Date of Submission
Spring 5-6-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Sang Pil Lee
Abstract
This thesis explores the potential to reimagine refugee camps not as temporary settlements, but as long-term, resilient communities that foster hope, dignity, and social cohesion for displaced populations. While refugee camps have historically provided critical emergency shelter from violence, persecution, and economic instability, their design and infrastructure often prioritize short-term survival over long-term well-being. As protracted displacement becomes increasingly common, there is an urgent need to rethink how these spaces function and evolve. This research argues that through innovative, inclusive design and planning, refugee camps can become sustainable environments that promote self-sufficiency, stability, and integration with host communities.
The thesis begins by examining the structural and social limitations of current refugee camp models. Many camps suffer from overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of access to essential services such as education, employment, and healthcare. These conditions hinder both individual recovery and community development. Drawing on architectural, urban planning, and humanitarian strategies, the research highlights how design can play a central role in improving both the physical and social fabric of these environments.
Proposed design interventions include the development of permanent, adaptable housing and the incorporation of communal spaces such as public gardens, worship areas, and social gathering hubs. In addition, the integration of vital services—including schools, vocational training centers, and mental health resources—is emphasized as key to creating environments that support long-term growth and resilience.
A central concept underpinning the thesis is Participatory Design, which involves refugees directly in the planning and decision-making processes. This approach ensures that built environments reflect the needs, values, and cultural identities of the communities they serve, fostering a stronger sense of ownership, dignity, and belonging. The research also stresses the importance of balancing private living spaces with shared communal areas to encourage both personal autonomy and social interaction.
Ultimately, this thesis argues that refugee camps can be transformed from places of limbo into thriving, inclusive communities that empower displaced individuals and support their reintegration into society. Through thoughtful design, policy reform, and community engagement, these spaces can serve as global models for resilience, mutual respect, and cultural exchange—benefiting not only refugees but also the host nations that support them.