role in the reintegration of

refugee families and other young refugees by offering help in exchange for

home subsidy.

CRAFTING COMMUNITY

Therapy Garden

THERAPY GARDEN

* * *

Many refugees coming to Rome may lack a traditional education or a

profession making it challenging to assimilate and provide a living for

themselves and their families.

Refugees who come from developing countries may not have the education or the skills

necessary for more professional jobs in Italy. Often though, these refugees come from

countries rich in unique artisanal traditions such as weaving, ceramics, carving, and painting.

By providing the materials and a place for making, refugees can continue producing

the crafts of their home country in Italy. Working on traditional crafts can strengthen

refugees connection to their roots, pass along cultural skills to the young, and provide a

means of income for those on the periphery of society.

* * *

By creating a community of crafts people, refugees have a way of stay -

ing connected to their culture, forming community, and earning an

income through their unique artisanal goods.

* * *

Often, when refugee’s enter into a new culture, they experience not only culture shock

but also are in need to recover from the trauma they have escaped. Not only is there a

lack of green space in Rome, but also a lack of therapeutic activities and public gardening

spaces.

A therapy garden is an outdoor garden space that has been specifically designed to meet

the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the people using the garden as well

as the community around them. Connection to nature is so essential to maintain in a time

of trauma because it is a connection to people’s health and wellbeing. Therapy gardens have

been proved to decrease stress levels along with reduction of pain, and improvement in

attention.There needs to be a therapeutic space for refugees to come together and heal as

a community while still not being entirely separated from their new culture.

* * *

A therapy garden will not only help the healing process of the refugee’s but also be an

aesthetic aspect of the neighborhood. It is a place where new beginnings can be made and

a step towards growing into the new community.

PLAYGROUND IN IN VIEW

HOME Home COMFORT Comfort

* * *

Neighborhoods that lack playgrounds are less inclusive of children, thus

families. Because of the potential dangers on the street, it may not be safe for

children to play outside, far away from their homes. So, even if there is a

neighborhood playground, if it is far away from family homes there is still a

problem.

Playgrounds are often considered unimportant (McKendrick, 1). But neighborhoods need

them because they are where children from different backgrounds can meet and form

friendships (Dewi, 225). Putting a playground anywhere does not work, it must be in view

of parents or supervisors so younger children can use it. Putting a playground by a cafe or

restaurant works, but that is only an occasional or situational playing area.

Dewi, S. P. (2012). How Does The Playground Role in Realizing Children-Friendly-City? Procedia - Social and Behav

ioral Sciences,38, 224-233. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.03.344

McKendrick, J. H. (1999). Playgrounds in the Built Environment. Built Envrionment,25(1). Retrieved June 30, 2019,

from https://search.proquest.com/openview/1875066377d8c9d28118ab4239fe6a68/1?pq-origsite=g

scholar&cbl=1817159.

* * *

Create a residential block with a private court featuring a playground and

covered benches. The playground should not be in the middle, as this would

obstruct the space, but it should be in view of the benches. The benefit of

having the playground inside the court is security, in addition to visibility.

* * *

Bringing Refugees into a community with no essence of their culture or

place of community can lead to discomfort and sever culture shock

Arriving in a new country and city can be daunting to a refugee as they are dealing with a

new culture, language, and environment. Being thrown out of your home without warning

takes a mental toll. These experience can only be felt and understood by refuges themselves.

Giving them an opportunity to share their stories with those from similar experiences is

very beneficial. They need places to connect back to there roots and socialize with others

* * *

Empowering refugees to integrate into their new homes and obtain the skills

necessary to become comfortable and integrated through the building of

community centers at the heart of it all.

WEDGED TERRACES

ENVIRONMENTAL Environmental Metric METRIC


* *

A continuous row of residential buildings lack an established outdoor space

that can connect to the street and the inner courtyard simultaneously.

Protected outdoor social spaces can be powerful in establishing a dedicated space where

residents of connected buildings can gather in fresh air. Ideally, this is to serve only those

who have private access to adjacent buildings. The Iowa State University building in Rome

has a wedged terrace that successfully establishes a space where neighboring buildings can

gather. The nature of being wedged between buildings emphasizes on the formal aspect of

having a dedicated, elevated gap along a series of buildings. Since this is a terrace, it allows

people to look out onto the street below and to look down into the courtyard on the

other end. Wedged terraces will only function well when placed within buildings that have

a strong sense of closure on at least one side.

* *

By the establishment of a wedged terrace, the architect is immediately creating

a dedicated social space where neighbors can simultaneously gather and

feel connected to the street and the inner courtyard.

* * *

The mindset of refugee families towards environmental education is viewed as

inessential due to the demanding pressures of poverty.

The refugee’s arrive from countries that have been designated as unsafe by a federal policy. In terms of

education, refugee’s origin countries lack the essential infrastructure to provide educational resources for

all ages of society. The lack of government funding for education leads to limited amounts of secondary

schools. In turn, students who live far need to walk longer distances in order to attend secondary school.

When you add poverty, they start to see work over a high education. By designing dwelling that also act as

an educational metric will encourage children to continue pursuing a higher education. This can be done

through architectural features and design techniques that emphasis educational information. An example can

be the collection of on site gray water that then can be filtered and used for either black water or irrigation.

Creating curiosity within children to learn more.

* * *

Creating a collaborative learning neighborhood through the use of architectural

features will support refugee children in their learning expansion.

WATER Water REGENERATION

Regeneration

ACOUSTIC BARRIERS

* * *

The lack of nature and water in peoples lives has created unheathy enviornments.

* * *

Areas along street fronts are polluted with vehicle noise making such spaces

unpleasant to occupy.


In Middle Eastern countries and several African countries, water is viewed as an oasis and

relief to the intense heat of these regions. Due to the rejuvenating power of water, it is

commonly used in fountains across cities of these regions which makes it easily accessible.

In our site with refugees from these regions, they are used to water fountains providing

relief from the heat. Some of these refugees are religiously involved in Muslim practices in

which fountains are also seen as sources of spiritual purity.

* * *

Having these fountains play a fundamental role in their lives spiritually and

physically, allows the residents to gain a sense of comfort, and feel comfortable

in the new refugee housing complex.

When pedestrian spaces are located adjacent to those occupied by vehicles uncomfortable

noise levels are experienced. The heightened noise levels are problematic because they

make traffic seem more iminent and therefore more dangerous. Additionally, the presence

of unwanted noises makes the pedestrian spaces less pleasant to occupy and the enjoyment

and usability of such areas is greatly reduced. The addition of physical barriers between

pedestrians and vehicles protects users from undesirable noise conditions.

* * *

Creating a barrier (built/landscape/vegetation/etc) between pedestrians and

vehicles would result in more acoustic privacy, helping to establish a usable

space. This separation would reduce pedestrians’s exposure to vehicular noises

which may be disruptive or unsafe.

"Tourists for a Day". Photo and edit by Adam Abu-Sukheila

Illustration by Ivan Castro..

project

LANGUAGE

INNER Inner MOBILITY Mobility

GUIDING EDGE

* * *

The city of Rome is known for it’s streets that serve’s pathways for both pedestrians

and vehicles. This creates a problem for pedestrians experience

through the site.

* * *

Buildings with sharp corners often discourage entry onto secondary streets.

The corner building’s interference with natural Scanned walkways with CamScanner and views makes

such spaces significantly less inviting.

When Rome’s population increases, so will the number of automitive vehicles in the street. This

refugee’s to gather and interact with one another. In order to control the drawback of having motor

vehicles park at the piazza, the pathways are designed to encourage residents to walk. Motor

the site.

* * *

By creating walkable pathways designed around the resident’s, it will

encourage refugee’s to interact with one another, creating share spaces, a

healthy neighborhood and business activity.

Corner buildings may cut off access to perpendicular streets making it difficult to realize or

occupy them. Abrupt (90 degree) street turns do not encourage entry and the presence of

introverted buildings on corners only emphaizes this issue. Buildings which are not shaped

to guide pedestrians often result in unoccupied spaces and lifeless streets.

* * *

In order to make side streets more accessible buildings located on corners

should incorporate angles that gently guide pedestrians. Avoiding sharp corners

and establishing a gradual entry will reinforce natural walking paths and

create open space which can be used for gathering or to ease the transition of

changing direction.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

REFUGEE INTEGRATION

* * *

The current site is completely walled in with few passages to connect

the site to the main street making it hard for pedestrians to walk freely

through and around block.

The site is situated on a large parcel of land that is walled completely around the perimiter

making it inaccessible to the public. The wall serves the purpose for the current

program, a prison, but is poses issues for our new proposed site design as a mixed use

neighborhood with housing for refugees and local Italians. By creating streets that are

pedestrian only streets we can create safe spaces for people to walk, lounge, and interact

without the interference of heavy traffic. By making openings and removing portions

of the wall we can create passages into the site from multiple locations, making the site

accessible from multiple angles.

* * *

By strategically creating openings in the wall, creating pedestrian only

streets, and by reopening through streets adjacent to the site we will

be able to create a site that is easy to navigate and pleasant to walk

through.

* * *

Refugee-only housing complexes keep refugees separate from the local

community and can leave the residents vulnerable to discrimination. These

complexes also stand out as refugee housing projects, so they can be targets

for local anger towards refugees.

If refugees do not feel like they are a part of their community they will have a harder time

integrating into their new home. Because of complex political situations involving mid to

low income countries taking in refugees, locals sometimes feel resentment and even anger

towards refugees, even though these political issues are not their fault. By bringing refugees

into the same housing complex as locals, they can socialize and learn more about each other.

This helps both demographics feel more at ease with each other.

* * *

Create an apartment complex where refugees and locals are next door

neighbors, including more than one type of refugee family.

SECURE REFUGEE PLAYGROUND

GLIMPSES Glimpse INTO into Community COMMUNITY

* * *

Playgrounds are important for all neighborhoods, but they are especially

important for refugee neighborhoods that include unaccompanied minors.

Children who flee their country without their parents need to be watched

carefully to ensure their safety, but they still need to play.

Playgrounds may not seem like a basic requirement, but they are crucial to childhood social

and physical development. Because unaccompanied minor refugees have a higher need for

supervision than most children, they need an especially secure place to play.

Without a playground the children have no good place to get exercise. Children need a place

to get out their excess energy, or they can become restless. Children who need to be

carefully supervised need special playgrounds where they can play without being out of sight.

* * *

Firstly, create a secure building for unaccompanied refugee minors. Then put

a playground in a secure court, so that the children have a private playground

where they can be supervised.

* * *

Many neighborhoods do not consider its surrounding context and its axis connecting it to

the city it is located in. Neighborhoods also block themselves off, making pedestrians walk

past, not knowing there is a whole community that is waiting to be explored. If there is a

small glimpse into the community, this will intrigue bystanders to come in and see what

the neighborhood has to offer.

A glimpse into a community has to just that, a glimpse. It is there to spark wonder and connect

the neighborhood back to the axis. The glimpse can be a small alleyway or a passage

through a building with a view of something intriguing and an integral part of the community

space. This will attract pedestrians and make them want to know what is inside. It will also

feel as if the person is discovering the space.

* * *

In this specific project, there will be a pathway through the therapy building into the therapy

garden and the rest of the neighborhood. The passageway will connect to the Chiesa

Nuova axis and connect to the garden that is just a short walk up the hill. It will be a way

for the street to have direct access to the garden and have views of the interior of the

neighborhood.

Framed Views

FRAMED VIEWS

COMMUNAL LIVING ZONES

COMMUNAL LIVING ZONES

Framed Views

* * *

* * *

Many paths restrict views for the pedestrian, making navigation difficult in

dense urban enviornments. These paths are often seen to have no direction

and often avoided.



and often avoided.

Creating an open side of a path, or making it more visible by removing disruptive objects,

can help someone navigate easier by knowing which direction they are heading towards to

their destination. Framing specifi c views can be memorable to the pedestrian and create a

place in which someone may stop and admire the specifi c view.


can help someone navigate easier by knowing * * which * direction they are heading towards to



If the sides of buidings were connected to paths that frame certain views and

simplify navigation, then travelling as a pedestrian would become easier and

more enjoyable.

* * *



more enjoyable.

* * *

Single women and single mother refugees require extra support from each

other to be able to safely and easily acclimate to their new surroundings.

Many women are forced to come alone or with children to a new country as refugees.

Many of these women are not used to the financial burden of being the sole caretaker for

themselves and their children. They arrive in a new country not knowing the language or

the culture, and are then immediatly required to support themselves and their children. It

is through their housing that they can begin to create a community among themselves and

support each other. With shared living spaces mothers can watch children and cook for

multiple families. Friendships and support systems are created through everyday interaction.

* * *


Single women and single mother refugee housing should have individual units

with shared kitchens and terraces between them. This allows the women to

support each other in their community.

REVEALED Revealed SOCIAL Social Edge EDGE

PROTECTED Protected PLAYGROUND

Playground

* * *

Solid walls create imposing, inhospitable environments for social interaction.

Instead of fostering contact between people, they Scanned inhibit with CamScanner it through physical

barriers.

* * *

Bringing kids into a new country without the essence of childhood innocence

and playfulness can lead to sadness and struggle in the transition process

When an area is surrounded by walls very little social interaction can take place along the

edge. This zone of space around the perimeter is where most people prefer to inhabit.

Therefore, by placing a wall in this location, essential community interactions are prevented

from occuring. This social separation damages the community and the neighborhood as a

whole.

Unaccompanied refugee minors are some of the most vulnerable emotionally and psychologically.

Creating a space from them requires high security and numerous transitional services.

These security measures can make it feel as though the kids are trapped and confined

to a bubble. In order to avoid this a space for kids to act as normal kids can be developed

as a center point in the space that is still protected

* * *

In order to foster community interactions walls should be taken down to

open up the edges of spaces. Buildings should then be set back from the street

to create wide sidewalks and small social squares for people to inhabit.

* * *

At the heart of the courtyard a protected playground can be built surrounded

by lively colors and interactive elements to give the kids a place of there own

creating an environment that feels like a home away from home

Illustration by Angel Lopez

urban

GAME

URBAN GAME ONE

Urban Games explained by Hajo Neis, PhD.

First, it was based on an initial exercise of prison building elimination

making space for new buildings and a new urban neighborhood.

It was also based was based on a rather reduced set

of rules of ANTUD that worked for a previous project quite well,

and that is recorded in a short video in 2010. The main rules of

the game have to do with piece-meal growth, structure preserving

transformations, the creation of positive space, structuring

wholes, rules for design of 4-5 story buildings, construction

rules, and urban geometry (centering process). The first game

that people attempt is usually not the best, and it needs a few

rounds before everybody understands how to use the rules and

be successful at it. This first game was recorded and shown in

our previous reviews. The sequence of these games have been

recorded in detail with notes so that one can get an understanding

of an urban piecemeal growth where buildings create the

larger urban structure and not only large urban planning.

Urban Game 1 1

Figure 1: Urban Game One hand-written

records of each game decision.

(recorded by Adam Abu-Sukheila)

Figure 1: Urban Game One Process

(Graphic composed by students)

URBAN GAME TWO

Urban Game 2

The second Urban Game was based on the same limited rules

but it was also based on a much larger level of prison building

elimination, only leaving the yellow front building in position so

that the main entrance building to the new neighborhood was

left in place according to the Roman urban rules for the'Centro

Storico', This game was played without the curator so that students

got a sense of what it means through own group experience.

It was noted that some of the experienced designers tended

to take over, and it also showed that more than one prison

building might be helpful for a next round, because it helped to

create stability and centeredness in the design structure of the

neighborhood. Furthermore, the use of the heavy prison wall for

design and building purposes became a matter of interest. An

exercise in between, where everybody should create his or her

own inclusive urban neighborhood, showed that may designs

were allotted along the external walls of the prison. In addition,

this game also started to indicate the growing complexity of this

urban game, and consequently a simplification was put into

place.

Urban Game 2

Figure 1: Urban Game

Two hand-written records

of each game decision.

(recorded by Hannah

Gerton)

Figure 3: Urban Game Two Process. Graphic composed by students.

URBAN GAME THREE (midterm)

URBAN GAME FOUR (final)

In Urban Game three, architects, owners and participants (all

roles played in some way by the individual students concurrently),

were asked to respect the main axis towards the hill connection,

that was established on Via delle Mantenella and up the

hill. Second, in this game, design participants could make proposals

wherever they wanted to design and build an important

function for mixed use, housing, and refugees on the site. This

simplified process in essence turned out to create the beginning

of the main plan for the new neighborhood.

Urban Game 3

Urban Game 3

Since people made a number of proposals for new buildings on

the same overlapping location, part of the game was to negotiate

and find other locations that would work for the larger plan.

This plan is recorded in the mid-review urban model and individual

mid-term designs. Urban Game 4 then became the game of

negotiations and adjustments, improvements, and refinement

as well as full designs of individual buildings. It is recorded in

the final review model and to some degree in the urban site plan

with all individual ground floor plans of each building included,

creating an urban plan that starts to give an initial idea of the

emerging urban structure.

Figure 2: Site Model. Photographed by Adam Abu-Sukheila

Figure 2: Urban Game Three Process. Graphic composed by students.

Figure 2: Massing Site Plan. Graphic composed by students.

before and after.

Figure 2: Final Site Plan Overlaid on Image. Courtesy of Google Earth. Composed by students.

end result.

Final Site Plan in Muratori-Style. Composed by students.

adaptive re-use

PROPOSALS

Illustration by Adam Abusukheila.

REGINA COELI NEIGHBORHOOD

PRISON REHABILITATION

Iván Castro | Arch 584 | Hajo Neiss

Architecture has a big impact on the way

cities remember their own history and how

they shape their future. Transforming one of

the main prision housing units into a

mixed-use residential building with communal

spaces can serve as a symbolic invitation

to new communities into the heart of

Rome.

RESPONSE TO

NEW URBAN

FABRIC

In order to fit with the

new site plan, one of

the sides was

removed, opening the

atrium to the new

adjacent piazza.

REHABILITATION

THROUGH

MATERIALITY

Restoring the roof

and adding a new

connection to the

piazza offers a

historical contrast

with the original walls

of the building.

ROOF REHABILITATION

CLEAR TOWER CEILING

CONTEMPORARY MATERIALS

PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SPACES

PUBLIC PIAZZA AT THE HEART

DISTRIBUTION

OF PUBLIC AND

PRIVATE

SPACES

The building is opens

to the piazza though

communal spaces

while mantaining a

more private

residential area on

the back.

COUNTRY IN THE CITY

COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACES

SECTION A-A’

SCALE: 1’ = 1/32”

SECTION B-B’

SCALE: 1’ = 1/32”

DIVERSE SIZES FOR

DIVERSE FAMILIES

Through variation of the

existing 2.7m x 5.2m cell

module, apartments of

diferent sizes and orientations

can be achieved,

promoting diversity and

offering an alternative to

different types families

70 m 2 100 m 2

90 m 2 90 m 2 80 m 2 90 m 2

80 m 2 100 m 2

St. Francesco Di Sales Housing

Flynn Casey

At the Northwest corner of

the Regina Coeli prison

stands a cluster of yellow

buildings organized around a

small 17th century church.

Originally a monestary, the

is home to some of the oldest

buildings in the prison

complex. the site was adapted

into a womens prison in

1884, and then to a guard’s

barracks in the 1960s. This

projects seeks to adapt the

site once more, into a small

community of italians and

refugees alike, primarily

re-purposing buildings rather

than adding or subtracting.

FLYNN PAGE 2

At the heart of this project lies a structural intervention:

the insertion of a new, steel structure to

replace some of the existing bearing wall construction.

In adition to making this housing more seismically

resilliant, this steel structure will open up

longer spans, creating more flexible, adaptable spaces

for contemporary housing. This flexibility is important,

especially in the case of less conventional refugee

families. The steel structure will also provide

external circulation around the courtyard on each level,

unifying the building cluster similar to the ways

in which some Roman pallazzos are formed through the

aggregation of buildings around a block. This circulation

also provides valuable shading for the balconies

around the courtyard, which are predominantly exposed

to the south.

GUARDIANO DELLA REGINA COELI

REGINA COELI INCLUSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD :: ROME :: IT

ADAM ABU-SUKHEILA :: HAJO NEIS

Facing the most public urban street, this repurposed

prison administration building serves as the

physical and perceptual guardian of this neighborhood.

Guardiano weaves itself into the urban fabric,

in hopes to promote safer, cleaner and more

efficient pedestrian, biker, and car mobility.

The building nestles itself into the rising themes of

living-system programming, and equitable entreprenuership.

This is where different commercial

spaces can share the waste and production of one

another. Where more equitable and progressive

office spaces become available for professionals

of the future. Finally, integration with a new street

design has made it possible for this building to

function both publically yet privately, serving all.

North SECTION

SECTION South

STRAIGHTSHOT A

CROSS-STREET CLIMB B

PEDESTRIAN STREET C

Establishing a simple, direct connection from Lungotevere

main road and Via della Lungara Road will allow for safer

and more efficient pedestrian, bike, and car transportation.

Problem :: Solution

Winding street from Lungotevere down to Via Della Lungara

is too tight for most cars to do a 180 degree turn. It

is also too tight at end of winding road to make one-point

turn. Only drivers who know this road will understand how

to make a proper turn around.

A stair that connects the two major roads vertically

for pedestrians, making it possible to

traverse on the Southern most side.

Problem :: Solution

Lack of vertical pedestrian circulation on

Southern connection between Via Della Lungara

and Lungotevere, current stair system

only serves pedestrians walking from the

north side of either road.

A 30 foot wide street dedicated to pedestrians, scooters,

bikers, and handicap transport vehicles linking

the Southeast area of the neighborhood to the historic

Via Della Lungara

Problem :: Solution

Extreme amounts of waste being sent to natural habitats,

damaging and threatening the future of our environment

and us, since we rely on our environment

for food, materials, and protection.

SITE PLAN :: NTS

A straightshot road that replaces the existing winding

road and the existing main stair. The substructure of

the new straightshot will reuse the bricks and stone

that were demolished from the old road, stair, and retaining

wall. The road will allow for side parking, bike

parking, and a direct connection to a pedestrian stair.

A steel and stone staircase that overlooks

the new landscaping and straightshot

road. This stair hugs the existing building

along the South in order to create an elegant

edge to the new urban front design.

Circular waste system where the waste from

the restuarant, bakery, and cafe are given to the

"Re-Furniture" studio where they use the waste

to create materials for the craft of recycled and

repurposed furniture. This furniture gets sent

back to the restuarants.

ELEVATION East

FLOOR PLAN G :: 1/32" FLOOR PLAN L1 :: 1/32" FLOOR PLAN L2 :: 1/32"

PEDESTRIAN CAVITY D

BRIDGE TO GAURDIANO E

WASTE WASTE WASTE! F

SLINKY OFFICES G

A BIKER'S PARADISE H

Gutting out the first three units of the ground floor in

order to relieve spatial urban pressure and provide

a larger entry into the front area of the Regina Coeli

neighborhood.

Problem :: Solution

The tight space between the retaining wall of the Lungotevere

and the Gaurdiano's edge creates a build up

of spatial pressure that is discomforting when pedestrians,

cars all try to share a 14 foot wide road. Additionally,

temperatures rise in the coming years requires

greater need for shade in sunny urban areas.

Like any cavity, it is meant to serve as shelter from

the cramped street and the extreme summer sun. It

is accompanied by a gelato store as a prime attraction

for the shaded cavity space.

The overpowering axis lining with Ponte Gianicolo

and the Gianicolo statue at the upper

hill area made it so important to establish a

continuation of the existing bridge, this time

for pedrestrians. It is more a matter of symbolism

and visual connection than anything else.

Problem :: Solution

The significance of the Cheisa Nuova axis

pressures a need for a axial continuation.

A physical and symbolic gesture of the

axis which already exists between Chiesa

Nuova and the Gianicolo hill. This will also

bring in pedestrian traffic from the upper

level if one doesn't want to walk on the

lower Via Della Lungara.

"One man's waste is another man's treasure." Yet, in this case, not

only is the first man's waste becoming the second man's treasure,

the first man's waste is being returned to the first man as treasure.

Problem :: Solution

Extreme amounts of waste being sent to natural habitats, damaging

and threatening the future of our environment and us, since we

rely on our environment for food, materials, and protection.

Circular system where waste from the restuarant, bakery, and

cafe are given to the "Re-Furniture" studio where they use the

waste to create materials for the craft of recycled and repurposed

furniture. This furniture gets sent back to the restuarants

at a much-reduced cost compared to other new furniture.

The furniture store and studio also supplies the entire building

with subisidized furniture in hopes of stimulating attraction to

this new form of economic enterprise.

Slinky offices are working spaces

that have the physical ability to expand

laterally. This system provides

dentists, lawyers, and other professional

entreprenuers with an office

that can expand or shrink.

Problem :: Solution

The rising cost of living in urban cities

makes it difficult for early professionals

to find oppertunities to begin

their own businesses.

Through the lowered expense of

fully reusing the entirety of the

existing building, office space

becomes a reality.

Integrating mobility into the building design requires a

deep connection between modes of transport and building

functions on the ground level.

Problem :: Solution

Lack of dedicated center for bikers to meet hinders the

ability for biking culture to grow in a car and moped city

like Rome.

Designing a bakery+restuarant that supports bikers

with a full lot of bike parking and a outdoor furniture

setup that will allow for bikers to walk their bikes

through the seating area. Being the closest point to

Rome's first ever direct Tiber river connection, this

may spark attention for bikers who enjoy rides along

the river but who still want to have an outlet to take a

break or meet up with other biker friends.

"Kiddie Pool Foot Cooler". Photo and edit by Adam Abu-Sukheila

Illustration by Aaron Kennerly

new building

PROPOSALS

The Unaccompanied

Adoption Center for Refugee Children

First Floor

Scale 1'-16"

N

"There are no unwanted children...

Just unfound families"

Madison Drozd / Hajo Neis / Rome 2019

This is a space Design for

the most vulnerable refugees,

the young children

who are sent over alone.

Typically the kids are

removed from there

groups and sent to hospitals

and orphanages to be

put up for adoption. The

space I designed integrates

the children with a

community of refugees like

themselves and allows

them continue to grow in

a safe welcoming environment

geared towards

there needs and daily life

at home

Capacity: 56

Age Range: 9-14

Second Floor Scale 1'-16" N

Third Floor Scale 1'-16"

N

Level 4- Terrace Garden

-Community center terrace

-Two private staff Apartment terraces

The Program

Level 3- Community Center

- Main community center

- Shared terrace Connected to the community center

rooms

- Two larger staff apartments

Level 2- Children Housing

- 14 Dorm Rooms

- Based on gender and age

- Two co-ed bathrooms and shower rooms

- Two communal areas

- Two private rooms

- Two smaller staff apartments

Level 1- Main Offices

- Large Central playground

- Security Office

-Dinning Hall

-Therapy Center

- Adoption Center

-Immigration and Transition Center

North Section

Scale 1'-32"

Site Map

T H E R A P Y

G A R D E N

M A D I S O N C A N E L I S . R O M E S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 . H A J O N E I S

Therapy is known for having a stigma around the field. It is something that needs to

change because mental health is as important as one's physical health. It is crucial for

there to a therapy center in the neighborhood. The therapy center will be a place where

refugees can work through the trauma's they have faced and start to focus on their mental

health. For this project, I wanted to redefine what a therapy building could be. The main

thing I focused on was wellness. I wanted to expand on what wellness could be, so I

thought about the mind, body, soul, and environment. I integrated stores into the building,

maintaining the same idea's that the whole building has. I wanted to break down the

stigma of going to therapy by making my building a place where people would want to go.

Along with the shops, many terraces throughout the building have therapy gardens. The

gardens will help the people going to therapy while benefiting the shops down below. The

pants produced can be used by all the shops they can sell local organic products. The shops

could also create jobs for refugee's living in the neighborhood. There will also be a crisis

center on the first floor that will be open 24/7 that the refugees can you.

This building will be a place of peace and wellness for everyone who visits and hopefully

will help the refugees smoothly transition into their new lives.

Regina Coeli Therapy Center Program Diagram

Retail Space Apartment Community Wellness

Homemade Soap shop

1,181 sqft

Organic Coffee shop

1,150 sqft

Wellness shop 705 sqft

Wine Bar 1,581 sqft

Vintage shop 1,481 sqft

Flower shop 720 sqft

1 Bedroom Apt.

672 sqft

Crisis Center 605 sqft

Rentable Community

Space 1,476 sqft

Support Group/ Mixed

Use Space

5,569 sqft

6,818 sqft 672 sqft 7,045 sqft

Glimpse into Community

Alternative Wellness

Space ex. meditation,

sound therapy, and

message 3,674 sqft

Therapy Offices

4,644 sqft

8,318 sqft

Circulation

7,290 sqft

Mechanical

1,415 sqft

7,290 sqft 1,415 sqft

Many neighborhoods do not consider its surrounding context and its axis connecting

it to the city it is located in. Neighborhoods also block themselves off, making pedestrians

walk past, not knowing there is a whole community that is waiting to be explored. If there

is a small glimpse into the community, this will intrigue bystanders to come in and see

what the neighborhood has to offer.

A glimpse into a community has to just that, a glimpse. It is there to spark wonder

and connect the neighborhood back to the axis. The glimpse can be a small alleyway or a

passage through a building with a view of something intriguing and an integral part of the

community space. This will attract pedestrians and make them want to know what is

inside. It will also feel as if the person is discovering the space.

In this specific project, there will be a pathway through the therapy building into the

therapy garden and the rest of the neighborhood. The passageway will connect to the

Chiesa Nuova axis and connect to the garden that is just a short walk up the hill. It will be

a way for the street to have direct access to the garden and have views of the interior of the

neighborhood.

=31,558 sqft

Air

- Arcade

Water

- Water features in Garden

Nourishment

- Produce from Garden

-Juice Bar

-Organic Coffee Shop

Fitness

- Space for community fitness

activities such as yoga

Mind

- Therapy Offices

-Support Group Space

-Crisis Center

-Meditation Space

Comfort

- Therapy Garden

- Discrete entrances

-Views to nature

Light

- Most rooms have windows

and a view

-Arcade

Innovation

- Therapy Garden

-Alternative Therapy

Therapy Garden

Green space Axon

Light

Innovation

Comfort

Mind

Water

Nourishment

Fitness

Often, when refugee’s enter into a new culture, they experience not only culture shock

but also are in need to recover from the trauma they have escaped. Not only is there a lack

of green space in Rome, but also a lack of therapeutic activities and public gardening

spaces.

A therapy garden is an outdoor garden space that has been specifically designed to

meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the people using the garden

as well as the community around them. Connection to nature is so essential to maintain in

a time of trauma because it is a connection to people’s health and wellbeing. Therapy

gardens have been proved to decrease stress levels along with reduction of pain, and

improvement in attention.There needs to be a therapeutic space for refugees to come

together and heal as a community while still not being entirely separated from their new

culture.

A therapy garden will not only help the healing process of the refugee’s but also be an

aesthetic aspect of the neighborhood. It is a place where new beginnings can be made and

a step towards growing into the new community.

Air

Community

Wellness

Pillars of wellness

South Elevation

East Elevation

Fourth Floor Plan

North Elevation

West Elevation

Third Floor Plan

Section B

Second Floor Plan

B

A

Section A

First Floor Plan

B

DN

UP

UP

UP

LIVING LEARNING CENTER

HANNAH GERTON | ARCH 484

ROME SUMMER 2019 | HAJO NEIS

This project is composed of apartments, shops, and a learning center which contribute to the inclusive neighborhood on a larger scale. These

three buildings, along with their immediate context, work to shape a private courtyard which provides safety and comfort for residents. A mix

of studio and multi-bedroom apartments were designed in an effort to create a diverse area and encourage refugees and locals alike to occupy

the space. A series of shophouses serve to invite pedestrians further into the site, leading them to a central public space. The shops themselves

allow residents to combine living and working, providing flexible spaces and opportunities to start or grow a business. Finally, the cafe

and learning center which enfront the main piazza is intended to serve all members of the community. Classrooms, study spaces and individual

tutoring rooms are used for language learning services on the second floor while a more private third floor provides a space for unaccompanied

minors and other refugee children to study in an effort to ease their transition into the local schools and culture.

16 STUDIO

APARTMENTS

584 - 687 SF

FOURTH FLOOR PLAN

5 10 20

5 FAMILY

APARTMENTS

1,157 - 1,490 SF

5 SHOPHOUSES

SHOP: APPR. 605 SF

HOUSE: APPR. 605 SF

CAFE

1,426 SF

LEARNING CENTER

2,852 SF

LIVING CENTER FUNCTIONS

SHAPING SPACES

STREET ACTIVATION

ROWHOUSE FACADE

The learning center focuses on

serving refugees and others in the

community in order to ease transition

by providing language learning

assistance and tutoring programs

for kids. These services are important

for residents who wish to learn

new languages, share their native

tongue, or for those seeking assistance

with school subjects.

A) CAFE SECTION 1/32” = 1’0

5 10 20

THIRD FLOOR PLAN

5 10 20

B) MULTIFAMILY APARTMENT SECTION

5 10 20

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

5 10 20

STUDIO APARTMENTS

2-4 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

SHOPHOUSES

CAFE

LEARNING CENTER

STUDIO APARTMENT ELEVATION

5 10 20

ACOUSTIC BARRIERS

Areas along street fronts are polluted with vehicle

noise making such spaces unpleasant to occupy.

When pedestrian spaces are located adjacent to those

occupied by vehicles uncomfortable noise levels are

experienced. The heightened noise levels are problematic

because they make traffic seem more imminent and

therefore more dangerous. Additionally, the presence

of unwanted noises makes the pedestrian spaces less

pleasant to occupy and the enjoyment and usability of

such areas is greatly reduced. The addition of physical

barriers between pedestrians and vehicles protects users

from undesirable noise conditions.

Creating a barrier (built/landscape/vegetation/

etc) between pedestrians and vehicles would result

in more acoustic privacy, helping to establish a

usable space. This separation would reduce pedestrian’s

exposure to vehicular noises which may be

disruptive or unsafe.

GUIDING EDGES

Buildings with sharp corners often discourage entry

onto secondary streets. The corner building’s interference

with natural walkways and views makes such

spaces significantly less inviting.

Corner buildings may cut off access to perpendicular streets,

making it difficult to realize or occupy them. Abrupt street

turns do not encourage entry and the presence of introverted

buildings on corners only emphasizes this issue. Buildings

which are not shaped to guide pedestrians often result in unoccupied

spaces and lifeless streets.

In order to make side streets more accessible buildings

located on corners should incorporate angles that gently

guide pedestrians. Avoiding sharp corners and establishing

a gradual entry will reinforce natural walking paths

and create open space which can be used for gathering

or to ease the transition of changing direction.

B

A

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

5 10 20



Courtyard Community

Emma Cantor

Prof. Hajo Neis

Arch. 484

Rome, Summer 2019

Courtyard Community focuses on creating rings of

privacy around a common core while providing opportunity

for interactions and connections to form. Starting

with the semi-private courtyard it expands into the

common circulation systems. Then within each unit it

continues to be employed through the arrangement of

rooms. The living areas at the heart with bedrooms in

the more removed locations. This organization provides

privacy for residents with shared public spaces

for community events.

Growing Through Food

Food is a way for people to share, express themselves,

and welcome others to their community. This is especially

important Scanned for with an inclusive CamScanner refugee neighborhood.

In order to initiate connections amongst residents

dishes could be prepared and shared from their home

countries. However, Rome in particular, has a limited

supply of foreign products. Therefore, a grocery

store must be located within the neighborhood that

is stocked with all the goods needed to initiate these

connections.

Interior Degrees of Privacy

When designing the interior privacy must be taken into

account. Starting from the most public space at the

heart it should then radiate out into more and more

private zones. From the central public space all living

units should be easily accessable, but with their entrances

located in protected alcoves. Inside the units

the living areas should be accessed first, with the bedrooms

around them. This allows for the most private

spaces to be the furthest from the public.



Scanned with CamScanner Scanned with CamScanner



PROJECT NAME: COMMUNITY CRAFT CENTER AND ARTIST HOUSING

CHRISTIANA HEDLUND

Set in the back of the inclusive refugee

neighborhood is the Community

Craft Center and 6 townhouses with

studio space for artists to live and

work. The Craft Center serves both

the refugee and local community by

providing classes and resources for

refugee’s to both teach and learn artisinal

crafts from one another. Above

the Craft Center is a store dedicated

to selling and sharing the work made

by the artisans in the communty. The

Craft Center’s goal is to bring people

together through making, keep those

that are displaced in touch with their

roots, and provide an additional income

to the refugee community.

N N N N

GROUND FLOOR PLAN SCALE: 1/16

GROUND FLOOR PLAN SCALE: 1/16

SECOND FLOOR PLAN SCALE: 1/16

SECOND FLOOR PLAN SCALE: 1/16

THIRD FLOOR PLAN SCALE: 1/16

SECTION: A/A SCALE 1/16

THIRD FLOOR PLAN SCALE: 1/16

EAST ELEVATION

SECTION: A/A SCALE 1/16

WEST ELEVATION

SECTION: B/B SCALE 1/16

NORTH ELEVATION

SOUTH ELEVATION

Housing in Regina Coeli Development

By Aaron Kennerley

This housing complex consists of 24 units surrounding a central courtyard with a cooling fountain. The housing program is directed towards residents of Rome

and has a communal roof garden with shaded areas and gathering spaces. The facades of the building have recurring windows in an orderly pattern to display

simplicity and alignment. The building is raised off the ground to prevent pedestrians from looking through the windows and into the units. A primary staircase

is situated next to the inner courtyard to create easy access while remaining a simple design.

Framed Views

Water Regeneration

* * *



and often avoided.


can help someone navigate easier by knowing which direction they are heading towards to



* * *



more enjoyable.

* * *








* * *




directed towards residents of Rome

ows in an orderly pattern to display

nd into the units. A primary staircase

Water Regeneration

Framed Views

Water Regeneration

* * *



and often avoided.




can help The someone lack navigate of nature easier by knowing and water which direction in peoples they are heading lives has towards created to unheathy enviornments.

Framing specific views can be memorable to the pedestrian and create a



their destination.




* * *

* * *

* * *


* * *


simplify In navigation, Middle Eastern then travelling countries as a pedestrian and several would African become countries, easier and water is viewed as an oasis Having and these fountains play a fundamental role in their lives spiritually and

more enjoyable. relief to the intense heat of these regions. Due to the rejuvenating power of water, physically, it is allows the residents to gain a sense of comfort, and feel comfortable






* * *




Single Mother Housing for Refugees

& Women's Center

Gemma Fucigna - Rome - Summer 19

A

B

The women’s center provides a crucial place for women to gather

and converse. It creates somewhere where women, refugees or

not, can build relationships and foster community. The center

is also connected with other support services. These include

individual case workers to help women integrate, employment

offices. In the upper levels of the building, there is housing

for single mothers and their children. These groups are

especially vulnerable and require more services to stay safe

while allowing them to live successful lives in Rome. With

shared kitchens and terraces, the building facilitates daily

interaction, building community and revitalizing culture. The

central courtyard creates a semi private outdoor space

connected to the larger community where families can feel

comfortable in while transitioning into the environment around

them. With the building’s central location on the site and

close proximity to the adjacent neighborhood, it can be easily

reached by residents on the site and those beyond. This is

crucial in creating opportunities for interaction with the

larger area.

C

C

Site Plan

Roof Plan

0 1 2 3 5m

Single Housing Units

Form Diagram

Adaptable Housing Units

Formal Unit

Shared Kitchen + Dining Space

Womens Center

Courtyard Rendering

Program Axon

C

C

Level 3 Floor Plan

0 1 2 3 5m

East Elevation

North Elevation

A

B

A

B

Section A

0 1 2 3 5m

C

C

Level 2 Floor Plan

Section B

0 1 2 3 5m

0 1 2 3 5m

Section C

0 1 2 3 5m

C

C

Communal Living Zones

Framing With Commerce

Neighborhoods that lack retail result in limited pedestrain traffic

and less sense of community between residents.

Without commerce, nonresidents have little reason to enter

neighborhoods that are not on their commute. Inhabitants of the

area are forced to leave for all necessary purchases and are also

less likely to interact with eachother. Commerce that frames

neighborhoods promotes nonresidents to spend time in the area and

connect to the adjacent neighborhoods. It supports residents

ability to sell goods, therefore creating a self-sustaining

community. In the case of creating a neighborhood for refugees,

these ideas are crucial. This pattern creates a place that they can

live integrated with the new culture, while still allowing them to

stay close to home.

Framing with commerce creates a neighborhood border, while

providing a sense of community for residents through increased

pedestrian traffic, conversation between buyer and seller, as well

as employment opportunity.

Single women and single mother refugees require extra

support from eachother to be able to safely and easily

acclimate to their new surroundings.

Many women are forced to come alone or with children to a

new country as refugees. Many of these women are not used to

the financial burden of being the sole caretaker for

themselves and their children. They arrive in a new country

not knowing the language or the culture, and are then

immediatly required to support themselves and their

children. It is through their housing that they can begin to

create a community among themselves and support eachother.

With shared living spaces, mothers can watch children and

cook for multiple families. Friendships and support systems

are created through this everyday interaction.

Single mother refugee housing should have individual units

with shared kitchens and terraces between them. This allows

women to support each other in their community.

A

B

Level 1 Floor Plan

0 1 2 3 5m

Gemelli

H

omes

Angel Lopez Sanchez

Arch 484 | Rome Studio| Summer 2019

Professor: Dr. Hajo Neis

Asylum seekers have unfortunatey become a world-wide political problem due to the way

the government has run and maintained their countires. In Italy, more and more Syrian and

North Africans enter as refugees in order to escape the governmental problems in their

own home countries. Rome is a city known for its historical architecture and organic urban

growth. It is a more distinctive city than where many refugees come from. The community

of dwellings are specifically designed for single parents as well as small families, creating

a small community within the larger context of the site. Even though the buildings follow

the same module, every single one is designed a little differently. The building functions to

create a sense of ownership for the refugees, giving them hope and strength. The envelope

of the buildings follow the Roman style. Meanwhile, the steel stairs not only add a modern

touch to it, but they also encourage residents to go outside and interact with neighbors.

One of the four buildings has a roof terrace which can be used by the refugees living in the

complex. This is an environment that creates hope and encouragement for new refugees.

Site Plan

Ground Floor Plan

1/32” = 1’-0”

Ground Floor Plan

1/32” = 1’-0”

East Elevation

1/16” = 1’-0”

North Elevation

1/16” = 1’0”

West Elevation

1/16” = 1’-0”

East Elevation

1/16” = 1’0”

Ground Floor Plan

1/32” = 1’-0”

South/North Section

Section Perspective

Adriann Bechtle, ARCH 484, Summer 2019, Instructor: Hajo Neis

Shops

Stairs

North Elevation

Scale: 1/32” = 1’0”

Low Income Apartments (<60 square meters)

Low Income Apartments (<75 square meters)

Mid Income Apartments (<85 square meters)

High Income Apartments

East Elevation

Scale: 1/32” = 1’0”

Ground Floor Plan

Scale: 1/32” = 1’0”

Second Floor Plan

Scale: 1/32” = 1’0”

Third Floor Plan

Scale: 1/32” = 1’0”

Section A-A

Scale: 1/32” = 1’0”

Section B-B

Scale: 1/32” = 1’0”

Axonometric

Fourth Floor Plan

Scale: 1/32” = 1’0”

Apartments for all families, including locals and refugees. The units vary in

size to serve families with different levels of income. The two L-shaped

buildings form a central court with a playground enclosed in a decorative

garden. This gives residents a communal space and their children a place

to play. The court also has access to a semi-public bathroom available to

residents and gelateria customers. The complex is complemented by

surrounding trees, which inspired its name ‘Appartamenti Parco

Pergolato,’ or ‘Treeline Park Apartments.’

via della lungara and mazzini bridge

REDESIGN

Redesign by Adam Abusukheila

RIVER BREACH

River is only accessible

by from upper level road

Lungotevere. Lack of

same level connection

to river makes it a less

desirable destination.

Bikers have to lug their

bikes down steps each

time they want to access

the river.

"Balance is

a passageway."

A heavily-structured punch-hole cut through the foundations of the

Lungotevere in order to connect Via Della Lungara to the River. The

newly-designed bike path on Via Della Lungara will branch down into

the river so that bikers can easily access the water front.

united nations refugee design

COMPETITION

DESIGNING WITH DIGNITY

UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE COMPETITION 2019:

"Cities and Refugees"

Entry by Adam Abu-Sukheila, Adrienne Betchle, Angel Lopez Sanchez,

Christiana Hedlund, Emma Cantor, Gemma Fucigna, Hajo Neis,

PhD, Hannah Gerton, Julian Watanabe-Neis, Ivan Castro, Madison

Canelis and Madison Drozd.

"Just as steadfast rocks in the river resist the flow of water,

people too refuse to accept the inevitable tide of refugees. There must

be a change, a redirection of the current, breaking down the rocks of

our minds to receive those who are vulnerable.

This is the problem we, as architecture students, have been

trying to tackle by reimagining the framework of perception and the

built world.

We are American students from the University of Oregon, and

have been studying in Rome for the past eight weeks. After researching

and exploring the historic center of Rome we chose to improve

lives by revitalizing the existing Regina Coeli Prison into an inclusive

neighborhood housing 25% refugees and 75% non-refugee residents.

In order to create a positive place for refugees to successfully resettle,

we started by creating patterns. These patterns served as both design

guides and social guides for the type of neighborhood we wanted to

create. It is crucial that the neighborhood design respects the identity

of the people, emphasizing pride and community, and the preservation

of human dignity. The Regina Coeli Inclusive Neighborhood

provides refugees with the proper tools to fully integrate into Rome

through safe housing, support services, and promoting daily interaction

with the community around them.

A pattern, based roughly on the ideas presented in Christopher

Alexander's book A Pattern Language, is a recurring phenomenon

observed which is first identified as a problem, then offers a solution.

Formulating a basis of patterns for this project has helped us to make

sense of complex situations and has generated a deeper understanding

of refugees and their needs. The patterns we have generated

can be divided into two main categories, architectural and social.

Architectural patterns pertain to the creation of a built environment

which is comforting and safe, benefiting refugees while maintaining

the typology and design traditions of Rome. Social patterns deal with

issues of inclusion, assimilation and cultural appreciation; encouraging

community engagement, but also allowing for independence,

providing opportunities for people to preserve their culture. With these

patterns guiding our design, we have successfully established an

inclusive neighborhood which improves the lives of both the refugees

and locals.

Due to the stigma surrounding refugees and the possible dangers

they are thought to bring, many cities refuse to accept them into

their population. It is crucial that refugees interact and build community

with locals instead of being seen as outsiders. In Rome, the few

refugees who are accepted into the country are forced to occupy the

outskirts of the city in buildings that are unsafe, with little aid from the

government. The Regina Coeli Inclusive Neighborhood is innovative

in its nature because it provides positive spaces which mix refugees

and locals, while still allowing some separation so they can identify

with their respective communities. Our hope is that this project will

serve as a guide, which can be implemented in other cities, demonstrating

that with the right knowledge and experiences, it is possible to

Glimpse of Competition Video "Design with Dignity" Submission.

Problem and Solution

Designing for the Vulnerable

The Pillars of Wellness

Problem: The mental health of refugees

is often passed over in their rehabilitation

programs.

B

Social Patterns

Problem and Solution

Problem: Minority groups such as

women and children are deprived of the

needs required for proper rehabilitation.

Solution: We design the integration of

centers such as adoption and women

and children living that houses the

essential care designed for them.

Solution: We design a space specifically

to treat the mental needs of refugees

just as rigorously as physical needs. To

break the stigma of mental health the

space will be inviting and open for all.

A

B

50’

65’

65’

20’

35’

20’

30’

80’

45’

20’

60’

40’

20’

20’

60’

60’

55’

35’

60’

80’

35’

35’

60’

60’

15’

50’

15’

35’

80’

65’

35’

20’

50’

20’

45’

50’

55’

65’

65’

60’

65’

50’

90’

30’

65’

80’

60’

70’

65’

70’

Refugee Pattern innovations

Current Regina Coeli prison Site

45’-60’

45’-60’

45’-60’

Patterns

1. Acoustic Barriers

2. Crafting Community

3. Therapy Garden

4. Secure Refugee Playground

5. Refugee Integration

6. Orientation Services

7. Designing with Dignity

8. Designing for the Vulnerable

9. Pillars of Wellness

10. Pedestrian Access

2 7

7

5

8 7

5 6

5

7

6

5

7

8

4

6

3

7

6

9 10

6

7

7

10

1

10

7

Regina Coeli Inclusive neighborhood

acknowledgements

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Rome Architecture Summer Program 2019, University of Oregon

In Cooperation with Global Education Oregon GEO

Professor Hajo Neis, PhD. Rome Program Director and Instructor 2019

Graduate and Undergraduate Students

Special Volunteer Tasks

Adam Abu-Kheila

Adriann Bechtle

Madison Canelis

Emma Cantor

Flynn Casey

Ivan Castro

Madison Drozd

Gemma Fucigna

Hannah Gerton

Christiana Hedlund

Aaron Kennerly

Angel Lopez

Guest Lecturers and Critcs

Prof. Giuseppe Strappa, Sapienza, Rome;

Prof. Antonio Latini, Rome and University of Oregon

Tom Rankin, Architect, Rome

Prof. Howard Davis, University of Oregon

Prof. Ralf Weber, Technical University Dresden

Prof. Alexander Schmidt, University of Duisburg-Essen

Prof. Ihab Elzeyadi, University of Oregon

Prof. Vicky Kynourgiopoulou, Loyoala University, UN

Grace Aaraj, Architect, Lebanon

Prof. Joachim Kieferle, University of Wiesbaden

Prof. Pia, K. Schneider, ISU, Rome

Angel Lopez, Daily Technical Functioning

Adam Abu-Sukheila, Book Editor

GEO Coordinators and Support

Diane Peterson

Meg Montgomery

Kerby Boschee

Emily Ryba

ISU Rome Center Support

Barbara Aldave

Beatrice Rossini

"The Great Migration". Photo by Adam Abusukheila

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aaraj, Grace, Catalytic Action, [Hatch], Reem Charif, Karim Najjar, Balsam Madi, and Ahmad

Nouraldeen. Cameracronica Magazine #15. Edited by Fabiano Micocci. Libria Publisher & Oil Forest League, 2017.

Alexander, Christopher, Hajo Neis, Artemis Anninou, and Ingrid King. A New Theory of Urban

Design. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1987.

Alexander, Christopher, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein. A Pattern Language: Towns,

Buildings, Construction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010.

Alexander, Christopher. The Timeless Way of Building. New York, NY: Oxford University Press,

1979.

Chamoiseau, Patrick, Matthew Amos, and Fredrik Rönnbäck. Migrant Brothers: A Poet’s

Declaration of Human Dignity. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2018.

Curzietti, Jacopo, Camilla S. Fiore, and Antonella Sciarpelletti. Il Monastero Romano Di Regina

Coeli. Roma, Italy: Herald Editore, 2014.

Falda. Nuova Pianta Et Alzata Della Citta Di Roma [map]. Scale not given. 1676.

Neis, Hajo, Briana Meier, and Tomo Furukawazono. “Arrival Cities: Refugees in Three German

Cities.” Proceedings 24th ISUF 2017 - City and Territory in the Globalization Age, 2017. doi:10.4995/isuf2017.2017.6318.

Nolli, Giambattista. The Pianta Grande di Roma [map]. Scale not given. 1748.

Mühlbauer, Lore, and Yasser Shretah. Handbuch Und Planungshilfe Flüchtlingsbauten:

Architektur Der Zuflucht: Von Der Notunterkunft Zum Kostengünstigen Wohnungsbau. Berlin: DOM Publishers, 2017.

Refugee Integration. Accessed June 017, 2019. https://refugee.uoregon.edu/.

Saunders, Douglas. Arrival City How the Largest Migration in History Is Reshaping Our World.

New York: Pantheon Books, 2010.

Schmal, Peter Cachola, Oliver Elser, and Anna Scheuermann. Making Heimat. Germany, Arrival

Country: 15. Mostra Internationale Di Architettura, La Biennale Di Venezia, Partecipazioni Nazionali. Ostfildern: Hatje Cantz, 2016.

Speck, Craig, Dan Qin, Noah Roesler, and Tim Walsh, eds. Living in a New Land. Eugene, OR:

University of Oregon; Department of Architecture, 2018.

Urban Refugee Integration in Rome of Prof. Hajo Neis Summer Program 2019

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