I have been researching and thinking very long and hard as to what I am interested about for my dissertation topic. I have written something I want you to have a look and tell me what you think.

My dissertation will have two components; an investigation and critique, and a proposed solution.

Investigation:

When or how a natural disaster strikes can not be controlled, but leaders must be prepared to respond in such situations.  Therefore, I would explore and question the type of aid countries like Haiti received, in regards to the design and quality of the shelters they got, post disaster.  I want to question their quality and their ability to become long term homes for their inhabitants. Do these shelters understand and solve the physical and psychological needs of the disaster victims? 

The many types of shelters/housing which the victims of disasters are given, risk becoming permanent. If not planned properly these shelters become slum like communities, where people construct extensions to these preliminary post disaster structures using substandard materials, in an attempt to feel more comfortable. But are these types of developments suitable for long term dwelling and durable enough to withstand other disasters? Furthermore, do they have the potential to reinstate the community to its previous standard or even better it? 

Proposed solution:

I think the initial architectural response to a disaster shelters or housing should be redefined. Based on what I have seen happening in Haiti - (Transitional to what? by Architecture for humanity). It should be approached as an opportunity for rebuilding a better future, not just as a temporary solution. 

From my reading of Transitional to what? I observed the housing for the people of Haiti were not fit for housing people permanently.  Because I am also from a Caribbean island and I know first hand the nature of the social and economical climate of these countries, I know there is a high possibility that these structures meant for temporary relief would become permanent. The mer fact that this document exist points out that the initial housing was not intended or designed to be permanent.  

I know the intension of the relief teams implementing these houses are good, there is no doubt that these houses provided much needed shelter to the people after the disaster. As an architecture student, I  would like to question if it can be done differently. 

I think instead of providing these short term individual shelters, the people should be sheltered in groups, (the actual architecture of this building to house groups of people should be another topic in itself) this will allow relief terms to work effectively and efficiently to provide aid. But more importantly it will allow the architects together with the people- who are easily accessible because they are in a group- more time to design buildings that are more permanent than timber and tarpaulin structures.  The housing under one roof will allow architects to interact with the people to design sustainable communities and housings. I think by having people live together, their moral and psychological wellbeing would be boosted, through group motivation and their realisation of the power that they have to contribute to their future and the rebuilding their community. After the design process each shelter group could be mobilised as a construction team to build their own community.

Basically, its about aid agencies and architecture not developing short term solutions and not giving thought to their long term use and effect in community regeneration. Its  also about  exploring the possiblities or ways in which the victims of a disaster can contribute to their own recovery process. 

Please can anyone tell me more on post disaster shelters or suggest any books I should read on the topic or any architects or web links that would help. Also could you tell me what you think on the topic in general and as a dissertation subject. I would like the research to be as rigorous as possible so all suggestions on how I can develop this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks