The Conceptualization of a Modular Residential Settlement Project Emerging in a Displacement Situation due to War in the Context of Sustainable Development Requirements

Abstract

Modular housing represents an opportunity for the mass provision of housing of an appropriate standard, implemented sustainably. We analyzed the theoretical basis of this type of housing for refugee populations. We identified several generations of housing provision, from tented camps to container settlements, and ultimately to units resembling traditional housing estates. The latter is feasible due to technological advancements. Our research contributes to the implementation of the principles of the New European Bauhaus initiative, which underpins the European Green Deal policy on space design. Using the Research through Design (RtD) method within the framework of a settlement project for the Ukrainian population migrating from war zones (Modular Refugees Settlement Project “ProModSe”), we tested the suitability of these principles in extreme and critical war-related situations. The most important criteria were speed of implementation, the prospect of long-term residence, and ensuring safety. We analyzed the social, environmental, and aesthetic–functional aspects, comparing them with existing practices in the design of settlements for displaced persons, modular settlements, and quality standards in residential environments. The results demonstrate, at multiple scales, the critical interdependence of sustainable development, aesthetics and functionality, and community creation. We emphasize the need to include security as an essential fourth axis within the New European Bauhaus concept. This study contributes to addressing the complex housing problem for refugee populations. The generalizations formulated based on empirical research complement the knowledge of housing and the functioning of the sociotechnological system.

1. Introduction

Situations associated with migration movements involving large populations can vary in specificity. They are caused by armed conflicts of a political nature, crises related to natural disasters, or ongoing climate changes. These situations are characterized by unique dynamics. Sudden and prolonged population displacement necessitates quickly providing adequate housing conditions to society, posing both organizational and technological challenges with significant complexity levels.

For many years, research has been conducted on conceptualizing neighborhoods, housing layouts, and optimizing the construction process, which is particularly important in the abovementioned situations. However, these studies are often limited to specific geographical areas or case studies [1,2,3,4]. In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in modular construction, which offers the opportunity for universal application of technology based on modularity in various locations [5,6,7]. Due to its many advantages, this approach to shaping settlements presents an opportunity to secure housing for populations affected by natural disasters [8,9,10,11].

The New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative [12] imposes a new perspective on creating the built environment, considering factors such as climate change and technological development. The timeliness of the topic of disaster housing for populations in situations of natural disasters is emphasized by research conducted in 2022 as part of the Modular Refugee Settlement Project “ProModSe”, funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and dedicated to Ukrainian populations migrating from areas directly affected by armed conflict.

Strategies for addressing the housing crisis associated with the refugee influx include the following:

• Utilizing existing and vacant housing stock.
• Creating conditions for emergency housing and subsequently converting established camps.
• Providing access to social housing.
• Supporting housing cooperatives and improving mechanisms for housing access.

In the event of a massive influx of people, planning for new housing is essential. As part of this study, we explored housing options that meet the latest sustainable design standards. We aimed to identify practices that meet sustainable development criteria and promote residents’ health, including mental health. This is facilitated by creating spaces that evoke a sense of safety and foster community relations in a world increasingly vulnerable to public health crises. Settlements built under time pressure and in challenging situations can take various forms. Based on past units, ghettos, gated communities, and mass housing projects were identified [13]. Cuny divided these forms based on separate phases of resettlement. Primary existential conditions, sanitary points, and sometimes terrain drainage systems are provided in the first phase. The second phase involves installing separate, small centers with essential services (emergency units) and providing open areas for social activities. The final stage involves structuring the layout and establishing technical infrastructure (e.g., wells) and essential social service facilities. Such implementations can be developed in new areas or within existing layouts. An analysis of past experiences has shown that arranging the urban ensemble can influence social behaviors [14]. Dalal compared camp structures to urban layouts and pointed out the justification for shaping them based on similar spatial and social interdependencies. However, residential complexes for migrant groups are not adapted for long-term occupancy. The research findings suggest an urgency for policies and programs to be embedded within housing systems that ensure vulnerable population groups have long-term rather than temporary access to secure housing [15]. Considering the need for long-term habitation of resettled populations, the conditions of the new place should be like standard urban conditions. This condition was impossible in the past due to a lack of appropriate technologies. Also, organizational issues in such places indicate recurring negative experiences involving human rights violations despite the fundamental premise of population protection [16,17,18]. Most rapidly emerging settlements took the form of tent fields or container camps and did not transform into a permanent form that would ensure suitable living conditions. In the above analyses, mass housing technologies provide dignified living conditions for migrant groups, such as prefabricated and modular forms, which are mobile during construction and offer durable and functional solutions.

2. Materials and Methods

At the beginning of the research and design process, we posed research questions to address the following:

• How can optimal housing conditions be provided quickly and on a large scale?
• What are the basic requirements for refugee housing, and what are the specificities of this type of unit?
• Can displacement situations impact housing development?
• Is it possible to standardize modular housing for the refugee community?
• Does the New European Bauhaus initiative work in a war crisis?

Our hypothesis: Despite the critical conditions—implementation in a short period of time and on a large scale—it is possible to provide housing in accordance with social, environmental, and aesthetic standards, according to the principles of the New European Bauhaus.

In the first stage, we carried out Research for Design, which addressed the above issues. The scope of initial research at the preliminary stage focused on camps and campuses organized for resettled individuals. Defining an appropriate settlement form was crucial for the outcomes of the work. Initially, the analysis revolved around quickly established emergency units intended for mass resettlement. Conclusions from analytical work directed the research design’s attention towards smaller settlement models deemed better socially. Such a model is achievable during prolonged resettlement processes, where the evacuation stage from the endangered area transforms into a permanent settlement. We rejected the container settlement model based on poor experiences with such implementations, for example, during the 1997 floods in Poland. Temporary container settlements offer a chance for survival initially but hinder the transition from temporary accommodation to a better state [19]. In addition to the literature research, we critically analyzed more than a dozen modular and other social integration projects. Some of the sites were the subject of field research. The research was supported by visits to a modular house factory in Bielsk Podlaski, Poland, which produces this type of housing for northern and western Europe.

Research on improving housing layouts for mass-resettled individuals was based on the New European Bauhaus (NEB) guidelines. This initiative serves as the leading reference platform for the subject problem. The methodological basis of our research is the Research through Design (RtD) method [20,21,22]. It allowed for linking research with the practical design field, focused on the housing problem, and introduced the results obtained in our design example back into general academic reflection. The diagram shows the contribution of individual activities—such as research for design, field studies, analysis of spatial and environmental policies, and the design process—to the solution of the research project (Figure 1).

Guidelines were established during pre-project, project, and pre-implementation work. The target group was individuals affected by mass resettlement due to the war in Ukraine. For this purpose, we collaborated with architects from Lviv. The actions commenced at the end of February 2022. The city authorities designated the site for the settlement project, which covers an area of approximately seven hectares on the northwestern side of Lviv (Riasne). The project received funding through a grant from the European Institute of Technology (EIT) for projects promoting NEB ideas. To determine and understand the needs of individuals in resettlement situations, we conducted survey research with sociologists from Lviv among two large groups of internal migrants resettled from eastern to western parts of Ukraine and immigrants to Poland. The total number of respondents exceeded four hundred people. The research indicated preferences in housing arrangements and defined minimum living needs.

The context of the design process was determined by the requirements related to the grant project—the schedule and the requirement of a participatory approach in the process [23,24,25].

The initial design concept emerged through a series of variations and iterations of the form, during which we refined the solutions, eliminating those that were incorrect or less suitable. This allowed for the urban structure of the settlement to emerge as a typological guideline for development. The work was carried out in narrow time sequences and subjected to internal critique within the team. This principle of concept emergence is commonly used in architectural design [22]. Individual stages of work were consulted by external specialists and discussed at meetings organized by the EIT (Figure 2).

Additionally, in exploratory research, we employed the method of visualizing research problems, using bibliographic data and VOSviewer tools to identify the main topics addressed in scientific research. Data analysis revealed an increased interest in research on camps/settlements for refugees in the last five years. As much as 41% of articles out of 6268, drawn from the Scopus database, originated from 2019 to 2024. Within this group, several research interests emerged: medical, psychological, sanitary, demographic, gender studies, and studies on child development. Relatively few studies focus on the architectural shaping of living spaces. We identified only twelve publications dedicated to this issue during the analyzed period, specifically from 2019 onwards. In analyzing key terms, climate change and sustainable development emerged as research focal points. They represent a departure from the previous research perspective. The following maps illustrate the analysis (Figure 3 and Figure 4).

We conducted a systematic literature review and research analysis based on these findings.

3. Research Status—Literature Review

The literature review focused on three key issues: settlements for displaced populations, modular construction, and the New European Bauhaus initiative. In addition, we analyzed so-called good practices, specifically the use of modular construction in practice and how the system works in Germany.

3.1. Settlements for Displaced Populations

Scientific research indicates the long-term development of settlements for refugee populations, encompassing both emergency shelter sites and long-term forms of various settlements. These are used as shelters for populations or publicly accessible housing provisions in the real estate market. Dantas and Amado, based on literature reviews, emphasize the need to create permanent settlements signifying long-term residence [26]. The average time spent in a refugee camp is assumed to be 17 years, with a minimum of 5 years, which makes these camps evolve towards new quasi-cities. However, the planning process during camp establishment is limited to fundamental humanitarian issues without considering long-term stays [27,28]. Moreover, the role of service providers in providing housing for external refugees is a rarely addressed topic in the broader literature. Based on thirteen semi-structured interviews with service providers across nine organizations in Toronto, Canada, the study illuminates housing access barriers for migrants, such as lack of affordable housing and perceived discrimination against this social group in housing [29]. Therefore, interventions to meet refugee populations’ housing needs become more justified, especially in the national context. Increasingly, large cities find themselves with a scarcity of affordable housing stock and cannot increase their inventory quickly enough to meet urban growth trends [30]. In the case of internal refugees, the rapid organization of settlements as urban structures with desirable development becomes a priority. This makes it possible to effectively address barriers to access to housing, which emerge as significant challenges in the refugee assistance literature and research. In designing such structures, such as refugee settlements or for forcibly displaced populations, the sociological context and sociodemographic perspective regarding aspects such as spatial mobility patterns, health and social well-being, social and economic integration, and family development dynamics [31,32], and conditions of emancipation, parity, interdependence, and cultural integrity [33] are critical.

Studies on the architectural dimension of refugee settlements mainly focus on emergency camps in various geographical contexts. Analysis of environmental solutions in the Za’atari camp in Jordan confirmed that environmental quality can be improved through higher-quality urban and architectural design. In this case, improving the place’s resilience to brutal desert and climatic conditions—ensuring thermal comfort—proved significant [34]. When designing the mentioned camp, the authors, drawing on the heritage of vernacular architecture and eco-friendly solutions, ensured the realization of basic needs, such as energy supply.

3.2. Modular Construction

Prefabricated modular construction belongs to the broad category of volumetric construction, where individual elements are fabricated off-site. The typology includes three basic types, depending on the degree of prefabrication: elementary, planar (flat), and volumetric. The latter type (prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction—PPVC) may consist of partial volumetric components [35]. The construction process differs from traditional methods, as it depends on logistics: production, transportation, and assembly [36].

Lim et al. highlight the lack of design guidelines for this type of construction at the initial design stage. Lu et al. refer to the PEST analytical framework, which encompasses various contexts: political, economic, social, and technological. Gibb adopted a rating scale for assessing the combination of these factors from 0 to 4, where 0 denotes on-site construction and 4 denotes fully prefabricated. His analysis found that the optimal state is rated 2 and 3 ([37] Gibb). Early assumptions influence the overall assessment of the building’s lifecycle. Critical success factors (CSFs) include robust project specifications, accurate drawings, and early “freezing” of the project (no significant changes at later stages), as well as effective communication among project participants involving all stakeholders in the construction process [38].

Proven benefits of using this technology include construction speed, cost efficiency, and durability [34,39,40]. This method is estimated to increase productivity by up to 40% [41]. Pro-environmental benefits include emission reduction, waste control, optimization of processes (quality, external conditions, deliveries, and schedules), and improved storage of construction materials [42]. These conditions make modular construction a promising model for addressing the issue of settlements for refugees.

3.3. Examples of the Implementation of Social Modular Housing for Refugees and Migrants

In contemporary habitat architecture, we can find many examples of using the structure of modular objects. Architects make use of wooden, steel, and concrete prefabrication. Regarding the standardization of refugee settlements, it is worth mentioning a few examples to demonstrate the paranormal goals of enclosure and the use of this development mode in architecture.

At the Dortheavej Residence in Copenhagen, created by BIG Architects as part of the “Own Local” program by Lejerbo, a modular principle can be observed both in the building’s structure and its facade [43], (p. 290). Prefabricated modules form a distinctive chevron pattern on the exterior wall, adding a unique visual element. The residential modules are stacked in layers, allowing for the creation of small balconies and additional space for residents. The facade is adorned with wood and concrete, with large windows letting in plenty of natural light. Despite a limited budget, this project has received an award for high-quality residential space and a positive impact on the community. Thanks to the thoughtful use of modules, the building looks attractive and provides residents with comfortable living conditions, with attention to detail and functionality.

The MUF housing estate in the Reinickendorf district of Berlin, designed by architects with the aim of architecture management, represents an innovative solution to combating homelessness in the face of the refugee crisis. The project is based on prefabricated modular construction, allowing for the quick and efficient building of living conditions for those needing assistance. Modular architecture must be flexible and adapted to refugees’ diverse cultures and needs, providing them with dignified living conditions. The project’s co-authors also include architects from Berlin, demonstrating the local community’s involvement in helping refugees. One of the main advantages of the MUF estate is its construction speed [44]. Thanks to the prefabrication of modules, it is possible to build new apartments quickly, which is crucial in a refugee crisis when immediate responses are needed. Furthermore, the flexibility of modular architecture allows for easy adaptation of flats to the changing needs of residents, promoting the integration of refugees into a new environment. However, there are also certain negative aspects associated with this solution. Although modular construction is fast and efficient, it does not always offer durable, high-quality solutions. Prefabricated modules may be less durable than traditional buildings, which can lead to the need for more frequent repairs and renovations. Additionally, despite the flexibility of modular architecture, it may be difficult to ensure privacy and intimacy for residents, which is especially important when refugees need to adjust to new living conditions. Therefore, the MUF estate in the Reinickendorf district of Berlin is an exciting example of an innovative approach to housing for refugees. Despite some drawbacks, such as potential lower durability and lack of intimacy, this project offers a quick and flexible solution for those in need. Through the involvement of local architects and the community, the MUF estate can inspire other cities struggling with homelessness in the face of the refugee crisis. In Helsingborg, Sweden, there is an architectural structure named Project “SällBo”, another example of utilizing modular architecture. An unknown architect embarked on transforming an existing building to create housing dedicated to seniors and individuals aged 18 to 25, including those who arrived in Sweden as unaccompanied children seeking asylum. The building comprises 31 apartments for seniors and 20 for younger residents, with four above-ground floors. The ground floor features residential and communal areas. The project employed traditional construction technology, mainly based on brick and concrete walls. This facility primarily serves social housing purposes, aiming to create an intergenerational community organized by an animator, providing shared spaces for seniors and younger residents. The neighborhood is characterized by a lack of flexibility in its structure, one of its distinctive elements.

The analysis conducted on examples of completed modular housing projects highlights several vital conclusions [45].

The project by Acau Architecture Studio is an example of the use of modular architecture. It is located in Rigot Park in Geneva, next to the Sismondi school, and consists of two symmetrical five-story buildings built from 230 prefabricated wooden modules. The project was designed to provide temporary shelter for 370 migrants. The apartments are accessible through an external gallery leading to a public courtyard and the Sismondi Street tram stop [46]. The entire construction was designed to minimize its impact on the environment. The buildings will be relocated within ten years, and the site will be restored to its original state. The wooden foundations can be reused in the future. The project also considers the variability in housing demand, offering flexible typologies that can be adjusted from two to eight rooms by transforming the spaces. The modularity of the apartments allows for alternative uses, such as student housing or the hotel industry. Prefabrication of the modules allows for quick project execution, and using local wood for the foundations and facades reduces “grey energy”. The project’s aesthetics are based on the structure of wood, highlighting its sustainable character. The project minimizes its negative impact on the natural environment by involving local wood producers. The text emphasizes the importance of using modular architecture.

These objects often function as independent units, separate from a larger composition or urban context. A lack of reference to existing buildings leads to a lack of coherence in the surroundings. Projects often follow modernist trends, which can negatively impact the quality of residential space due to a lack of flexibility in the layout of the apartments. An essential aspect of design is to create modulation suitable for the architecture, and lighting is the sectioning of the object’s structure. An example of a Danish settlement with a bulging port elevation is a significant structure and adaptation covered by the existing structure [47]. There is also a lack of consideration for neighborhood layouts, resulting in the isolation of individual buildings. However, there is a trend towards arranging the surroundings of buildings concerning the quality of space and its impact on the well-being of residents. In conclusion, there is a growing demand for shared spaces, flexible apartment layouts, surface optimization, and a division into short- and long-term residences. It is also essential to avoid unfavorable corridor layouts that can limit the functionality of living space.

3.4. Systemic German Experience with Modular Housing for Refugees

The problem of providing housing for refugees motivated the Berlin Senate to analyze the feasibility of modular homes and container villages. In 2015, it was estimated that around 70,000 people were in a housing crisis, with the prospect of this number increasing over the next few years [48]. The modular system (reinforced concrete technology) was chosen for its speed of mass implementation. Initially, the buildings had a dormitory layout, which guaranteed more beds. Meanwhile, container buildings were still being constructed and fenced off in locations away from the city center. According to German law (Civil Code), the container buildings were not intended to be used for more than three years, but in practice, this period was extended. The early type of refugee housing caused many nuisances and problems for both the users and the neighborhood.

Modular housing for refugees (MUF—Modulare Unterkünfte für Flüchtlinge) is part of Berlin’s housing policy, addressing the ongoing housing shortage. The Berlin Senate for Urban Development, Building, and Housing has developed 17 facilities, providing housing for 6000 people [49].

The modular housing projects are divided into two types: Type 1.0 comprises a refugee accommodation building with associated (shared) functions. One housing unit accommodates 15 people, with a shared kitchen and sanitary facilities. These units are combined in various configurations in buildings up to five stories high, allowing for different scales depending on the location and urban context. Wheelchair-accessible flats are located on the ground floor. The social building includes a laundry room, common room, administration, and social areas. Meeting, recreation, and children’s play areas; a garden for cultivation; and sports spaces are provided around the facilities.

Type 2.0 is an extension of the previous concept. Accommodation consists of apartments with various layouts and areas, supplemented with common spaces such as a common room, club, and daycare room. The structure consists of external walls and staircases providing access to the apartments.

German experience indicates the need to address refugee housing with a special policy that responds to the growing demand for both short-term and permanent housing. The systemic approach includes developing recommendations for construction methods. The development phases of refugee accommodation standards are related to organizational areas. The German experience shows three stages: crisis management (2015–2016), professionalization (2016–2018), and consolidation (since 2019) [50]. These stages determine the quality of housing standards implemented during these periods. Qualitative improvement is also guaranteed by pro-environmental policies such as the New European Bauhaus initiative, which can be operationalized in terms of mass housing.

3.5. New European Bauhaus

The New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative, launched as part of the European Green Deal (EGD) policy, provides a broad, cross-cutting framework for new developments in architecture and engineering and offers the opportunity to implement them in innovation ecosystems [51,52]. The basic principles are encapsulated in three key terms [53]:

• Beauty—in the sense of quality of experience, going beyond functionality;
• Sustainable—striving to achieve climate goals and preserve biodiversity;
• Together (social inclusion)—addressing the needs of different social groups, equality, and affordability.

Fundamental NEB principles include a multi-level approach (from global to local) and transdisciplinary action, realized according to the following thematic axes [52]:

• Return to nature;
• Re-establishing a sense of belonging;
• Prioritizing places and people in greatest need;
• The need for a long-term, circular approach to construction.

The overall concept of NEB suggests the need to develop more precise criteria regarding the basic principles of this initiative, i.e., aesthetic, environmental, and social. This applies particularly to assessment tools for the sustainability level of buildings, which would be consistent with the frameworks developed by the EC, such as Levels(s) [53], as well as initiatives and policies related to architectural design [54]. Such assessments are appropriate for completed buildings or those in the advanced design stage. Standards may constitute the initial project conceptualization phase’s initial form [55].

The New European Bauhaus initiative is not limited to the design of individual objects but encompasses the creation of building complexes and cities, in line with the idea of creating resilient urban ecosystems. A project developed with a transcalar approach should consider not only the technology of the object itself but also its context [56]. An essential part of creating cohesive eco-social places is the design of public space—beautiful and functional places, enriching practices and experiences, sustainable and inclusive for different social groups [57].

Accessibility is a common feature of newly emerging objects. In the process of universal design, social inclusion in the design process is also crucial, offering the opportunity for better adaptation of projects to the needs and requirements of as many people as possible [58].

With the implementation of the Green Deal policies and the ideas of the New European Bauhaus, it is essential to introduce basic characterizing principles—especially in the context of housing design—into architectural education [59].

4. Results

4.1. Characteristics of the “ProModSe” Project

In line with the NEB principles, we developed a settlement for the resettled population on three levels of detail: macro (considering the city context and neighborhood scale), mezzo (focusing on typical residential blocks), and micro (analyzing module solutions and segments composed of connected modules).

The city authorities of Lviv identified a 7-hectare site located in the northwestern border area of the city as the location for the resettlement community. This site ensures convenient transportation connections to the city center and is equipped with necessary infrastructure. The plot size was sufficient for a community project accommodating approximately 3500 people. The intended residents were individuals displaced from the eastern regions of Ukraine, where ongoing warfare has caused extensive housing destruction, and these areas are still subject to attacks.

We used two residential blocks with identical dimensions of 55 m × 66 m. Their placement and orientation mitigate through traffic from secondary streets, creating a more intimate atmosphere with local squares, widenings, and scenic closures. The orthogonal layout allowed for utilizing local drainage ditches and technical infrastructure networks. In the modeling process, we found it appropriate to locally increase building heights to accentuate the more significant corners of the blocks. Additionally, two centrally located blocks were designated for commercial services and social integration of the community residents. Local squares were also designed at these locations (Figure 5).

The block type with an internal courtyard provides the opportunity to create local micro-communities responsible for each other. This is significant for building trust and safety among individuals with war trauma experience. A direct reference to such a form was the courtyard of the historic castle in Świrz, located in Lviv oblast (Figure 6). In this way, we referenced the architectural tradition of Ukraine while adhering to the NEB idea of shaping aesthetic places drawing from cultural heritage.

Each residential block, measuring 55 m × 66 m, comprises module units (144 modules) spread over three floors. This configuration allows for providing apartments in various segment configurations for approximately 230 people. The layout includes an external gallery on the courtyard side, located on the north side, serving as a communication route and entrance to the apartments. Each block has four cores with external stairs. A shelter is located in the central part of the block. Access to the shelter from the apartments is via an evacuation shaft and underground corridors from the courtyard side through the community building (Figure 7 and Figure 8).

The apartments are equipped with south-facing balconies, primarily serving recreational purposes. They also serve as a location for climbing vegetation covering the facade. Within the courtyard, we proposed organizing community gardens as an integrative and therapeutic element.

The basic module of the wooden frame construction has dimensions of 3 m × 9 m × 3 m. It was developed based on existing technologies, with one of the factories in eastern Poland possessing extensive experience in modular construction. The designed modules would be prepared in a factory—either existing in Poland or newly established in Ukraine. However, establishing a new modular building factory and organizing production in this location would take approximately 2 years, significantly extending the community’s total construction time. Oversized transport, according to road law, requires particular logistics. This condition affects the adopted module width—3 m, within the range of standard dimensions. Also, for this reason, residential modules are limited in length to 12 m.

The possibility of combining modules into segments allows for the organization of different types of apartments and secondary, flexible connections of some segments, which is practical for changing family situations (Figure 9). One module constitutes an apartment for one or two people; two modules for three people, for example, a family with one child; two modules (enlarged with gallery space) constitute an apartment for four people; three modules for five people; and three modules with the aforementioned extension for six people. For apartments intended for larger families, segment connections are necessary.

In the central part of the module, we applied structurally reinforced rooms—bathrooms, serving as the location of the installation shaft and the evacuation shaft to the underground shelter. The project utilized bioclimatic design principles [60,61,62], including orientation and layout for optimum ventilation and solar gain; use of building envelope material, CLT, to minimize energy loss; natural ventilation solutions to reduce the use of mechanical ventilation; plant coverage on the facades to regulate shading in the interiors; and landscaping solutions in the courtyard areas which, in addition to contributing to psychological well-being, have the effect of minimizing urban heat islands, retaining water, and creating biotopes. Rainwater harvesting was incorporated within the buildings to irrigate the green areas.

Net Zero Design [63,64] solutions for refugee housing have implementation limitations due to advanced technology. They can be an element of incremental development in a project and include the provision of renewable energy systems, energy storage, control of energy expenditure, waste management, and life cycle assessment of the building and its equipment. Integration of solutions should take into account existing user behavior and habits.

4.2. Implementation of the Principles of the New European Bauhaus Initiative

We incorporate and implement the fundamental criteria of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative at three levels of project development: macro, mezzo, and micro (Figure 10).

• Beauty—The layout of public spaces aims to create a hierarchical network conducive to intensifying interpersonal contacts between members of different neighborhood groups. Buildings should be designed with repeatable, industrially produced structural elements, with controlled energy and material consumption throughout the production cycle. The simplicity and functionality of the housing layout should facilitate adaptation to the cultural habits of diverse communities.
• Sustainable Development—Natural components should be treated as an integral part of the urban fabric, ensuring the continuity of natural connections with various biological, hydrological, and climatic functions. Appropriate proportions of biologically active surfaces should be maintained within the blocks and public spaces, and water retention should be ensured. Building materials should be natural, sourced locally, and easily dismantled, recycled, and reused.
• Together (social inclusion)—The size of the settlement unit should depend on the number of residents whose needs can be met within a given dimension and at an acceptable social level. The neighborhood group within its enclave should have space for integration and protection in a crisis. The safety of the family community in the settlement unit should be ensured using structurally reinforced spaces, enabling immediate shelter.

Incorporating NEB thematic axes into the project:

• Reconnection with nature—The concept of proposed public spaces involves their expansion into a network that integrates larger green areas into a system connecting with natural areas. The minimum share of biologically active surfaces in the street cross-section is set at 25%.
• Regaining a sense of belonging—We propose maintaining the scale characteristic of local peripheral development, shaping street spaces with a height appropriate for small urban units, not exceeding three to four stories, and a cross-section in the proportion of h = 2:3.
• Prioritizing the places and people that need it the most—A residential unit consisting of quarter-based neighborhood groups fulfils essential social functions when it accommodates no fewer than 1200–1500 residents divided into neighborhood groups of no more than 300 people.
• Long-term thinking about the life cycle in the industrial ecosystem—We assume the use of prefabricated modular technology with wooden construction and appropriate thermal insulation made of mineral wool or other alternative natural materials. This allows for rapid investment implementation, low production waste, and the possibility of recycling.

We propose adding a “safety” axis to the NEB thematic axis set. The functions of shelter rooms (“panic rooms”) can be performed by appropriately reinforced bathroom facilities equipped with an evacuation window leading to the shelter in the basement.

The above considerations, based on the Research through Design method, demonstrate the existence of connections with neural network characteristics between the refugee settlement project and the New European Bauhaus initiative (Figure 11).

5. Discussion

Following observations regarding the lack of design frameworks for early conceptualization of volumetric buildings [35,42], developing guidelines that encompass universal specifications and those specific to conditions outlined in the PEST framework is worthwhile.

This phase of design is critical for the entire project. The decision to employ volumetric construction technology depends on module deliveries, factory location, and railway transportation. Dependency on road transport for deliveries contradicts the sustainable approach to the construction process. Chen points out this aspect as a barrier to be overcome—for example, by improving logistical processes involving changing the size or shape of modules [40].

Modular construction enables labor reduction and allows for production localization in domestic economies [65], which, in the case of a country post-war, presents an opportunity for economic recovery and improvement in living conditions.

The development of modular construction can be used to build buildings of various functions. In the “ProModSe” project, we evaluated the use of modules for building a kindergarten and a commercial service facility during a specialization course for architecture students at PW. This allowed for disseminating the NEB initiative among future architects [59].

Local communities, such as neighborhood communities, can be suitable for developing civic engagement in closed-loop economies by influencing production and consumption practices [66]. We propose using shared utility points, waste segregation, and support for local producers and service providers. These actions enable meeting needs while simultaneously limiting resources.

Design for large, displaced communities should consider psychological aspects such as the change in environment, adaptation to new conditions, and community integration. Therefore, design should include three pillars: place, people, and process (3Ps) [67,68].

The project development allowed for the identification of critical factors in designing using modular construction and the formulation of guidelines based on the NEB initiative. This confirms the validity of using the Research through Design (RtD) method [21]. Working on the project enabled a rethinking of design problems from a sustainable development perspective. It covered this unexplored aspect of creating new residential areas in connection with the recent resettlements of Ukrainian refugees due to the current Russian invasion. Moreover, an additional communication element was fulfilled, as the project was presented at international architectural conferences and exhibitions [69]. The next planned step is to prepare for the module and quarter prototype construction.

6. Conclusions

The following conclusions emerged from this research:

• There is a need for settlement arrangements embedded in the urban context, creating neighborhood communities with the prospect of permanent housing.
• Continuous improvement in housing standards is required, including considerations for the variability of family structures, cultural conditions, and environmental needs.
• A systemic and organizational framework for housing policies involving refugee communities, taking into account geopolitical considerations, is required.

The fundamental design decision was to depart from the temporary camp model and adopt a settlement approach that could meet basic housing needs while considering the psychological well-being of its residents. Another critical factor was the rapid realization of housing requirements—the settlement needed to be built faster than traditional housing complexes. Limiting the settlement’s population was also crucial to ensure social comfort, balancing community support and personal independence.

Integrating a project developed for critical conditions—aimed at individuals with specific war experiences—with the NEB initiative proved to be appropriate. Considering long-term environmental planning aspects became vital to this design strategy.

We identified additional significant factors crucial for achieving success:

• Prefabricated construction emerged as the optimal technological solution for mass construction, emphasizing rapid implementation. However, adapting the production line to the construction site and ensuring production efficiency were necessary conditions for implementation.
• In wartime, safety-related elements are essential, such as the ability to evacuate quickly to a secure shelter. Therefore, certain structural elements, like evacuation shelters, required non-standard construction solutions.
• Given potential threats, the project’s flexibility is crucial, allowing for adaptation to changing conditions and scalability in the future.
• Establishing a technologically consistent urban structure, such as a modular settlement, can effectively increase affordable housing production in various housing markets.

It is important to clarify that this involves creating a modular settlement in line with the principles of the New European Bauhaus, not large estates or mass housing complexes. Overcoming the challenges associated with long investment realization times, particularly in crises, and ensuring the long-term well-being of residents based on current housing satisfaction knowledge can further support strategies introduced under the “ProModSe” project for affordable housing.