This master thesis addresses the current topic of migration, and is based on two premises: first, closed borders are far from being an appropriate answer to cope with migration such as the “refugee crisis” of 2015; second, urban planning has the potential to relieve social pressure. The reason for this lies in the very nature of public space as central to social interactions.
Therefore, this master thesis seeks to identify the potential of inclusive and cross-border public spaces as an urban planning approach to successfully meet the combined threats posed by the current economic and migration crisis especially to transfer countries such as Greece.
Offering an analysis of the social and spatial consequences of the border closure in Northern Greece (Idomeni, Polykastro and Thessaloniki), this master thesis combines an explorative field work with an contextual analysis. Then it suggests a new strategic tool kit meant to initiate the creation of inclusive public spaces by inviting both the host and refugee community to join in the planning process. Eventually, this study points at the unjust EU migration policy and demands a humane solution and most notably a European solution.
Supervision: Prof. Dr. Astrid Ley