Advanced settlement planning
Public Services and Facilities
The Planning Principle for Public Services and Facilities promotes equitably distributed and easily accessible infrastructures.
- Make a Programme according to the type of users and needs.
- Include existing Infrastructure and facilities.
- Incorporate various typologies of facilities and public services.
- Seek equitable distribution and accessibility.
In humanitarian settlements, access to basic services, facilities, and infrastructure - such as water, latrines, food, education, health, etc. - isessential for displaced populations. Access is crucial when planning equitable distribution of facilities throughout the camp. However, due to limitedresources and the various phases of implementation and growth, the planning and allocation of facilities has proved to be a challenge.
In a settlement, at the beginning of the emergency phase, facilities are usually provided quickly and assume many elements, implementing thoseof primary need. For the most part and according to what is possible, these are conducted in temporary structures such as tents and/or mobiledevices. There is also provisional use of some facilities, if possible, within the host community.
The most important consideration in adequate planning and design is to assess the needs of the displaced population and to know first-hand theirsocio-cultural characteristics, using and age, gender and diversity inclusive approach. However, in emergency situations, time is usually short.Although an estimated population is considered, several factors remain unknown. If there are already settlements nearby, a viable option is toconsult with UNCHR and the field staff about the characteristics of the population living in the camp. This information can help to reveal needs andsome social characteristics (social structures, gender roles, socio-spatial practices, etc.) that can help to predefine some spatial characteristics forthe settlement design. It is important to remember that each situation is unique, despite proximity to other settlements - use this information as a support.
While the situation is prolonged, and the possibility of extension in time and territory is evaluated, new facilities are gradually integrated and newneeds covered. Although it is common to talk about the emergency phase and the protracted situation, these are not usually two phases withdetermined beginnings and endings since there is a transition between them both in time and in their structural materialization. Similarly, at thebeginning of the emergency phase, a contingency program is usually implemented to meet the most urgent, immediate, and basic needs.
At present, UNHCR has minimum standards and indicators for public services, infrastructure, and facilities to support the planning and design ofrefugee settlements. However, there are still some doubts regarding how much space is predetermined for such facilities, as well as moreconcrete precisions regarding the location of each provision, the distance of the facilities from their beneficiaries, pre-dimensioning,environmental considerations (if necessary), general recommendations, amongst others. This document attempts to answer some of thesequestions specifically aimed at planning and design, by compiling recommendations from UNHCR, SPHERE, partner organizations, specific andgeneric research (especially in rural contexts), amongst others. Please note that design and planning require assessments and contextualizationfor each settlement. This document does not integrate all services but presents a range of the most used services. Similarly, we provide a generalunderstanding and explanation of the program, typologies, and sub-typologies of facilities. These are often specific to planning the humanitariansegment and are even more particular to refugee and IDP settlements.
Circulation Network
The Planning Principle for Circulation Networks (CN) emphasizes that the size and configuration of the circulation network should follow natural environmental features and be congruent with the socio-cultural context, including the size and types of roads, blocks and network patterns. Similarly, for long-term sustainability, the CN should prioritize pedestrian circulation and walkable distances that facilitate connection and accessibility.
The circulation network facilitates accessibility, communication and social interactions through its built environment (facilities, utilities, infrastructure, etc.) and natural surroundings (green areas, agricultural areas, firewood collection areas, etc.) in order to ensure the protection of displaced populations and sustainable settlements.
Proper design and planning of the circulation network contributes to vibrant and sustainable communities, meeting the diverse needs of the current displaced population and possible future occupants, minimizing the effect on the natural environment, and contributing to a better quality of life. The circulation network should be safe and inclusive, offering equal opportunity and access to services for all.
Settlement Layout Optimization – Appropriate Communal Open Spaces (COS)
The concept of optimized design and planning of communal open spaces (COS) was developed in an academic partnership between UNHCR/SDC and the Swiss Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL). This short guideline elaborates on larger research, identifying 7 design principles to guide site planners in optimizing the layout of settlements for internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees.
In the context of refugee or IDP settlements, COS refer to non-built gathering spaces which are accessible to the community without restrictions and used for various community activities. COS may be associated with (but not subordinate to) a public facility or service, a livelihood or recreational activity, and may therefore contain light physical structures, including those that provide shade or delimit spaces.
With around 100 million people forcibly displaced over the world in 2022, and the average lifespan of refugee camps reaching 20 years, many camps have evolved into city-like settlements. In these contexts, the appropriate planning and design of open spaces are essential for the wellbeing of displaced populations and the sustainability of settlements on the long-term.
While their value is often underestimated, Communal Open Spaces (COS) are crucial for the protection of refugees and displaced populations. Their proper integration into settlements promotes social interaction and supports violence mitigation. These spaces strengthen social integration, a sense of community, and the resilience of displaced populations. COS are also conducive to supporting livelihood activities and environmental protection, as well as benefiting physical and mental health.
As leader of the EPFL EssentialTech’s Humanitarian Division, Greg works at the interface of research and humanitarian action. He is leading several large-scale partnerships between EPFL and the ICRC (Engineering for Humanitarian Action), the UNHCR (The Geneva Technical Hub) and the Graduate Institute (The Future of Humanitarian Design). He is also developing executive trainings for humanitarian practitioners on the responsible use of technology in humanitarian setting, as well as about cybersecurity in the sector. Prior to working at EssentialTech, he led the Innovation Coordination at MSF (Doctors Without Borders) Switzerland, aimed at harnessing the power of medical, humanitarian and digital innovations to meet the needs of patients and others affected by disasters. He previously worked several years as a manager for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in various regions affected by armed conflicts (Afghanistan, Colombia, Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire) and later as Deputy Director for the Antenna Foundation, an NGO that incubates innovative solutions to meet the basic needs of people living in poverty. He is the co-founder and current President of the Board of Watalux SA, a social startup developing innovation for safe water and better hygiene in hospitals, and Board Member of SwissSolidarity, a leading Swiss philanthropic foundation. He holds a PhD in Life Science from the University of Lausanne (Switzerland).
Integrated Settlement Planning