Urbanization in Refugee Camps in the Middle East: Toward Resilient and Sustainable Human Settlements

Refugee camps are often perceived as temporary settlements; however, reality usually dictates their long-term or even permanent nature. This misconceived assumption results in the neglect of settlement planning and sustainability. Focusing on short-term, expedited, and budget-constrained solutions leads to challenging living conditions for refugees. Host countries play a pivotal role in shaping the spatial dynamics of refugee camps. This paper argues that refugee camps represent a form of urbanization that should not persist in their current approach, addressing prevailing camp planning methods in two countries bordering Syria: Iraq and Jordan. Moreover, the necessity of applying sustainable strategies during the planning and design process to ensure that refugees are not left behind is emphasized. The study affirms the imperative for an alternative to refugee camps that prioritizes the dignity and quality of life of refugees and fosters a sustainable future for both refugees and their host communities. Additionally, the study introduces a typology of refugee camps based on the primary drivers of urbanization, highlighting the complexities of such settlements and providing insights for future planning and design efforts.