Four Unit 6 students took part in a transformative exchange residency in Athens in June 2024, focusing on the intersections of migration, urban
development, housing, and social infrastructure for displaced populations.

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A key highlight of the month-long summer residency in Athens was the students’ volunteer work during Refugee Week Greece 2024. The festival, themed “Our Home,” ran from 17th to 23rd June and brought together a diverse array of local, civil society, and international organisations, such as Inter Alia, Athens Solidarity Centre, and the Failte Centre, dedicated to supporting displaced people in Greece. The week-long series of participatory events took place across Athens, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among participants. Events explored themes of
home, family, belonging, and community, and activities were designed to involve and empower displaced individuals through community art
projects, cultural exchange sessions and film screenings.

The week culminated in a vibrant community gathering at Kapaps Park in celebration of World Refugee Day. This event showcased cultural performances, exhibitions, and food from diverse refugee communities, highlighting their contributions to the city’s cultural fabric.

ARCSR students volunteered in various capacities, assisting with event set up, facilitating workshops and exhibitions, and providing logistical support.
The group documented the festival through drawings, photographs, and narratives, and reflection on their experiences.

The participation of ARCSR architecture students in the Refugee Week Greece 2024 festival not only enriched their academic and professional
experiences but also contributed to the communities they engaged with. By combining research with practical involvement, the students were able to address pressing issues of migration and urban development, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within displaced communities in Athens.

 

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