Asset based architectural design with a systemic perspective in vulnerable community-: participatory action research in Iraq Bersive 2 refugee camp

Traditional building approaches in vulnerable community have focused on the tangible aspects such as economic growth, building efficiency and appearance (Mathie & Cunningham, 2003). Although tangible benefit is important, the underlying causes could be neglected (Ting & Chen, 2012; Ku & Dominelli, 2018). Even worse, after expending enormous human and financial resources, we may breakdown community's own capacity for problem‐solving, diminishing of social and natural capital, and creates dependency (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993; Turner‐Lee & Pinkett, 2004; Khadka, 2012). In fact, vulnerability is not only lack of tangible resources, but more in the intangibles: purpose in life, a sense of self‐worth, relationships in community and stewardship (Corbett & Fikkert, 2009). With this respect, how can designers aspiring towards more responsible design and construction choices by including intangible value in building design? Asset based approach is an alternative method that possible to direct us in this path if we adopt its principle in building design and construction. Asset based approach looks at people and the community from a strengths perspective. This provides ways of working for designers to focus on strengths, abilities and potential rather than problems, deficiencies and pathologies (Chapin, 1995; Early & GlenMaye, 2000; Saleebey, 1992; Weick et al., 1989). Every community has resources and all individuals have the ability to contribute. By using their own community resources and capability, they could able to change their situation. External resources can build upon what already exist, but those resources should never replace one’s innate capacities (Corbett & Fikkert, 2009).

In this paper, asset based approach is adopted to design and construct a community hall in Iraq Bersive 2 refugee camp as a participatory action research. Bersive 2 Camp is situated in Zakho, Northern Iraq with 90% of Yazidis who are minority group run from ISIS genocide in 2014. The UN and government have mainly provided basic tents and material support for more than 6 years and have created dependency. The research process has followed the four stages of PAR: (i) identifying problem, needs and strengths; (ii) developing action plans; (iii) implementing action plans; and (iv) evaluating action processes and impact (Ku & Dominelli, 2018). Local community resources and capability was first investigated through asset mapping and the design framework was developed accordingly together with professional design consultants and local NGO. As a result, the community hall was built partially by earth and glass bottle and by the people from the refugee camp themselves. In the study, how asset based design approach could be used in different stages and to what extent intangible value could be achieved would be discussed and evaluated.