Housing Qualities and Effects on Identity and Well-Being: Theoretical Perspectives for Interdisciplinary Research on Asylum Seeker Receptions Centres

Abstract

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), SINTEF Building and Infrastructure, and University College of Lillehammer (HiL) succeeded together in obtaining funding for the current research project on asylum seeker reception centres by Norwegian Research Council’s research program FRIPRO for 2012-2015: “What Buildings Do - The Effect of the Physical Environment on Quality of Life of Asylum Seekers”. The project is furthermore supported financially by The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) as well as internally funded by NTNU, HiL and SINTEF Building and Infrastructure. Facing the many complexities and challenges of conducting the project, we have had invaluable input and support from our Advisory Board including academic experts in the field, representatives from actual NGOs, UDI, organisations that run asylum-seeker reception centres, and prior residents. Ultimately, the research team extends grateful appreciation to the many employees and residents of asylum-seeker reception centres for their willingness and generous collaboration that have allowed us to pursue the aims of this project. Any faults or mischievements rest on the research team alone. The writing of this report was headed by Anne Sigfrid Grønseth (HiL) in co-authorship with Eli Støa (project leader, NTNU), Ragne Thorshaug (NTNU), Åshild Lappegard Hauge (SINTEF), while also drawing on valuable comments from team-researchers Einar Strumse (HiL) and Karine Denizou (SINTEF). Svein Åge Kjøs Johnsen (HiL) has undertaken a quality assessment.