The Makings of a Community

Often, refugees are relocating to refugee camps, where people are gathered in slum-like conditions, devoid of a sense of place or home. In Northern Uganda, one problem that incoming refugees face is a lack of community, or belonging. There are many factors that can help facilitate a sense of community among a group of people. These factors can be psychological, social, emotional, or physical. The study of what makes an individual feel welcomed often starts with a look at how an environment psychologically affects an individual. There are generally four aspects that encourage a sense of community: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and a shared emotional connection.

A feeling of membership or belonging is essential to the creation of a well-functioning community. Membership establishes boundaries - both tangible and intangible - for any organization. A feeling of belonging can be created through an establishment of a flag, common language, personal investment to the community, or a code of conduct. Influence is another factor that greatly impacts the development of a community. People who belong to a community need to feel like they are having an impact on their community, and vice versa. This is often evident in politics and legislation, and more prevalent in democratic societies. A study conducted by two professors from the University of South Carolina and the University of Alabama showed that a sense of community is more prevalent in areas where voting, contracting officials, and working on public problems are concerned.

Integration and the fulfillment of needs are also key in creating a successful community. Members need to feel rewarded in some way for participation in a group in order to continue to put effort into its development. Lastly, most psychologists would believe that a shared emotional connection must exist among members of the community. Historically, immigrants have settled in neighborhoods with people from the same country or region, because they share a culture that can be maintained. When considering the design of a refugee settlement in Northern Uganda, it is important to remember that refugees are coming from similar situations, and have experienced similar hardships.

Urban Planners have also taken up the issue of creating a sense of community - and not just in refugee settlements. Planners and developers are working all the time to create landscapes and environments that engages the community, and is inviting and inclusive. Planners and architects can take these principles and apply them through design. On a residential scale, architects have found that “homes that feel great to live in carefully balance the need for privacy with a connection to the street and the community.” Elements that promote “eyes on the street” and a blend between interior and exterior spaces are considered designs that foster a sense of community. Design strategies like this are possible with Uganda’s warm climate, and can help facilitate social interactions among other refugees in the immediate area. Ultimately, whether or not an individual feels included in a community is largely dependent on the social and built environments. The design of homes and streets can encourage feelings of belonging, influence, integration, and companionship. When designing a settlement for South Sudanese refugees, it is imperative that we understand the context from which they are coming, so we can appropriately design for their needs.