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

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.