Rising Tides: Disaster Relief After the Flood

rising tides: disaster relief after the flood

julianne daltorio interior design studio v: specialized focus and populations professors: c. mike thomas & martha ross

table of contents introduction research: • disaster cycle • disaster relief • enhancing equity • keys to survival • tsunami in japan • precedent studies concept: • synapse detail: • SPARK component master plan: • bubble diagram • block diagram • diagrams • diagram legend

townhall: • restroom unit • amenities unit • health & communications unit • rendering & elevation housing unit: • floor plan • expansions • 3-d diagram • rendering conclusion works cited

introduction “disaster (n): a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life� social media has globalized our world. imagery of disasters is recorded on cellphones and transmitted around the world. through global connectivity emerges a paradox - while recovery efforts are publicized and praised, the annihilation of the built environment is shown in parallel. social media platforms give people the opportunity to broadcast their lives, and when their lives are destroyed, connectivity can enhance awareness. because of this, technology must emerge as a vital tool before, during, and after the disaster. additionally, disadvantaged communities are hit the hardest. changes must be made in order to ensure equity and equality when recovering from the disaster.

research: disaster cycle

there are four stages of the disaster cycle: mitigation, preparedness, recovery, and response. mitigation includes precautions that are taken during city planning processes, such as zoning and strengthening existing structures. preparedness refers to the logistical practices that prepare communities for disasters, such as writing emergency plans.

response is the part of the cycle that is usually the most publicized in media. response efforts include evacuating residents in flood planes and performing emergency services. the final stage of the cycle is the recovery process, which includes rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

research: disaster relief the four stages of the disaster work in a cyclical fashion, but communities need to have the resources available to survive the disaster. for example, there needs to be funding in place for training and education, as well as for rebuilding efforts. in summation, equity in recovery needs to be ensured in order for lower-income communities to survive. chapter 3 of “urban planning for disaster recovery” edited by alan march, is entitled “equity in recovery.” the chapter points out several issues as to why poorer populations are at the biggest risk before, during, and after disasters. the reasons vary, but at the root of the problem are the socioeconomic issues that plague poorer communities daily.

“poor and marginalized urban dwellers have diminished capacities for coping with disasters, due to factors such as lower levels of education, insecure tenures, lack of social networks, and deficient access to governmental and financial support.” - march, equity in recovery if communities can be built up before the disaster strikes, the ability to manage and recover from the disaster grows. cost-effective solutions to housing and increased access to food and healthcare during the disaster can improve the ability of the community to bounce back from the damage. a possible solution would be a flat-pack, modular unit that can be deployed quickly, but most importantly, it is affordable.

research: enhancing equity “those on lower income are less likely to use building materials and designs that offer greater protection from extreme events, as they are often more expensive than conventional materials,� march, equity in recovery the ability for a unit to deploy, as well as the materiality cost, are serious conditions that will affect the survival of lower-income communities. the preparedness and mitigation phases can only provide communities with so many tools to survive, but the true test comes in the response and recovery phases. if disadvantaged communities were given a unit that is cost-effective and easily set up, their survival and recovery rates would certainly soar.

tsunami in japan, 2011 - encyclopedia britannica

tsunami in japan, 2011 -the atlantic

research: keys to survival planning and relief education

access to temporary housing & healthcare

sense of community

increased chance of survival & recovery

research: tsunami in japan in march of 2011, disaster struck japan, 231 miles outside of tokyo. a 9.1 magnitude earthquake caused a siege of waves and resulted in a devastating tsunami. the earthquake and resulting tsunami ravaged homes, businesses, and government buildings. worst of all, however, was the meltdown of the nuclear power plant in fukushima. this nuclear disaster is the second worst in world history, second only to the chernobyl disaster in russia of 1986. the affected area continues to be on lockdown to this day. the japanese government estimated the damages to be around $199 billion dollars (us).

houses are set ablaze, swept by waves in natori city, 2011, the atlantic

left: woman onlooking damage, 2011, the atlantic right: house floating in pacific, 2011, the atlantic

research: tsunami in japan

collapsed homes and shipping containers, 2011, the atlantic

abandoned home in fukushima, 2016, the atlantic

as of 2016, the death toll was close to 16,000 people, with more than 2,500 persons still missing. the physical damage was clearly costly, but the biggest cost is that of human life. families living in the area near the fukushima nuclear power plant were forced to evacuate and abandon their belongings, leaving behind years of memories, as well as a home (livescience).

devastated road, 2011, the atlantic

research: precedent study a-z cellular compartment units designer: andrea zittel year designed: 2001

the a-z cellular compartment units are modular containers that link together to form larger spaces. the designer, zittel, has stated that his work is driven by values of freedom, security, and authorship, (siegal, more mobile: portable architecture for today).

the a-z cellular compartment units acted as an experiment in the emulation of these values through the opportunity to have a singular unit that can attach and detach from the other units. this enhances mobility and connectivity. a sense of community can emerge from connected units.

research: precedent study another aspect of the a-z cellular units that make them unique is the integration of furniture, lighting, and portholes that can act as windows. some challenges that come along with the a-z cellular units are the evolving anthropometric standards of the human population. another issue is the feasibility of use in disaster situations, as well as the matter of universal usability and accessiblity.

though the units are small, there is a sense of comfort and ownership. the unit is yours alone, and connectivity does not necessarily impede on others’ personal spaces. the units are meant to address basic human needs, plus some.

research: precedent study ablenook modular dwellings designer(s): jason ross & sean verdencia year designed: 2016 the ablenook modular dwellings are modular, flat-packed units that can be assembled on-site. set-up requires no tools ablenook modular units have adjustable legs and can be placed on any kind of terrain.

another benefit to ablenook units is that size is not a limitation. this allows for flexibility and expansion. they are constructed of air-craft grade aluminum framing and the sides snap together, similar to how tents are constructed. ablenook units utilize insulated walls and floor assemblies, ensuring warmth and security.

research: precedent study the ablenook addresses a lot of issues within modular housing, but the cost is high if one considers purchasing a singular unit for, say, a family. a basic ablenook unit can cost around $14,000, which is almost 30% of the yearly salary of women in the united states. the high cost results from the materiality and design, but a single mother or single family household would not feasibly be able to purchase an ablenook, making it a complicated solution to apply to disaster situations. despite all of this, the ablenook is a revolutionary design that can be manufactured at a lower cost once the material prices are lowered. ablenook is a serious solution for a serious problem.

concept: synapse “synapse (n): a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter�

concept: synapse the brain operates around autonomous responses to stimuli. while we do not control the synapses in our brains, they do the work of understanding our environment for us. the synapse is the key to the framework in our brains. the synapse is the connector, the spark, the jolt of information transfer. without it, the neurons in our brain cannot communicate with one another. when something happens to set off these synapses, the network works together to communicate the message and determine the plan of action. the synapse is the pathway of communication, it is necessary for communal survival.

detail: SPARK component

a: SPARK component in closed form, 1’ - 0” deep and 3’ - 0” in diameter, sensor that detects when component is placed on ground. b: extending anchor system, claws at the end to grip into the ground. c: extending anchor system, allows for SPARK to go 4’ - 0” into the ground. d: 0’ - 10” deep, attaches to the bottom of the raised flooring systems.

detail: SPARK component

left: SPARK component plan view right: SPARK component elevation view

just as the synapse in our brains detects a stimulus, SPARK utilizes sensors and pressure technology to detect a change in the environment. when one places SPARK on the ground, the anchoring system enters the ground and holds the component steady. the modular flooring system of the housing or townhall units can then be attached to SPARK, ensuring that residents are above the ground, enhancing their safety. because of SPARK’s relatively low production and material cost, it is made available to many different types of people, enhancing equity in times of disaster.

master plan: bubble diagram an illustrated depiction of synapses led to an investigation in the ways the structure and how connections are made can inspire the layout of the master plan and site. top: synapse drawing bottom: bubble diagram

unit

unit

townhall

unit

auxiliary

master plan: block diagram unit unit

unit

unit

unit auxiliary

townhall

unit unit unit

auxiliary

auxiliary

townhall

townhall

unit

master plan: diagrams

axonometric view of master plan plan view of master plan

master plan: diagram legend townhall spaces: public restrooms, kitchen, cafe, communication technology, lounge space, and health clinic (12 SPARK components required) four-family units: ideal for large and extended families, contains space for 8 twin beds or 4 double beds (4 SPARK components required) restroom and bathing space: locker rooms, public restrooms, and showers (6 SPARK components required)

two-family units: ideal for extended families or those with several children or pets, contains space for 4 twin or 2 double beds (2 SPARK components required) single-family units: ideal for smaller families of 4 people or less and 1 pet, contains space for 4 beds (1 SPARK component required)

townhall: restroom units women’s restroom changing room showers men’s restroom changing room showers family restroom changing room showers

restroom unit, blocking plan

the layout of the restroom units is simple. 6 SPARK components are used for this layout. the master plan shown on previous pages shows three of these units being set up for convenience. there are restrooms, changing rooms, and showers.

townhall: amenities unit community engagement entertainment family restroom

cafe & lounge space

amenities unit, blocking plan

the amenities unit provides spaces for people to come together, eat a meal, and relax. there is a technology lounge that is intended for people to be able to communicate with their family members. the dining and cafe spaces are meant to give residents a chance to return to normalcy.

kitchen

technology lounge

dining space

t o w n h a l l : health & communications

health & communications unit, blocking plan

the health & communications unit provides rescue workers and residents with a centralized health and communications center. the communications center will have radios and contact to the outside world. the health center has a shortterm care clinic, a longterm hospital space, and an immediate care surgery room.

restroom

hospital, long-term care

radio comm. center

health center intake

storage

surgery immediate care

staff auxiliary space

clinic, short-term care

staff locker room

t o w n h a l l : rendering & elevation

townhall units, rendering

townhall unit, elevation

housing unit: floor plan the modular units are constructed by utilizing a single SPARK unit which connects to the floor, resulting in a raised floor. the raised floor provides insulation, allowing for heat retention. the walls are connected to one another using a sliding groove and fastener system. the windows allow for filtration of light as well as a connection to surroundings. the stairs allow for entry to the unit.

single family unit floor plan

housing unit: expansions double bed twin bed

twin bed

twin bed

double bed

single family unit assembly options

double bed

double bed

twin bed

double bed

twin bed

double bed twin bed

two-family and four-family unit assembly options

twin bed

the modular unit utilizes wall assemblies that can be altered depending on the number of SPARK components the user has. if a family is larger than four people, multiple SPARK units can be arranged and walls can be connected to one another, resulting in more length. this diagram shows multiple solutions for users, as well as beds to depict the scale and usability of different sizing options.

housing unit: 3-d diagram

a: raised flooring system, panels swing down during deployment after the floor has been attached to the SPARK component. b: pop-out stairs, slide out and attach to raised floor. c: wall assembly has an airplane-grade metal lattice structure with high impact polystyrene as the “finished� wall sides. d: clerestory window to allow for increased interior light, slanted roof with photovoltaic solar panels.

housing unit: rendering

unit rendering

conclusion: as the number of natural disasters increases worldwide, it is going to become the responsibility of the next generation of designers to solve the technical, logistical, and material issues that arise with disaster relief units. designers will need to be aware of the levels of inequity that are present in almost all countries. disaster relief design will need to be for everyone - from the most disadvantaged to the most privileged. material and fabrication costs will need to be kept low in order for this to happen, but as technology continues to evolve, the price drops. soon enough, systems like SPARK will be possible through bluetooth and sensor improvements. the world is entering into unknown territory, but solutions like SPARK and others have the possibility to shift the scales of inequality and inequity the other way.

conclusion:

“the reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour.� japanese proverb this booklet is dedicated to: the many people who have lost their homes, belongings, and loved ones in the multitude of disasters that hit the world in 2017. the victims of the tsunami and earthquake in japan in 2011, as well as the people still affected by the nuclear fallout.

works cited: “27 Amazing Disaster Relief Architecture Projects You Can’t Miss.” Build Abroad, 30 Jan. 2017, buildabroad.org/2016/06/20/relief-architecture/. abm-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/laboratoryequipment.com/s3fs-public/ embedded_image/2017/06/shutterstock_576832360.jpg. ak3.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/19052623/thumb/10.jpg.

Awotona, Adenrele A. Planning for Community-Based Disaster Resilience Worldwide: Learning from Case Studies in Six Continents. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2017.

Echavarria, Pilar. Portable Architecture: and Unpredictable Surroundings. Arian Mostaedi, 2008.

“Home.” AbleNook, ablenook.com/. images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/tsunami-andmount-fuji-vintage-japanese-ukiyo-e-art-just-eclectic.jpg. i.pinimg.com/736x/ae/97/81/ae97819867bea05eb2b38eb8f1030bf0--surftattoo-tattoo-art.jpg. magazine.gaiscioch.com/images/art/123304_1.jpg.

March, Alan, and Maria Kornakova. Urban Planning for Disaster Recovery. Elsevier Science, 2017. media1.britannica.com/eb-media/79/148479-004-531F7BF7.jpg. media.wired.com/photos/5932d71358b0d64bb35d3b50/master/pass/sparkler.jpg.

“Metal as Light as Styrofoam and as Strong as Titanium - and 5 Other Amazing New Materials.” The Week - All You Need to Know about Everything That Matters, 20 Oct. 2015, theweek.com/articles/582787/metal-light-styrofoam-strongtitanium--5-other-amazing-new-materials.

works cited: “Metal as Light as Styrofoam and as Strong as Titanium - and 5 Other Amazing New Materials.” The Week - All You Need to Know about Everything That Matters, 20 Oct. 2015, theweek.com/articles/582787/metal-light-styrofoam-strongtitanium--5-other-amazing-new-materials.

Oskin, Becky. “Japan Earthquake & Tsunami of 2011: Facts and Information.”

LiveScience, Purch, 13 Sept. 2017, www.livescience.com/39110-japan-2011earthquake-tsunami-facts.html. pbs.twimg.com/media/BspV1pACAAEYIKM.jpg.

Siegal, Jennifer. More Mobile: Portable Architecture for Today. Princeton Architectural Press, 2008.

Taylor, Alan. “5 Years Since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 10 Mar. 2016, www.theatlantic.com/photo/2016/03/5years-since-the-2011-great-east-japan-earthquake/473211/.

Waugh, William L. Recovering from Catastrophic Disaster in Asia: Volume 18.

Emerald Group Publishing, 2016. www.gunnisoncountylibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/electricity.jpg. www.networkcomputing.com/sites/default/files/resources/nwc/network%20opt. jpg. ww-world.wilhelmsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/digital.jpg. www.talenteconomy.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/knowledge-transfer768x341.jpg. www.thindifference.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1664465-Soul-Spark.jpg. www.zittel.org/work/a-z-cellular-compartment-units.