Does anyone know of any architecture, or non-architecture, related organizations that are willing to invest a small dollar amount into
the design and fabrication of rapidly deployable emergency shelters?
Our initiative is in the very early stages but has had a huge response, we have the advisement of a world renowned architect who will remain anonymous until he wishes to be made known, and the people at Zahner appear to be on board with aiding in the fabrication process.
Any and all contacts or ideas on acquiring fundingwould be great... those of us involved are fully capable and willing to pay for our own transportation, it is simply the startup cost of fabrication and materials that we will need money for if we cannot raise enough through local donations.
We have already made contact with Architects Without Borders and are still trying to speak with someone at Architecture For Humanity.
We will soon be uploading either a blog or website where contributors can make donations to our effort, and when implemented we would appreciate it if you could help spread the word.
Our group has been notified by Zahner that they will not be able to take part in the fabrication process of our future prototype due to an existing commitment to fabricate and ship shelters to Kenya. This is disheartening due to the amount of motivation, knowledge, guidance being directed at this effort.
_ we are sending out a message to the architecture community to inquire about any known fabrication companies that would be willing to participate and work with us during the design and fabrication process.
_ if you have any guidance or suggestions please do not hesitate
We are still in the infancy of our ideas and are establishing administrative issues and advising and the final formation and assignment of group duties.
As soon as we have the design finalized we will absolutely post images and a short explanation on our ideas of what this idea could hope to inspire and accomplish.
You can read our Manifesto at: unitebydesign.tumblr.com
If you have any suggestions of those that wish to lend support email your
inquiries and suggestions to: unitebydesign@gmail.com
As our process develops we will post all pertinent information on this blog site and hope to encourage an active dialogue with those not within our immediate range of contact.
No offense, but if this group is really composed of undergraduate students, as that quickly thrown together website you linked to suggest, I think you might be more succestful actually getting out and helping, rather than starting your own organization. Look into architecture for humanity or similar groups and volunteer. You'll have an immediate impact and gain the experience that can guide your work in the future.
This isn't to disuade you, you maye very well have some very talented people amongst your group, but I imagine the idea of a think tank for design of deployable structures would be composed of people with many years of experience in this field. There has been a ton of work in this field, including many published books and succesful projects. I think it would behoove you to become familiar with and even experts in what has been done in that past, before you set out to reinvent the wheel.
Synergy's comment is right on. I'd add the following:
One thing that has become apparent in the aftermath of the Haiti Earthquake is the importance of deep, established connections in the countries you hope to work in. The groups that have been able to act quickly in Haiti (such as Partners in Health and Doctors without Borders, to name two) have invested many years in building local relationships, contacts, and trust. Having boots on the ground is invaluable. I would encourage you to seek out existing groups that are already working in the communities you hope to serve to see how you can assist them and build off of their established work.
Better yet, think about ways you can act locally in your town to help underserved groups with your design skills and enthusiasm. It's not as sexy and exotic as responding to a natural disaster overseas, but you are far more likely to achieve success and make an impact.
In response to your message, we have contacted Architects Without Borders and Architecture for Humanity, among many, and have begun volunteering in any way we can.
We agree with your comments about the need for a think tank composed of many people with experience in this field. Which is what we are in the process of doing. We have organized a symposium of sorts on our campus and have invited students and professionals from the fields of engineering, business, art, music, geology, sociology, etc to participate in this brainstorming initiative. I know of no other, nor have I taken part in, collaborative effort such as this.
This group is formed by very determined, and able graduate students in architecture so don't let our initial efforts at simply establishing a BLOG and its appearance allow you to pass judgement. Our effort is only 5 days old.
The amount of work done that relates to this field may be extensive but quantity does not always lead to quality.
If we as designers are content with the current idea of the emergency shelter and the negative social impacts they carry with them over time, such as the formation of refugee camps that begin to sustain rape and violence and theft, instead of hope and sharing and community, then be happy with the wheels already in use.
The rapidly placed and rapid response shelters used immediately after a disaster has occurred serve a purpose. But what happens months after their placement? What happens years after their placement? There are still U.S. citizens living in FEMA trailers 4+ years after Katrina. Trailers that were meant to be temporary. Haiti is an economically impoverished nation with little to no government or economy remaining. So how is it expected for them to rebuilt immediately... it won't happen. We are interested in this transitional period, can we analyze the shelter situation and provide a new transitional shelter or housing that can encourage interaction instead of single tent, single family segregation. Those that should have the most input in what their nation needs during the reconstruction process are those that live there, can we promote dialogues to take place between those most affected and encourage them to take a new form of action.
We are in search of encouragement, not discouragement. We feel we are already successful in gaining the support we have, and getting people to reorient their thinking.
Before one makes assumptions, it may be appropriate to first ask questions. So please, ask questions, this is how we began, we asked "How can we take the resources we have and the situation we have been placed in and try to make a difference?"
Actually, after re-reading through your comment. I find it obtrusive that you would even associate the idea of it being sexy and exotic to respond to a disaster overseas.
I am an 8 year veteran of the U.S. Army and a combat veteran from Iraq. We also have a few other members with the same background.
We know first hand what the terrors of war can have upon a society of people, their families, their hope, their future...
We know far to well that there is no association with being "sexy" or "exotic".
It is within the realm of our life-stance as humans to do what we can.
I'm not looking to offend i'm just unsure of what it is you want from us.
If you have a symposium put together, I think that is a great start, why not advertize it? show us what it is you have done and are doing. I'm in Chicago, so if it happened to be located here, I might even attend!
If you are looking for funding, you'll need to convince me (others) why we should send money to a start up charity when so many are already heavily involved. Personally, I'd put together a little more clear proposal before seaking funding.
As for the design of deployable structures, you might want to be cautious before suggesting that you've got the key that so many others have missed.
Check out Amazon.com, there are many books on Deployable structures, as well as Adaptive structures. Have you or your group read any of these? are you familiar with the language and concepts contained within?
Here are some starters, you may want to look into Minimal surfaces and collapsable structures. For materials, you'll might consider ETFE. I'm not sure if you'll be able to get in touch with him or not, but to the best of my knowledge Sergio Pelligrino at Cal Tech is pretty much the world leading expert on technical aspects of the topic of deployable structures.
If you go to goolge books and type in "deployable structures", you can see most of the first book that comes up. It contains a tremendous amount of information on the subject. It is very dense. It will show you forms that have been designed (read engineered/optimized) and built.
If you do have your own concepts that are unique and superior to what has been done before, I'd love to see them (not that I'm someone that you need to impress, I'm not).
Perhaps I should have chosen my words more carefully, but my point is that I think the architecture profession is too quick to look overseas to make an impact through design, because projects like disaster relief for Haiti seem inherently more compelling and urgent. Our skills as designers could be utilized in our own neighborhoods too, but often the local problems and opportunities are overlooked.
You might find this article from Steve Badanes of Jersey Devil of interest:
As you stated, you're already in the process of reaching out to established groups and exploring all avenues for your group's efforts. Best of luck as you move forward.....
I think I stated before that this whole thing really is in it infancy and we have designated specific teams that will be leading our design, any fabrication, research, funding, etc.. to really pull something of value from all of this.
I really wish we had some of our designs manifested into a formal presentation that we could share but unfortunately we do not. We are all working on our design thesis and have elected to donate our time and effort to this cause. We, in the most part, have probably donated far more time on this than our prescribed thesis'.
I will surely pass along the suggested readings and contacts to everyone, and that is exactly what we were looking for by sending out these "probes". to see if anyone could help and to see if anyone had been thinking parallel to our own thoughts.
The symposium is unfortunately not in Chicago, though I wish it were, I am a native of Northern Illinois myself. The gathering of minds will take place at the Beach Art Museum located on Kansas State University campus from 6-9 pm next Wednesday the 27th of January.
This type of discussion is exactly what we were hoping to gain insight on through posting our thoughts here. Because time is some sort of an issue, it would have been best to wait to establish our blog or website or the release of any other information until we had the fit and finish we will achieve in the near future. But because of time constraints we felt it pertinent to get this information out there and see what happens. What has happened is extraordinary. Thank you for your comments and I hope I can keep you updated on all of our progress, and once we have established that it is acceptable to make known who our collaborative advisor is we will make his presence known within our workings.
I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and we will get information out so you have the ability to offer feedback, I promise this.
Project 112
Just a quick probe.
Does anyone know of any architecture, or non-architecture, related organizations that are willing to invest a small dollar amount into
the design and fabrication of rapidly deployable emergency shelters?
Our initiative is in the very early stages but has had a huge response, we have the advisement of a world renowned architect who will remain anonymous until he wishes to be made known, and the people at Zahner appear to be on board with aiding in the fabrication process.
Any and all contacts or ideas on acquiring fundingwould be great... those of us involved are fully capable and willing to pay for our own transportation, it is simply the startup cost of fabrication and materials that we will need money for if we cannot raise enough through local donations.
We have already made contact with Architects Without Borders and are still trying to speak with someone at Architecture For Humanity.
We will soon be uploading either a blog or website where contributors can make donations to our effort, and when implemented we would appreciate it if you could help spread the word.
Thanks
*UPDATE*
Our group has been notified by Zahner that they will not be able to take part in the fabrication process of our future prototype due to an existing commitment to fabricate and ship shelters to Kenya. This is disheartening due to the amount of motivation, knowledge, guidance being directed at this effort.
_ we are sending out a message to the architecture community to inquire about any known fabrication companies that would be willing to participate and work with us during the design and fabrication process.
_ if you have any guidance or suggestions please do not hesitate
Thanks
Project 112
post some images of this shelter idea.
LML
We are still in the infancy of our ideas and are establishing administrative issues and advising and the final formation and assignment of group duties.
As soon as we have the design finalized we will absolutely post images and a short explanation on our ideas of what this idea could hope to inspire and accomplish.
Thanks for the inquiry
Project 112
*UPDATE*
Our initiative has grown
You can read our Manifesto at: unitebydesign.tumblr.com
If you have any suggestions of those that wish to lend support email your
inquiries and suggestions to: unitebydesign@gmail.com
As our process develops we will post all pertinent information on this blog site and hope to encourage an active dialogue with those not within our immediate range of contact.
Thanks
Joshua Perez
Project Coordinator
Unite by Design
No offense, but if this group is really composed of undergraduate students, as that quickly thrown together website you linked to suggest, I think you might be more succestful actually getting out and helping, rather than starting your own organization. Look into architecture for humanity or similar groups and volunteer. You'll have an immediate impact and gain the experience that can guide your work in the future.
This isn't to disuade you, you maye very well have some very talented people amongst your group, but I imagine the idea of a think tank for design of deployable structures would be composed of people with many years of experience in this field. There has been a ton of work in this field, including many published books and succesful projects. I think it would behoove you to become familiar with and even experts in what has been done in that past, before you set out to reinvent the wheel.
Synergy's comment is right on. I'd add the following:
One thing that has become apparent in the aftermath of the Haiti Earthquake is the importance of deep, established connections in the countries you hope to work in. The groups that have been able to act quickly in Haiti (such as Partners in Health and Doctors without Borders, to name two) have invested many years in building local relationships, contacts, and trust. Having boots on the ground is invaluable. I would encourage you to seek out existing groups that are already working in the communities you hope to serve to see how you can assist them and build off of their established work.
Better yet, think about ways you can act locally in your town to help underserved groups with your design skills and enthusiasm. It's not as sexy and exotic as responding to a natural disaster overseas, but you are far more likely to achieve success and make an impact.
In response to your message, we have contacted Architects Without Borders and Architecture for Humanity, among many, and have begun volunteering in any way we can.
We agree with your comments about the need for a think tank composed of many people with experience in this field. Which is what we are in the process of doing. We have organized a symposium of sorts on our campus and have invited students and professionals from the fields of engineering, business, art, music, geology, sociology, etc to participate in this brainstorming initiative. I know of no other, nor have I taken part in, collaborative effort such as this.
This group is formed by very determined, and able graduate students in architecture so don't let our initial efforts at simply establishing a BLOG and its appearance allow you to pass judgement. Our effort is only 5 days old.
The amount of work done that relates to this field may be extensive but quantity does not always lead to quality.
If we as designers are content with the current idea of the emergency shelter and the negative social impacts they carry with them over time, such as the formation of refugee camps that begin to sustain rape and violence and theft, instead of hope and sharing and community, then be happy with the wheels already in use.
The rapidly placed and rapid response shelters used immediately after a disaster has occurred serve a purpose. But what happens months after their placement? What happens years after their placement? There are still U.S. citizens living in FEMA trailers 4+ years after Katrina. Trailers that were meant to be temporary. Haiti is an economically impoverished nation with little to no government or economy remaining. So how is it expected for them to rebuilt immediately... it won't happen. We are interested in this transitional period, can we analyze the shelter situation and provide a new transitional shelter or housing that can encourage interaction instead of single tent, single family segregation. Those that should have the most input in what their nation needs during the reconstruction process are those that live there, can we promote dialogues to take place between those most affected and encourage them to take a new form of action.
We are in search of encouragement, not discouragement. We feel we are already successful in gaining the support we have, and getting people to reorient their thinking.
Before one makes assumptions, it may be appropriate to first ask questions. So please, ask questions, this is how we began, we asked "How can we take the resources we have and the situation we have been placed in and try to make a difference?"
It's worth a try isn't it?
Thanks
Gresham
Absolutely, we are in the process of trying to establish contact with someone that has "boots on the ground."
All that you say, we have done or are in the process of doing...
Thanks for the feedback.
Gresham
Actually, after re-reading through your comment. I find it obtrusive that you would even associate the idea of it being sexy and exotic to respond to a disaster overseas.
I am an 8 year veteran of the U.S. Army and a combat veteran from Iraq. We also have a few other members with the same background.
We know first hand what the terrors of war can have upon a society of people, their families, their hope, their future...
We know far to well that there is no association with being "sexy" or "exotic".
It is within the realm of our life-stance as humans to do what we can.
dali7114,
I'm not looking to offend i'm just unsure of what it is you want from us.
If you have a symposium put together, I think that is a great start, why not advertize it? show us what it is you have done and are doing. I'm in Chicago, so if it happened to be located here, I might even attend!
If you are looking for funding, you'll need to convince me (others) why we should send money to a start up charity when so many are already heavily involved. Personally, I'd put together a little more clear proposal before seaking funding.
As for the design of deployable structures, you might want to be cautious before suggesting that you've got the key that so many others have missed.
Check out Amazon.com, there are many books on Deployable structures, as well as Adaptive structures. Have you or your group read any of these? are you familiar with the language and concepts contained within?
Here are some starters, you may want to look into Minimal surfaces and collapsable structures. For materials, you'll might consider ETFE. I'm not sure if you'll be able to get in touch with him or not, but to the best of my knowledge Sergio Pelligrino at Cal Tech is pretty much the world leading expert on technical aspects of the topic of deployable structures.
If you go to goolge books and type in "deployable structures", you can see most of the first book that comes up. It contains a tremendous amount of information on the subject. It is very dense. It will show you forms that have been designed (read engineered/optimized) and built.
If you do have your own concepts that are unique and superior to what has been done before, I'd love to see them (not that I'm someone that you need to impress, I'm not).
dali,
Perhaps I should have chosen my words more carefully, but my point is that I think the architecture profession is too quick to look overseas to make an impact through design, because projects like disaster relief for Haiti seem inherently more compelling and urgent. Our skills as designers could be utilized in our own neighborhoods too, but often the local problems and opportunities are overlooked.
You might find this article from Steve Badanes of Jersey Devil of interest:
http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20081015/education
As you stated, you're already in the process of reaching out to established groups and exploring all avenues for your group's efforts. Best of luck as you move forward.....
Thank you so very much for your guidance.
I think I stated before that this whole thing really is in it infancy and we have designated specific teams that will be leading our design, any fabrication, research, funding, etc.. to really pull something of value from all of this.
I really wish we had some of our designs manifested into a formal presentation that we could share but unfortunately we do not. We are all working on our design thesis and have elected to donate our time and effort to this cause. We, in the most part, have probably donated far more time on this than our prescribed thesis'.
I will surely pass along the suggested readings and contacts to everyone, and that is exactly what we were looking for by sending out these "probes". to see if anyone could help and to see if anyone had been thinking parallel to our own thoughts.
The symposium is unfortunately not in Chicago, though I wish it were, I am a native of Northern Illinois myself. The gathering of minds will take place at the Beach Art Museum located on Kansas State University campus from 6-9 pm next Wednesday the 27th of January.
This type of discussion is exactly what we were hoping to gain insight on through posting our thoughts here. Because time is some sort of an issue, it would have been best to wait to establish our blog or website or the release of any other information until we had the fit and finish we will achieve in the near future. But because of time constraints we felt it pertinent to get this information out there and see what happens. What has happened is extraordinary. Thank you for your comments and I hope I can keep you updated on all of our progress, and once we have established that it is acceptable to make known who our collaborative advisor is we will make his presence known within our workings.
I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and we will get information out so you have the ability to offer feedback, I promise this.
Until Soon,
Josh
Our initial effort at a call for action, or at least the initiative in doing so..
We are in anticipation of its success.
If you are in the area and would like to attend please contact us at:
unitebydesign@gmail.com
Go to [http://unitebydesign.tumblr.com/
and click on BRAIN GANG.
We apologize for the "randomness" of the site but it is currently under construction and refinement.
Thanks
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