Short answer
Design temporary settlements with inherent adaptability and sustainability, involving the end-users in the planning and evolution process.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- IntechOpen eBooks (2024)
- Method
- Interdisciplinary analysis and case studies
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Refugee camps can evolve into more sustainable and dignified long-term dwellings through adaptive architectural solutions and community-led initiatives. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2024 study published in IntechOpen eBooks. Using Interdisciplinary analysis and case studies, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design temporary settlements with inherent adaptability and sustainability, involving the end-users in the planning and evolution process.
Adaptive Camp Design: From Temporary Shelter to Sustainable Dwelling
Refugee camps can evolve into more sustainable and dignified long-term dwellings through adaptive architectural solutions and community-led initiatives.
IntechOpen eBooks · 2024
Key Findings
- 01Refugee camps exhibit transitional typologies that challenge notions of permanence.
- 02Adaptive architectural solutions emphasizing flexibility and sustainability are crucial.
- 03Community-led initiatives and participatory planning enhance agency and resilience.
- 04Sustainable practices are necessary to mitigate the ecological impact of settlements.
Application
Design takeaway
Design temporary settlements with inherent adaptability and sustainability, involving the end-users in the planning and evolution process.
How to apply
When designing any temporary or emergency shelter, consider how the design can be easily modified or expanded over time to meet changing needs and reduce waste.
Project actions
- 01Consider the lifecycle of your design, not just its initial purpose.
- 02Research how users interact with and adapt products/spaces over time.
- 03Explore modularity and adaptability in your design solutions.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Interdisciplinary approach combining architecture, sociology, and environmental science.
- +Focus on real-world case studies in a specific, relevant context.
Limitations
The specific cultural and political context of Jordan might influence the applicability of these findings to other regions.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the findings relies on the depth of the interdisciplinary analysis and the representativeness of the case studies within Jordan. Reliability would be enhanced by triangulation of data from multiple sources (e.g., interviews, site observations, policy documents).
Think critically
To what extent can the principles of adaptive design in refugee camps be applied to urban planning for rapidly growing cities or disaster-prone areas?
Design Principles
"Design for evolution: Temporary structures should be conceived with the potential for adaptation and long-term integration."
This research highlights that the design of temporary settlements does not have to be static. By incorporating flexibility and sustainability from the outset, designers can create environments that better support the long-term well-being and agency of displaced populations, reducing environmental impact and fostering community resilience.
What This Means for Your Design
Temporary refugee camps can be designed to become better, more permanent homes over time by using flexible building methods and letting the people living there have a say in how things change.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify designing for adaptability and long-term use, even in initial design proposals.
- 2.Cite this study when discussing the evolution of designs or the importance of user involvement in adapting spaces.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The study by Marji et al. (2024) on refugee camps in Jordan highlights the importance of designing for transitional typologies, suggesting that temporary structures can evolve into more sustainable and dignified long-term dwellings through adaptive architectural solutions and community participation. This underscores the need for designers to consider the lifecycle and adaptability of their creations, particularly in contexts where initial provisions are expected to serve for extended periods.
Source
Questions About This Research
- What does the research say about adaptive camp design: from temporary shelter to sustainable dwelling?
- Design temporary settlements with inherent adaptability and sustainability, involving the end-users in the planning and evolution process. Evidence: IntechOpen eBooks (2024).
- Why does "Adaptive Camp Design: From Temporary Shelter to Sustainable Dwelling" matter for design?
- This research highlights that the design of temporary settlements does not have to be static. By incorporating flexibility and sustainability from the outset, designers can create environments that better support the long-term well-being and agency of displaced populations, reducing environmental impact and fostering community resilience.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design temporary settlements with inherent adaptability and sustainability, involving the end-users in the planning and evolution process.
- What were the main findings?
- Refugee camps exhibit transitional typologies that challenge notions of permanence.. Adaptive architectural solutions emphasizing flexibility and sustainability are crucial.. Community-led initiatives and participatory planning enhance agency and resilience.. Sustainable practices are necessary to mitigate the ecological impact of settlements.
- What research method was used?
- Interdisciplinary analysis and case studies.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2024 journal from IntechOpen eBooks.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any temporary or emergency shelter, consider how the design can be easily modified or expanded over time to meet changing needs and reduce waste.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is specific to the socio-political context of Jordan, and findings may not be directly transferable to all refugee camp settings globally.