The shelter needs of refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan were documented by local government and humanitarian organizations. However, official narratives do not include the “voices” of those directly affected by inadequate shelter: the refugee families themselves. This study uses a mixed‐methods approach to understand the shelter issues experienced by 53 refugee families in Iraqi Kurdistan. Refugee families disclosed seven common shelter problems: water infiltration, lack of public services and schools, inadequate access to water, poor roads, extreme temperatures, need for larger living space and erratic electricity. These families faced an average of three shelter issues, with some dealing with up to five problems at the same time. Families with the highest concentration of shelter issues had higher occurrences of water infiltration, inadequate access to water, extreme temperatures and need for larger living space. The evidence suggests that refugee families are living in worse conditions than those outlined in official narratives.

In 1957, Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned to design the Opera House for Baghdad as part of his Master Plan for the capital of Iraq. The same year, he proposed a design statement- an “Oasis” for Arizona State Capital in Phoenix, Arizona. Although both buildings were never realized, they continue to inspire their respective city. This study compares the two buildings as a case study to disclose the differences and unique similarities of Wright’s modern design approach to eastern culture compared to the western context.