No Man’s Land – Architecture on the Borders
A humanitarian crisis has taken place along the borders of US-Mexico. In May 2019, around 19000 people were waiting in Mexico to seek asylum in the United States.
From men crossing over to the States for employment in 2000, to families seeking refuge in 2014 for a better livelihood, there has been a tectonic shift along the borders of US-Mexico. This led to ‘American Immigration Crisis’ in 2014, following which a crackdown implemented by the Trump government. With ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ in 2018 and ‘Metering’ in 2019, the total border crossings have been constant but the no. of people seeking asylum has increased. This has led to thousands of asylum seekers waiting for refugee status along the US-Mexico border.
Once a country of transit, Mexico is buckling under the demands of its new reality. With US administration seeking for ‘safe third country’ to absorb asylum seekers, organizations in Mexico have struggled to keep up with the influx of migrants. Along with that, the inhumane living conditions in migrant camps, systematic discrimination and an increased crime rate – have made people restless for a response from the Centre of Border and Protection (CBP). This has led to them occupying streets, spaces near border walkways and bridges.
CHALLENGE
With growing tensions between local communities in Mexico and a delayed immigration process in USA, asylum seekers are slowly being rejected by both countries.
Between climate change and the chaos of global politics, humanitarian crisis over the next decades will remain paramount. Thoughtful design cannot prevent that inevitability, but it can alleviate some of the sufferings that our fellow humans will endure.
Border bridges essentially are shared spaces, belonging to both/no one country. With migrant facilities limiting total intake and asylum seekers suffering under political and social mayhem, idea is to expand border bridge to become a temporary habitat.
Challenge is to design an immigrant respite centre over a pedestrian vehicular border bridge. It will function as a temporary accommodation facility for 1500 asylum seekers where they can rehabilitate, interact and plan their future.
Learn more on https://competitions.uni.xyz/no-mans-land
Judges:
To be announced.
Timeline:
Launch November 1st, 2019
Registration closes: March 20th 2020
Submission Deadline: March 30th 2020
Public Voting begins: April 09th 2020
Public Voting ends: April 30th 2020
Result Announcement: May 10th 2020
Prizes:
Prize pool of worth 20,000$
First Prize: 5000$ (For students and professionals)
Runner Up: 6 x 1100$ (For students and professionals)
People’s Choice: 4 x 600$ (Open for all)
Honorable Mention x 12: 500$ Each
More competitions here: http://competitions.uni.xyz
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