Improving the thermal comfort in new shelters: Design recommendations for Azraq refugee camp

The Azraq Refugee Camp is an important component in the response from UNHCR and the Jordanian government to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. While the shelters at Azraq are considered to be among the best in the region, field surveys by the HHftD team have suggested higher than ideal internal temperatures, including one indoor surface temperature measurement of 48°C (when the external temperature was 36°C). Our simulation studies, presented in this report, confirm that the resultant overheating exceeds thresholds for thermal comfort. Therefore, it is worthwhile understanding why this is occurring and re-evaluating the design of these shelters before expanding the use of the design.

The purpose of this report is to look at the potential for improving the thermal performance of these shelters without significantly changing their method of construction or external appearance.