De commodifying displacement: an architectural response to the needs of conflict affected communities in Manipur/

Abstract

The recent conflict in Manipur has led to widespread displacement, disrupting homes, routines, and support systems. Many remain permanently displaced due to shifts in land access and settlement patterns. Existing rehabilitation often treats housing as a temporary product, failing to address long-term needs. This project responds to the urgent need for dignified, community-based resettlement that supports continuity of life. Informed by case studies on incremental housing, bamboo construction, and community-driven resettlement, the project identifies key requirements: adaptability, cultural familiarity, livelihood support, and collective infrastructure. The design proposes an incremental housing system using local bamboo for flexible, lightweight expansion, allowing families to build over time. Homes are arranged in clusters inspired by traditional Manipuri settlements, organised along a central pedestrian spine that links residences with shared amenities. Key features include community spaces for training, gatherings, and markets—integrated into the spine to support social and economic regeneration. The project prioritises long-term rehabilitation over temporary shelter, restoring agency through adaptable architecture that reflects lived realities. It aims to create a setting where displaced families can rebuild their homes, relationships, and routines with dignity. Keywords: Post-Conflict Rehabilitation, Community-Centered Design, Vernacular Adaptation