Dr. Suchi Bhattacharjee, Dr. Chie Noyori-Corbett, and Ph.D. candidate Salma Akter have collaborated on a chapter titled “Sheltering Hope: Navigating the Nexus of Refugee Housing Conditions and Well-Being”, featured in the book Migration and Forced Displacement - Vulnerability and Resilience - Volume 2. This work examines the intricate relationship between housing conditions and the physical and mental well-being of refugees, both in temporary shelters and during post-resettlement.
Dr. Chie Noyori-Corbett serves as Associate Director of Research at the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. Dr. Suchi Bhattacharjee is Associate Dean of Academic and College Administration for Gibbs College, as well as an associate professor and graduate liaison in the Division of Interior Design. Salma Akter is a Ph.D. candidate at the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture.
The chapter emphasizes housing as a critical social determinant of health and well-being, recognized as a fundamental right under the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Drawing on existing literature, the authors explore key challenges faced by refugees, such as overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and instability in both camp settings and resettlement environments. They also examine the broader concept of “healthy housing,” which encompasses not only shelter but also factors like safety, privacy, and psychological well-being, all of which are essential for fostering social integration and stability.
By integrating findings from global studies, the chapter discusses barriers to housing affordability and stability, including discrimination, high rental costs, and limited access to public housing. It also highlights the importance of community integration, placemaking, and inclusive housing policies in promoting a sense of identity and belonging among refugees. Practical recommendations include improving access to affordable housing, enhancing support services, and fostering transparent and accountable housing systems.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
