transitions a master design studio project by: chelsea sekula

instructor: jim white, aia advisor: javier gomez

transitions emergency shelter and transitional housing after disaster

Thesis statement:

The process of recovery after a natural disaster can be inspired and quickened by the immediate use of emergency shelters and a sense of community. By designing units to be transitional from shelter to permanent housing, victims are able to stay in one place while re-developing their lives.carmen de uria,

vargas, venezuela

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disaster strikes In december 1999, two days of rain in Vargas, Venezuela triggered extensive mudslides that killed up to20,000 people. As a result of disaster aid that was slow to arrive, thousands of people were left homeless with no place to turn except the crowded shelters that were set up on military bases and in schools that had survived the �ooding. Over a year after the �oods, people were still packed into these shelters with no belongings or homes.

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2emergency response The �rst phase in the transition from homeless-ness to permenance is the initial response. The response unit can be stored on-site such as a park, school, or church, or at a nearby city where quick distribution of materials to many families is possible. After the initial distribution, the response unit is used as a community kitchen and distribution area.

kitchen spacedry storage water sanitationdistribution windows

possible plan and section of container unit scale: nts

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The second part of the phase one response is a container that would deliver lumber, concrete, and other essential building materials. The unit would then be converted to a community sanitation unit containing showers, toilets, and a community gathering area for washing.

community laundry space

women’s restrooms men’s restrooms

women’s showers men’s showers

possible plan and section of container unit scale: nts

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transform The transitional housing unit will be developed in two phases. In the �rst phase, the unit will provide immediate shelter from the elements, as well as a place for families and their belongings. Using this unit as a base of operations, the second phase will be a transition into a permanent simple housing unit.

after completion of the foundation platform, the temporary structure is moved to the new homeowner’s permanent site.

the frame of the permanent structure is erected around the temporary shelter while the family is inhabiting it.

emergency relief tent unit is erected on the lower phase one site as a temporary structure.

farther up the hill, on the permanent site, the pier and beam foundation is constructed.

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when the permanent roof is added, the unit is complete!

using the community as skilled labor, the sand bags are �lled with earth and stacked into the rigid frame.

when the walls have been fully constructed, the temporary tent is used as a roof covering, allowing the family to inhabit their new home.

next, the walls are plastered and construction begins on a permanent roof structure which will support the tarp until roo�ng panels are attached.

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foundation plan

double 2x12 wood beams2x6 wood �oor joists

�oor plan

planting bed located in each unit’s courtyard

outhouse houses secure outdoor storage

covered entry

family gatheringand kitchen

private sleeping

covered patio

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4 permanence the permanent single family unit is designed with large open spaces so that �exibility is maximized while providing privacy to families with sliding partitions that also allow ventilation throughout the unit.

space between outhouse and unit creates a private courtyard for each family

roof plan

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elevations scale: nts

front elevation left elevation

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right elevationrear elevation

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sliding door system provides vetilation with an inner screen, privacy with a perforated panel, and security and protection with solid corrugated sliding panels.

gaps between roof joists are netted for a light, breathable roof.

the thicker and stronger outer walls cover three sides of the unit, while two lighter walls partition the spaces within.

gutters collect roof drainage and funnel it into a collection cistern on the ground.

a plumbing chaise allows all mechanical systems to be located along a single wall.

translucent �berglass roo�ng panels provide daylight into the key areas of the unit.

framing axonometric and mechanical diagram

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air�ow diagram

kitchen unit

three levels of air�ow provide ventila-tion to the unit: high openings between the roof joists, windows with sliding covers to control air�ow, and an airspace underneath the unitthe pre-fabricated kitchenette

contains a sink, an electric cooktop, and a small electric water heater to provide hot water to the shower.

5 community The development of a functioning community is one of the most important factors in the re-building of lives. By focusing on working as a team, providing spaces for gathering, and emulating the relationships and spaces from which the victims were removed, the success of the new environment will be heightened.

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master plan, nts

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the site is accessed by a road connected to the main inter-coastal highway

terracing and re-forestation will help prevent dangerous soil erosin

the site location was determined by the topography, soil erosion areas, the path of the sun over the site, and the local wind patterns

a series of simple levees and dams can help to control future �ooding

site plan, nts14

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