Architecture in the process of social inclusion of homeless

Rzeszow University of Technology, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, al. Powstańców Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland

^* Corresponding author: akbyr@prz.edu.pl ^** a.brudnicka@prz.edu.pl

Abstract

The phenomenon of homelessness requires active support to stimulate the actions of socially excluded people in the process of leaving homelessness. The study exemplifies transfer of benefits from the design sector to the social service sector. Shelters or installations for homeless people give them, on the one hand, a chance to survive, on the other, signal of acceptance of their status. Is it necessary to design forms that consolidate their condition or initiate a process whose aim is to overcome the state of homelessness and social inclusion? The paper reveals how to engage homeless populations as clients participating in the design and building process. The study presents a project in the field of natural construction based on straw balls technology. Materials are common, cheap, local and biodegradable. Straw bale technology allows building intentional communities developing in direction of social, economic and environmental sustainability. The project tries to solve the main problems of homelessness through assurance of refuge, inclusion in society, motivation to work and to develop the ability of the homeless to cooperate. The target group can gradually achieve economic independence and become an active part of society.