The Digital Camp
MADE Student Project
Throughout the 20 th and 21st centuries, the number of refugees has continued to climb. In the last few decades, refugee camps have continued to grow in number, scale, and age. With camps lasting an average of 17 years, and some growing to sizes of over half a million inhabitants, these sites are becoming increasingly urban. However, despite their emergent urbanity, refugees are typically not afforded the same level of agency or participation in the planning processes which shape their lives. This is especially problematic due to the sub-standard quality of life most refugees face. Meanwhile, Information Communication Technologies (ICT) have been growing rapidly and shaping the world. In cities, digital participation platforms such as dedicated municipal applications and participatory geo-information systems (PPGIS) are being leveraged to transform how residents can engage with shaping their city and neighbourhoods. With growing affordability, and UNHCR plans to ‘connect’ camps, the widespread usage of ICT in refugee camps is likely in the near future. Access to ICT could make feasible the use of contemporary digital participation tools in refugee camps. This begs the question, what would happen if they were? How would this affect current challenges? Through two systematic literature reviews and a synthesizing framework design, this study theorizes the potential benefits and challenges in applying digital participation technologies and methods to refugee camp challenges.
Image credits
Header image: Pixabay - Diversity
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