Author(s)

C. Henrotay, W. Debacker, M. Mollaert, W. P. de Wilde & H. Hendrickx

Abstract

Catastrophes like wars and natural disasters have occurred over the ages. However, in the last decade the number of emergency situations has increased in a frightening way. Unsustainable human behaviour causing environmental changes and social conflicts undoubtedly contributes to this increase. A global approach for shelter intervention may contribute to efficient relief while supporting a transition from aid to development and helping to prevent future catastrophes. In this paper one investigates how the \“4-dimensional design strategy” developed at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (department of Arch & MeMC) can be implemented to reach this goal. Keywords: disasters, emergency situations, shelter, reconstruction, adaptability, reuse, design strategy, design catalogue, construction system, construction kit. 1 Shelter intervention and reconstruction after natural and conflict-based disasters 1.1 Shelter intervention in emergency situations The latest natural disasters have shown that catastrophes – predictable or unpredictable – and the resulting emergency situations may occur all over the world, in developing as well as in developed countries. Unfortunately, the international aid community still seems insufficiently prepared for these

Keywords

disasters, emergency situations, shelter, reconstruction, adaptability, reuse, design strategy, design catalogue, construction system, construction kit.