architecture
SPRING 2010
Minimal Materials Maximum Design
Temporary Emergency Housing Shelter, Carbondale IL
The Final Design
The Need
Understanding the need for shelter in an emergency, we were given the task of designing and producing a structure that services as temporary or transitional housing in a crisis situation. The structure should be designed to hold one or two people and should create nominal protection from various elements. Simplicity is an obvious objective, but shelters should be useful and detail development should be one of the main concerns.
The Components
This complex design utilizes two entire sheets of 4x8 plywood. Limiting the components to only two sheets produces mimimal waste. Additionally, each detail component is custom made to fit the design properly and for easy fabrication.
Digitally Fabricated Model
The Details
Careful attention to detail was used at all connection points. Nails and screws were avoided throughout the main structure to ensure easy installation during times of emergency. Mock up connections were made and then were later fabricated as a final product.
The Assembly
The materials used for the emergency housing shelter included, but not restricted by, two 4x8 sheets of 3/4" plywood, 10' tarpaulin, five 1/2" pvc piping, wooded pegs, four 2x4's for the base, and screening elements for the windows. Additionally, a maximum footprint of 144 square feet was a strict guideline.
The Process and Assembly