Better Shelter?

As Gazans are now slowly returning to their completely destroyed neighborhoods, conversations are inevitably ramping up about how to rebuild in the midst of such comprehensive destruction.  While the challenges and potential solutions are far beyond the scope for me to explore here, there will continue to be an immediate need to house people in safe, sanitary and dignified way.  

One cautionary tale is the IKEA Better Shelter Design, which was released to great fanfare, including receiving many design awards after it was released in 2015.  Since then, there have been a number of issues related to the design and functionality of it and numerous complaints from the users themselves.  When I first saw this design, I appreciated the functionality and ability of it to be deployed quickly in many different locations and situations.  However, I was curious about the possibility of aggregation as well as customization and adaptability for local cultures since living customs vary greatly around the world.  Unfortunately, it doesn't really lend itself customization as refugee housing consulant Killian Kleinschmidt told Dezeen:" It doesn't take into consideration that people like to adjust the space themselves and that is part of their dignity."

Furthermore, this is a strictly emergency shelter that does not look beyond the short term challenges, which often lead to long-term challenges.  Are there ways that emergency shelter can be designed to transition to longer-term housing as well?  

An alternative solution that has stemmed from internal displacement in Nigeria is the  "Home After Crisis" design competition, which was initiated by the government of Nigeria, in conjunction with IOM (International Organization for Migration) and the United Nations Migration Agency.  It's goals are to design a low-cost, incremental, modular and upgradable housing solution for populations disrupted by violence in rural areas of North-East Nigeria.  

This is an important approach, because it fosters an idea exchange of how people can transition to longer term solutions, which still maintaining cultural and social connections.  

IOM’s Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Mr Laurent Boeck, said, “It provides those affected by displacement with a home that is integrated with their natural environment and the stepping stones to engage with local and national development plans. It respects culture and the social fabric, which makes society a safe heaven, where communities live peacefully together, linking generations and persons interacting with each other. It is not just a roof, but it becomes an integrated home within the ancestral society."
https://www.youngarchitectscompetitions.com/past-competitions/home-after-crisis

Design elements that are consistent with the winning entries are modularity, aggregation & incremental growth, social spaces unique to the specific culture and use of local materials.  I am anxious to see how these designs get implemented as that will be the ultimate test, as noted at the beginning of the article.  What lessons here can be applied to providing short-term and long-term housing in other places in crisis, including Gaza City?

For more information:
https://www.youngarchitectscompetitions.com/past-competitions/home-after-crisis
https://nigeria.iom.int/news/home-after-crisis-iom-promotes-durable-housing-solutions-idps-northeastern-nigeria



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