Aia Zaina
Doha: Research conducted by Aia Zaina – a Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) student – has been accepted for the Environment Design Research Association EDRA52 conference to be held in Detroit, US, in May this year.
Her thesis titled ‘Prioritizing Place for a Fuller Understanding of Homelessness,' highlights the need for further understanding into homeless shelters, and explores the problem of homelessness as one that goes beyond rooflessness.
For her research, the VCUarts Qatar Interior Design senior studied existing dwellings for the homeless around the globe, and gathered information to show that architects, interior designers, built environment experts, and policy makers need to focus on dwelling designs that foster emotional connectivity, a sense of belonging, and identity, among occupants.
“Of late I’ve seen how there is a stigma to stay away from, and not interact with, homeless people, as they are perceived to be a danger to themselves and others,” Zaina said.
“And, I’ve observed how this attitude has affected governmental and societal efforts to include and reintegrate the homeless into the community.
“For that reason, when my professors at VCUarts Qatar encouraged our class to research designs that address real-world societal problems, I felt I wanted to investigate how such attitudes manifest in the manner in which homes or dwellings are being designed for the homeless, and what, if any, is the psychological impact on the inhabitants who occupy them. I also saw it as a chance for me to go beyond creating spaces and voids, and think about designs that build a sense of community.”
Zaina said her professors encouraged her to submit her thesis to the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA), an international, interdisciplinary organization founded in 1968 by design professionals, social scientists, students, educators, and facility managers with the purpose of advancing environmental design research, improving understanding of the interrelationships between people, their built and natural surroundings, and helping to create environments responsive to human needs.
As part of her investigations, Zaina studied existing models in Canada, the US, and Australia. Additionally, she conducted in-depth interviews with those directly involved with the homeless or who were managing homeless shelters in Australia.
As a Palestinian who spend most of her childhood in Australia, Zaina says that she was familiar with the topics of displacement and homelessness. Yet, according to her, her research had a few surprises in store for her.
In her research, Zaina puts forward a design that promotes inclusion among the homeless – people who, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, coloUr or culture, are left without roofs over their heads due to their personal, social or political circumstances.
