Innovative and Climate-Responsive Refugee Shelter Design: The Makazi Prototype
The study reviews existing thermal assessment research in refugee shelters and analyses successful shelter designs in Jordan, Afghanistan, and South Sudan. By identifying the strategies that improved thermal comfort, material efficiency, and rapid deplorability, the research establishes design principles applicable to diverse climatic zones. The comparative analysis highlights gaps in current solutions, such as insufficient adaptability, limited use of local materials, and poor durability, guiding the development of a more optimized shelter design for long-term usability and sustainability.
Design Concept of Makati Prototype
The Makati shelter emphasizes incremental design, enabling modular construction that can be expanded or adjusted according to family size and site constraints. It is engineered to be thermally efficient, durable, and affordable, using locally available materials to ensure rapid deployment by unskilled labor. Parametric modeling is integrated into the design process, allowing real-time optimization of insulation, shading, and ventilation to suit specific climate conditions, such as the varying temperatures and humidity of South Africa. This approach ensures the shelter balances comfort, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.
Methodology: Parametric Thermal Optimization
Parametric thermal analysis plays a central role in refining the Makati design. Using climate-specific data for Cape Town, the research simulates indoor temperature, airflow, and solar radiation to identify optimal building envelope configurations. By iteratively adjusting material thickness, orientation, and shading elements, the shelter achieves improved thermal performance without compromising construction speed or cost. This method demonstrates the potential of computational tools in designing climate-responsive shelters for diverse geographic regions.
Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment
Sustainability is embedded into the Makazi prototype through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), evaluating environmental impacts from material production, construction, use, and end-of-life disposal. The LCA ensures the shelter maintains a low-carbon footprint while providing durable, adaptable housing. By incorporating energy-efficient materials and design strategies, the prototype exemplifies a balance between human comfort and environmental responsibility, making it a replicable model for sustainable refugee housing globally.
Implications, Novelty, and Future Directions
The integrated approach of the Makati prototype—combining incremental construction, thermal optimization, durability, affordability, and low-carbon materials—offers a novel framework for climate-resilient refugee housing. Its adaptability allows for rapid deployment by unskilled labor while maintaining comfort and sustainability. Future research could explore region-specific material alternatives, smart sensor integration for thermal regulation, and larger-scale implementation studies, potentially transforming emergency and long-term refugee housing strategies worldwide.
Architecture Engineers Awards
🔗 Nominate now! 👉 https://architectureengineers.com/award-nomination/?ecategory=Awards&rcategory=Awardee
🌐 Visit: architectureengineers.com
📩 Contact: contact@architectureengineers.com
Get Connected Here:
*****************
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/architecture_engineers_awards/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576995475934
Tumblr : https://www.tumblr.com/blog/architectureengineers
Pinterest : https://in.pinterest.com/
Blogger : https://architectureengineers.blogspot.com/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/
#RefugeeHousing
#SustainableArchitecture
#ClimateResponsiveDesign
#ThermalComfort
#MakaziPrototype
#IncrementalDesign
#LowCarbonConstruction
#ParametricDesign
#LifeCycleAssessment
#AffordableHousing
#HumanitarianDesign
#DurableShelters
#RapidDeployment
#BuildingEnvelope
#AdaptableHousing
#EnvironmentalSustainability
#PassiveDesign
#DisasterReliefHousing
#ModularConstruction
#HousingInnovation
Comments
Post a Comment