A methodology for evaluating housing quality in settlements of the displaced in Jordan

ABSTRACT

This study aims at developing an assessment tool for housing quality in settlements of the displaced, represented by urban refugee camps, in Jordan. The study adopted the Baqa`a refugee camp as a case study. The work involves understanding living conditions and determining applicable measures by which housing can be evaluated. The research employed a consensus-based approach involving various empirical investigations. Three systematic consultation rounds were conducted, appointing 40 panel experts. The first round sought to gather information about housing and living conditions to develop the initial set of measures based upon open-ended solicitation. The second round narrowed down viewpoints from the first round aiming at quantifying the most important aspects affecting housing quality. The last step involved building up a valid weighting system applying the AHP technique. This resulted in formulating a hierarchical model for housing quality comprising three dimensions; residents, context and residential unit, each encompassing certain measures ranked according to level of significance. The study offers a glimpse of the extended future of the settlements of the displaced and provides a base on which improvements can be undertaken.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yamen N. Al-Betawi

Yamen N. Al-Betawi is an assistant professor at the Department of Architecture Faculty of Engineering at The Hashemite University. He holds a PhD in City and Regional Planning (2013) from Cardiff University, and a Master’s degree in Urban Design (2004) and Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (2001) from Jordan University of Science and Technology. His research interests revolve around issues related to both the architectural and urban scale among which are place making, place identity, design of good cities, urban morphology, housing quality and residential satisfaction, housing for displaced, property development, planning and design processes, sustainable development, and quality of life.

Hikmat H. Ali

Hikmat H. Ali is an associate professor of architecture and the acting dean of the College of Architecture and Design at Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan. He holds a PhD degree in Architecture (1999) from Texas A&M University, a Master’s degree in architecture (1992) from the University of Jordan and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (1986) from Yarmouk University. His research interest revolves around issues related to architectural design, green architecture, building assessment, environmental and energy efficient design, integrated architectural design indoor air quality, sustainable development, building construction and quantitative research methods. Research activity includes being a member of several editorial boards and a reviewer for many high-status journals. He has several articles that are published in ISI and Scopus Journals.

Sahar I. Yousef

Sahar I. Yousef works as a teaching assistant and lab supervisor at the Department of Architecture Faculty of Engineering at Al-Balqa Applied University. She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture (2018) from Jordan University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (2014), also from Jordan University of Science and Technology. She is interested in subjects related to architectural design, sustainable development, housing quality, refugee camps, environmental design and quality of urban form.