You are Welcome: Immigrant Integration through the Courtyard Typology

Abstract

This thesis addresses the architectural and social issues of immigrant populations relocating to foreign lands. The primary factor of immigrant integration is the availability of appropriate housing. Immigrant housing must be integrated into receiving communities in a symbiotic way, rather than siloed or ghettoized. As a building form type, the courtyard provides a supportive community framework for newcomers. This thesis takes the position that community integrated courtyard housing can be supportive to both immigrants and receiving communities. The site is in the Metrotown area of Burnaby, British Columbia. Burnaby is undergoing large-scale high-rise residential developments. This project seeks to provide a model for the Missing Middle Housing (MMH), which is medium to high density developments that are street oriented. The design intervention provides immigrant housing and public amenities to engage with the surrounding community. All spaces relate to variously scaled courtyards, from public gathering courtyards to individual living unit courtyards.