Conceptual Urbanistic-Architectural Model of Romani Housing: Case Study Crvena Zvezda Settlement in Niš

Abstract

In Serbia, Roma people face various challenges, primarily expressed through discrimination in many fields, as well as difficulties in education, healthcare, and employment. The majority of Roma people in Serbia live in very poor housing conditions. Romani settlements are generally characterized by overcrowded areas, inadequate infrastructure, unplanned construction, lack of amenities in the surroundings and, often, a ghetto-oriented atmosphere. Housing of Roma people, which is the topic of this paper, is a complex topic having various social, economic, cultural and political aspects. The paper considers the Romani housing from a spatial point of view. Provision of housing for the Roma people is one of important ongoing problems that must be addressed by the state. The social and economic status of the Romani national minority could be improved by solving the housing problem. In an attempt to contribute to solving the abovementioned issue, the research deals with finding a sustainable housing model for the Romani population through the case study of the Romani settlement of Crvena Zvezda in the City of Niš: The paper presents an urbanistic-architectural conceptual model for the new Romani settlement on the location occupied by the existing settlement. The model for the new Romani settlement is the result of an architectural analysis of the location and the analysis of the relevant literature that gives a clear view of the state of the Romani population and their settlements in Serbia - their current situation, culture and tradition, habits and needs. The paper gives a proposal for the transformation of the settlement in the form of an experimental conceptual model. The aim of the paper is to contribute to finding an adequate housing model that would provide normal living conditions for the Roma people in a fast, cost-effective, and efficient way, thereby speeding up the processof their inclusion in the society. The modularity and flexibility of the presented conceptual model ensure its applicability in different locations and adaptability to various conditions, making it applicable in different spatial contexts.