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Architect offers practical scheme for refugee housing

by
04 December 2015

richard economakis/notre dame university

A US architect has put forward plans to the UN, the EU, and the Greek government for new community living for refugees . The project would entail new villages in the Greek islands of Lesbos, Kos, and other sites where refugees first arrive on European shores. 

Richard Economakis, associate professor and director of graduate studies in architecture at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, proposes that the buildings be constructed of sun-dried brick — adobe — which is inexpensive, locally available, and easily assembled. 

A typical village, arranged as a pinwheel formation, would include 800 units, providing accommodation for 8000 people, approximately equivalent to the number of refugees arriving daily on Greek islands.

The UN, EU and Greek government are considering the scheme.

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