Around the world, there are many people who have been forced to flee their country because of persecution, war, or violence. In 2018 there were 25.9 million refugees around the world, and only a minuscule fraction of those individuals will be relocated to the United States (UNHCR, 2019). Utah welcomes approximately 1,100 refugees each year. The majority of refugees in Utah represent countries such as Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Iraq, Vietnam, the former Soviet Union, and Burma (Gardner, 2017). Arriving in the United States for the first time can be overwhelming as so many experiences are new, including the language. Refugees often need help learning how to use transit, navigating the city, purchasing groceries, finding employment, and communicating. 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. This project explores how to create a comfortable, safe, and supportive atmosphere for refugees as they transition to this new chapter of their lives through neighborhood design. The proposed neighborhood in southern Cache Valley contains single-family homes, a community center, areas for families and children to play and enjoy the outdoors, and community garden spaces. The community center will be a place for nonprofit organizations to help the local refugees learn English, prepare to obtain a driver’s license, continue their education, and prepare to enter the workforce. In addition to this, the center will create places to gather and connect as individuals and families.
