Architectural Design for Temporary Refugee Camps at Tak, Thailand | Architecture Thesis on Temporary Housing

Site Context

Temporary refugee shelters in Thailand are spread across nine locations across four provinces, all along the Burma border. Due to its dense population, the shelter area in Ban Mae La, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, was selected for this project’s study. It has the most easily accessible information and is the hub for refugee opportunities in many areas, including employment and education. Research was conducted in this field with a population that is well-suited and has a distinct behavioural pattern. There is a chance to contribute ideas that will aid in future management and assistance.

The Ban Mae Ok Hu and Ban Mae La, Village No. 9 of Tha Song Yang Subdistrict are the locations of the Mae La Temporary Shelter Areas. In the vicinity of Road No. 105, Mae Sot District Mae Sariang, lies the Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, within the coordinates of MU 3393 – MU 3692. There is internet and phone service within the shelter area. There are roughly 6,700 shelters and 34,215 individuals who are officially registered as refugees. Karen people comprise the majority of those residing in the temporary camps.

Design Process

The architecture and planning are intended to blend in with the Karen way of life and are based on UNHCR specifications. Due to budgetary constraints, materials from NGOs are combined with locally available materials, with a focus on keeping costs minimal.

The architectural design is divided into two main parts: residential and public buildings. The living quarters’ design concept incorporates spaces suitable for a camp for refugees and is based on Karen vernacular architecture. In the meantime, the design of public buildings focuses on introducing construction methods that are not present in refugee camps to develop new building techniques.

Final Outcome

The planning guidelines for resettling new immigrants and restructuring housing in Mae La camp aim to alleviate future congestion issues observed in other areas. Proposals include creating connecting pathways between accommodations and public areas for enhanced convenience. The layout integrates seven new houses alongside redesigned dormitories, while preserving existing housing and adding plots for public buildings. Residential plots will be elevated to meet architectural standards, ensuring functionality, while public spaces will be designed to encourage community interaction and improve overall livability within the camp.

Chapel: Given that most students and locals in the area are Christian, it is essential to provide a dedicated space for spiritual reflection and community gatherings. Furthermore, since student dormitories lack individual firewood storage, it is practical for the chapel to serve this dual purpose and be situated near the dormitories, ensuring easy access for students.

The chapel, built using permanent materials, will reflect local community religious practices and incorporate natural light to symbolize God’s consciousness. Sustainable materials like second-hand wood planks, timber, plywood, firewood, rock, gravel, sand, and silt clay will enhance the structure’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, accommodating seasonal architectural changes and enhancing its functionality.

Elementary School: As the population grows, education becomes a priority. Area C1A currently lacks an elementary school, despite having one early childhood school. Establishing an elementary school is crucial to accommodate the growing population and allow students from the early childhood school to continue their education nearby.

The building will be built using durable permanent materials, promoting study, play, and a safe environment for children. Innovative construction techniques, such as rammed earth, will be used, incorporating sustainable materials like second-hand wood planks, timber, plywood, a galvanized roof, and black film plywood.

Distribution Center: The distribution center is strategically placed near the center of the C1A zone to facilitate the storage and distribution of rescued materials from TBC to refugees needing to repair or build homes in the area. Its central location ensures convenient access for those in need, streamlining the distribution process.

Constructed using permanent materials for long-term durability, the center will enable NGOs to efficiently distribute construction materials, scaling from bulk storage to individual shelf units, with the activity area positioned at the front for ease of access. The design incorporates the idea of using shelves as a fundamental architectural element and utilizes sustainable materials.

Boarding House: The boarding house is strategically located near nearby colleges to provide dormitory accommodations specifically for female students, situated in the original dormitory area to maintain connectivity with other dormitories and accommodate 10 students, fostering a small community.

Constructed using non-permanent materials, the design will cater to the students’ needs for studying, sleeping, and daily living, creating a supportive environment for students from the religious college. The architectural concept emphasizes adaptability, utilizing second-hand wood planks and timber, plywood, and a galvanized roof to ensure both functionality and sustainability.

NGOs Worker House: In the Mae La camp, NGOs collaborate with TBC, UNHCR, and hospitals to aid refugees. Establishing accommodation that meets their operational needs is crucial. Modeling a standard house prototype for NGO employees, who commute, is necessary to maintain community ties.

The design adheres to the traditional Karen refugee housing model, emphasizing a larger porch area to foster connections with neighbors and integrate seamlessly into the local environment. It is constructed using non-permanent materials like leaf thatch, unrolled bamboo battens, bamboo, eucalyptus, and rattan.

Working at Home Type: Refugees working from home, whether engaged in weaving or inventing, are recruited from within or outside the Mae La camp. These individuals require a quiet environment conducive to concentration, thus their homes are situated in the least crowded areas of the camp. 

The architectural approach focuses on a standard Karen refugee house prototype, built from non-permanent materials like galvanized roof, unrolled bamboo battens, bamboo, eucalyptus, and rattan. Emphasizing a larger porch area to foster community connections, the design aims to integrate seamlessly into the natural surroundings while providing a functional space for both work and living within the camp context.

Conclusion: The project exemplifies a sustainable refugee camp that offers enhanced living conditions and quality of life, owing to its hybrid model of temporary and permanent structures that accommodate the varied needs of each user. By creating spaces that support sustainability and social activities, the project incorporates diverse interventions that raise the refugees level of self-sufficiency.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]