Architettura emergenziale: buone pratiche esecutive

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative overview of different types of (temporary) shelters that have recently been used in various field locations in response to a forced displacement due to disastrous events. In particular, possible strategies useful to increase the sustainability of the humanitarian response and reduce the carbon footprint, while ensuring the adequacy and suitability of the shelters themselves, are here explored. This study investigates a systematic design framework that is often constrained by many obstacles such as the limited availability of low-cost materials, and a lack of local labour experience. To reduce the negative impact of a disaster, especially in the developing countries, the possibility of exploiting alternative materials, such as the regenerated, recycled, reused, and semi-finished materials, is extremely important. Some examples of emergency shelters are deeply discussed in terms of technological and architectural features; among those the Italian case of the tent-cities and the design projects of the Architect Shigeru Ban. Moreover, the choice of the used materials for the shelters’ construction will be deeply analysed as an essential element particularly sensible to certification and characterised by suitable properties in order to offer the maximum performance. The large number of disasters that have occurred in the recent years, deeply showed that despite the best intentions to coordinate and manage the operations, the executive reality is often quite chaotic and full of conflicting interests that hinder the relief efforts. Indeed, providing shelter implies temporary settlements that, on the other hand, gradually become almost permanent. Therefore, the need for socially sustainable solutions - based on green and sustainable design adapted to local conditions - must become a prerequisite. For the next designs it will be necessary to translate architectural solutions, whether for temporary emergency or reconstruction phases, into quality choices, with innovative materials that look to tradition but provide also the minimum comfort for communities.