The argument of this speculative project is that architecture can and should contribute to civil society matters as an instrument for social justice.The design proposes an improvement of current forms of undocumented immigrant shelter in Amsterdam. Currently, architects are hired to design detention centers and AZC’s which communicate discouragement, liminality and insecurity to its users, resulting in stress, tiredness and depression. Can architecture offer a critical reflection on this political agenda, by finding ways to integrate temporary housing in the city, instead of outside the city? The project offers the vision of a space where technical, legal and mental help is provided alongside collective ways of living and spending time, to experience years waiting for legal procedures in a human way.

The thesis does not directly attack the relevance of architecture in society today. It is more hopeful. It reveals a tension felt by young, socially engaged designers to contribute to social/civic matters, instead of working in service of commercial agendas. Architects have skills as spatial thinkers, designers and negotiators to play a role in addressing civic matters and work for social justice.

The design and research were exhibited at the main exhibition ‘(T)Huis’ for the Rotterdam Architectuur Maand 2022 at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam.