Disaster Relief: A System for Recovery

Abstract

On January 12, 2010, Haiti was subjected to an earthquake that measured a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale. The earthquake exposed Haiti's vulnerabilities in regards to its built environment, and had a devastating effect on economic and social balance in the region. Although the earthquake created an unhealthy and dangerous environment, it affords the opportunity for Haiti to rebuild with better building standards, improving living conditions and strengthening communities. This thesis will use Haiti as a case study for a designing a system for strengthening communities in regions that fall victim to natural disasters. A prefabrication system will be investigated with the goals of creating a design that will be viable in regards to vernacular construction techniques, delivery methods through rough conditions, providing jobs for locals, and creating a structure that responds to future natural disasters. This system will be implemented with the design of a community center, acting as the cornerstone for developing permanent neighborhoods.