Strict regulations have been imposed in the Syrian refugee camps in order to avoid any form of permanent settlement. Despite these constraints, a city has emerged out of the dynamism of its inhabitants. As soon as the camp opened, an informal economy developed throughout the different neighbourhoods of the camp. From the main entry gate, a shopping street has been developed, with many shops of all kinds: mobile phone shops, clothing and wedding dress stores, groceries, bakeries, small restaurants, hairdressers and so on. Street vendors stroll around the camp selling all kinds of products or sandwiches. Close to many facilities established by NGOs, this shopping street is frequented by a large number of refugees. It has become a central living space symbolizing their economic dynamism. This contribution analyse the evolution of a housing unit in the camp.