Projects per year
Abstract
This chapter addresses the relationship between design and displacement by investigating the role of bottom-up material practices in the context of the Goudoubo refugee camp in Burkina Faso. Based on fieldwork undertaken on the “Energy and Forced Displacement: A Qualitative Approach to Light, Heat and Power in Refugee Camps” research project, the chapter critiques the role of humanitarian agencies in providing clean cooking technologies, notably solar cookers. The chapter asks: How do refugee communities use energy products? Are the products appropriate for the needs of refugees in these settings? It argues that a lack of cultural understanding coupled with limitations in the design of solar cookers led refugee communities to repurpose the discarded solar cookers to provide for their own needs. The chapter explores a key example—a purpose-built storage shelter—which, following Escobar (2018), we argue can be seen as a form of “autonomous design,” in contrast to the imposition of humanitarian design. Through the lens of post-development theory, the chapter explores the need to recognize the resourcefulness of refugee communities. We suggest that humanitarian agencies and designers working in the context of displacement should appreciate the autonomous knowledges, skills and practices of those with whom they work.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Design, Displacement, Migration |
Subtitle of host publication | Spatial and Material Histories |
Editors | Sarah A Lichtman, Jilly Traganou |
Publisher | Routledge |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003194293 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781032046945 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 30 Nov 2023 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Displaced energy practices: Autonomous design in the context of humanitarian intervention in Goudoubo Camp, Burkina Faso'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Energy and Forced Displacement: A Qualitative Approach to Light, Heat and Power in Refugee Camps
Cross, J. (Principal Investigator)
1/11/16 → 30/04/18
Project: Research
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Energy and Forced Displacement: A Qualitative Approach to Light, Heat and Power in Refugee Camps
Verhoeven, A. (Principal Investigator) & Martin, C. (Co-investigator)
1/11/16 → 30/04/18
Project: Research
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Case study: Affordable and clean energy (SDG7)
Verhoeven, G., Martin, C. & Cross, J., 15 Mar 2021, Design for Global Challenges and Goals. Tsekleves, E., Cooper, R. & Spencer, J. (eds.). 1st ed. London: Routledge, p. 108-122 15 p. (Design for Social Responsibility).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
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Shelter as cladding: Resourcefulness, improvisation and refugee-led innovation in Goudoubo Camp
Martin, C., Cross, J. & Verhoeven, G., 22 May 2020, Structures of Protection?: Rethinking Refugee Shelter. Scott-Smith, T. & Breeze, M. E. (eds.). Oxford: Berghahn Books, Vol. 1.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
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Energy on the Move: Displaced Objects in Knowledge and Practice
Cross, J., Verhoeven, G. & Martin, C., 5 May 2020, Handbook of Displacement. Adey, P., Brickell, K., Bowstead, J., Desai, V., Dolton, M., Pinkerton, A. & Siddiqi, A. (eds.). Palgrave MacmillanResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review