In-Between: T-Shelters for Urban Disaster Victims

Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dhaka

Project idea

Dhaka is vulnerable to disasters like earthquakes and fatal fires due to rapid, unplanned urbanization and non-compliance with building codes. Typically, a significant earthquake strikes the region once every century. Old Dhaka, characterized by poor infrastructure, narrow roads, and limited open spaces, stands as one of the most socially and physically vulnerable communities to such disasters. Around 28% of the buildings in that area may be damaged following large-scale catastrophes. Hence, numerous structures in Old Dhaka may become uninhabitable, necessitating urgent disaster relief (DR) sheltering for affected families.
Initially, emergency mass sheltering occurs under undamaged government structures or in tents. However, these options offer minimal privacy, security, and protection from noise and weather. Transitional shelters (Phase 2) may bridge the gap between Phases 1 and 3 for proper recovery. DAP 2022-2035 has suggested post-disaster temporary sheltering on government parks or playgrounds for the victims of urban disasters without any specific guidelines for T-sheltering (Temporary and transitional sheltering) in Dhaka city.

The goal of this project is to design an efficient T-sheltering system with post-disaster necessary facilities required over two years in a suitable playground in Old Dhaka for those who might be temporarily homeless due to a disaster so that it can serve as an example for such situations in the future.

This hypothetical proposal suggests T-shelters on Dhupkhola Field for up to two years, with post-disaster essential facilities for Ward 45 and neighbouring residents in Sutrapur and Gendaria. This system of sheltering is replicable to any playground or park in Old Dhaka. The sheltering units also can be used in any part of the world where quick response is needed after a disaster.
The unique socio-cultural practices and intangible heritages of Old Dhaka need to be considered while designing for their swift recovery. The project thus explores effective design approaches so that the field can always be prepared to shelter people and resume its original function as soon as the sheltering period ends.

Project description

In this design, ideas of flexible and adaptable living spaces with proper privacy, security, a sense of community, belongingness, and sustainability during the design life (two years) have been incorporated. Schedule 80 uPVC pipe structure has been proposed with a combination of Jutin and bamboo mat facade. The clustering system satisfies UNHCR's requirements for health, sanitation, WASH facilities, and other sheltering standards, being an example of post-disaster resilience. A generative design algorithm is used with some sheltering requirements as parameters and constraints and an optimized clustering system has been considered based on daylight, cross ventilation and a semi-private courtyard for each shelter with the minimum possible circulation to services (kitchen and lavatory).

As Dhupkhola currently is a football field, no long-term or permanent plantation will be allowed inside the field. Only seasonal vegetables, potted plants, shrubs, etc are to be planted in designated locations of the clusters, like in the semi-private courtyard, or beside the pedestrian soft-pave, etc. Kitchen gardening is also encouraged here.
There is a hierarchy of gathering or community space noticeable in the master plan. The ROWAK (porch) which acts as the foyer can even act as the smallest gathering space of a shelter. The Rowak leads to the private courtyards of a single shelter of 4-6 units which are the smallest green space. Then it is connected to the common green space or courtyard surrounded by the kitchens of different clusters. This kitchen-surrounded courtyard or playspace is dedicated to children of tender age so that they can be under the observation or surveillance of their parents (especially mothers) when they play.

Technical information

The position of the emergency healthcare is decided based on space syntax nodal analysis. As the north-west side of the site is less chaotic, emergency healthcare is designed there. The existing pavilion will house the health facilities. However, if it is required, the healthcare can be extended to the east side with more emergency beds, shaded by tarpaulins or canvas sheets.

The office and the multipurpose shade/ multipurpose hall are designed with uPVC pipes as the structural members and tarpaulin or plastic or canvas sheeting as the shade and rain protection. The structure of the multipurpose space is not fixed, rather it can be altered based on the function, such as shelter assembling training programmes, international organization lecture sessions, marketplace, Eid or other religious activities, etc. The office will also accommodate volunteer resting space, temporary storage of relief items, etc.

Vertical gardening is designed in the shelters, especially with the kitchens as a facade element. uPVC pipes of lesser diameter can be used as the structure of vertical plantations or aquaponics. As the men of Old Dhaka are used to bathing in open spaces or the pond, there will be open showers and a cloth washing area beside the lavatories. A rainwater collecting tank is kept with each sheltering cluster and with kitchens and lavatories.