EUROPEAN APPROACH TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF MODULAR SETTLEMENTS FOR REFUGEES

Abstract

Many citizens were forced to leave their homes due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Almost 5 million citizens were registered as internally displaced persons. Some of them found shelter in modular (container) settlements located in various regions of Ukraine. Additionally, over 7 million Ukrainians sought refuge abroad and were settled in different types of housing. Due to limited time and extreme conditions, modular settlements were also built in some European countries to provide our compatriots with temporary housing. 
 The paper provides a review of the European experience in the design and construction of modular settlements, while also defining the architectural and urban characteristics of their development. The paper the findings of the study based upon the information gathered about settlements built in Europe between 2015 and 2016, as well as modular settlements currently being constructed for Ukrainian refugees since 2022. The analysis includes aspects such as size, spatial planning, landscaping, typology, purpose of buildings, and furnishing of premises. The article explores planning approaches for modular settlements, which encompass concepts such as sustainability and long-term solutions, functionality, comfort, aestheticization, and mitigation of negative impacts on the environment. 
 The study's findings concluded that when selecting a location for modular settlements, it is crucial to evaluate the site's position within the overall building structure, the availability of infrastructure, accessibility, socio-cultural environment, as well as conduct economic, demographic, and environmental analyses. The research determined that an optimal solution for modular settlements is to create communities for approximately 300 people, utilizing two-story modular buildings. It is recommended to form courtyards that provide more privacy to inhabitants. In a grid planning structure for a modular settlement, it is essential to effectively organize public spaces, including children's and sports grounds, recreational areas, as well as administrative and service buildings. For the long-term residence of refugees, it is recommended to utilize residential units where shared kitchens and bathrooms are designed for inhabitants of 2 to 5 rooms. Additionally, individual residential units or houses can be allocated for single families, equipped with furniture and appliances, including individual bathrooms and kitchen niches. The minimum living space per person is suggested to be between 4.5 to 5.5 square meters. The findings of this research can be utilized to enhance existing settlements and inform the development of new urban planning and architectural solutions for the design of future modular settlements.