Elizabeth Refugee Neighborhood

Site Plan

All people need to feel safe, independent, and that they belong to a greater community. These human needs are interdependent and crucial factors to any quality of life. Refugees starting a new life in a new country face countless experiences that are difficult to understand and adapt to. When refugees feel secure, it is easier for them to settle into their new lives and feel like they belong. When they can feel ownership and independence, they contribute to the strength of their families and communities with confidence in the future. When they feel that they are needed and valued, they can help others feel the same. Supportive neighborhoods can help unite families, foster friendships, and ultimately help refugees assimilate into their new communities and shape comfortable and happy lives. In these neighborhoods, they, just like anyone else, need clean, comfortable, dependable, and affordable housing where they can feel at home in their own place.

Located in Providence, UT, the community is set up in two smaller neighborhoods on either side of a community center. The neighborhoods contain three different home styles that surround a central courtyard with community gardens and places to play, relax, and gather. Pathways connect the neighborhoods with the community center, playground, and a playing field. Outside there is plenty of space for children to safely run and play, and for families to gather and connect with each other.

The community center was designed to help individuals gain confidence and enhance their skills. There are three classroom spaces for classes, taught by nonprofit organizations, from learning English to citizenship. These classrooms can also be used for events and gatherings like the CRIC’s Neighbor Program --which encourages successful integration by fostering connections between refugees and local families. The community center also has spaces for youth to gather, play games, read, and make new friendships.

Site Plan Axon

How safety and security, independence and ownership, and belonging are addressed throughout the site’s design
Safety & Security: The site and set up of the community lends itself to openness, visually and in the type of amenities. This helps individuals to self-survey their surroundings and feel safe. The select use of foliage also helps to create boundaries, visual and physical, for the community from the highway, and the individual outdoor areas on the site.
Independence & Ownership: Each family will have their own affordable home. Their home will be something they can be proud of and can help them see just how far they’ve come. They will also have space in their neighborhood to garden. This will give them opportunities to contribute to their community and grow food for their family. The location of the community is just off Highway 165 and can easily connect to the local Cache Valley Transit District routes making it possible for individuals to travel around the valley without needing to own a vehicle
Belonging: There are many opportunities within the community to foster belonging for individuals and families. These include places to gather outdoors, such as the playing field, playground, and picnic areas providing ways to connect, play, and foster friendships.

INTERIOR

DESIGN

Refugee Neighborhood

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