To be someone for someone else: the role of architect(ure)s in counteracting homelessness

Abstract

This master thesis investigates the role of architects and architecture in counteracting homelessness. For this study, the project takes place in the context of Charleroi, a Belgian city particularly impacted by a wide range of social issues, including homelessness. The latter’s definition is differentiated from the term houselessness, which means not having a roof over one’s head. Homeless here includes all people, houseless or not, who lack a place to call home. As simple as the definition may seem, homelessness is a highly complex topic. It is thus crucial to have a deep understanding of what it entails before trying to find solutions. Knowledge is built by reaching out to and collaborating with organisations confronted with homelessness daily. Using reference literature, projects, and movies, conducting interviews, and going into the field are additional ways of enquiring about the subject. The design proposal is based on reality because of the need for contextualised understanding. It is conceived on a plot acquired to build a centre for homelessness and is inspired by the testimonies of local stakeholders. Homelessness is deeply related to the social aspect of sustainable development because it is about giving the right to a segregated population to simply be, as anyone else in society has the right to. Working with homelessness is working with social gaps, and reducing those is essential to living in a more just – and thus more sustainable – society. Knowing this, the outcome of this thesis is the design of a community centre dedicated to social bonding, autonomy development, inclusion, and empowerment of the homeless population in the centre of Charleroi. By designing such a place, the project aims at stepping away from prejudices and being norm-critical. It also aims at turning around the current marginalised position society puts homeless people in. Most of all, it does not aim at changing who homeless people are but rather at giving them a space to be who they want to become.