Global Village Shelter : community
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How did this design improve life?:
The designs’ primary function is embedded in benefiting the user. The GVS is weather proof giving the user comfort when it is most necessary (in disaster and inclement weather conditions). The taped edges prevent moisture from getting into the shelter. The sealed junctures also prevent vermin and insects from entering. The ease of use is emphasized in the simple set up process. The instructions are primarily graphic and could be easily interpreted. The corrugate is thick enough to insulate and maintain privacy. Unlike a tent, it is also a quiet shelter to live in. Think of the rustling of a tent in the wind, GVS eliminates this completely.
The user has the ability to lock the shelter and control the ventilation. In addition shelters can be ordered with a stove pipe aperture hole allowing for indoor cooking. In the case that inhabitants cook inside, it would be suggested that they open the door, or remove the Plexiglas window (designed to hang conveniently on a hook below the frame) and leave the screen open. The roof cap allows for air movement as well; it is not glued in place and is inserted once the roof is erected. The user can hang items easily, create additional tethers for added anchoring (roof cap has two pre-drilled holes for this purpose, along with an interior rope that can be tethered to the ground), pile snow or sand onto and around the side of the structure for additional insulation; there are many things that can be done to make it more like a ‘home’. Comfort of the user was very important in the design considerations.
In addition to the standard GV shelter structure we have designed connecting modules. These connectors allow one to connect one or more units to create a multi room structure. The connector is in a late-prototype phase and will be a finished product in the near future.
Further we have designed a latrine unit that uses the same shell as the traditional shelter except there is an additional door and more windows for ventilation. The latrine hole is dug, a plywood structure that has stalls and seats is laid onto the hole, and the shell is placed on top. This simple approach to a latrine allows for many to be erected in one village. In addition, by lifting the outer shell off of the latrine assembly it is easy to clean the structure effectively. Once a site has been exhausted the GV latrine could be folded up and moved to the new site.
Our goal was to create a simple structure that would give the affected person/ family stability (durability) and safety during a disaster or refugee situation. To accomplish durability, the shelter has a concentric “ring” structure; the prototypes have withstood winds up to 80 mph. Safety for the inhabitants is enforced a with a dual locking door system; it locks from the interior and exterior.
The designs’ primary function is embedded in benefiting the user. The GVS is weather proof giving the user comfort when it is most necessary (in disaster and inclement weather conditions). The taped edges prevent moisture from getting into the shelter. The sealed junctures also prevent vermin and insects from entering. The ease of use is emphasized in the simple set up process. The instructions are primarily graphic and could be easily interpreted. The corrugate is thick enough to insulate and maintain privacy. Unlike a tent, it is also a quiet shelter to live in. Think of the rustling of a tent in the wind, GVS eliminates this completely.
The user has the ability to lock the shelter and control the ventilation. In addition shelters can be ordered with a stove pipe aperture hole allowing for indoor cooking. In the case that inhabitants cook inside, it would be suggested that they open the door, or remove the Plexiglas window (designed to hang conveniently on a hook below the frame) and leave the screen open. The roof cap allows for air movement as well; it is not glued in place and is inserted once the roof is erected. The user can hang items easily, create additional tethers for added anchoring (roof cap has two pre-drilled holes for this purpose, along with an interior rope that can be tethered to the ground), pile snow or sand onto and around the side of the structure for additional insulation; there are many things that can be done to make it more like a ‘home’. Comfort of the user was very important in the design considerations.
In addition to the standard GV shelter structure we have designed connecting modules. These connectors allow one to connect one or more units to create a multi room structure. The connector is in a late-prototype phase and will be a finished product in the near future.
Further we have designed a latrine unit that uses the same shell as the traditional shelter except there is an additional door and more windows for ventilation. The latrine hole is dug, a plywood structure that has stalls and seats is laid onto the hole, and the shell is placed on top. This simple approach to a latrine allows for many to be erected in one village. In addition, by lifting the outer shell off of the latrine assembly it is easy to clean the structure effectively. Once a site has been exhausted the GV latrine could be folded up and moved to the new site.
Our goal was to create a simple structure that would give the affected person/ family stability (durability) and safety during a disaster or refugee situation. To accomplish durability, the shelter has a concentric “ring” structure; the prototypes have withstood winds up to 80 mph. Safety for the inhabitants is enforced a with a dual locking door system; it locks from the interior and exterior.
Name of Designer(s):
President: Daniel A Ferrara, Jr. - Vice Pres.: Ms. Mia Y Ferrara
President: Daniel A Ferrara, Jr. - Vice Pres.: Ms. Mia Y Ferrara
Designers professional status:
Professional
Professional
Status of realization:
Realized
Realized
Kind of design:
Tangible
Tangible
Produced by:
Weyerhaeuser Company in conjunction with Global Village Shelters, LLC.
Weyerhaeuser Company in conjunction with Global Village Shelters, LLC.
Year of production, realization or publishing:
2003
2003
Designed in country:
United States
United States
Used on continents:
Entire World
Entire World
Short description of design:
The Global Village Shelter (herein “GVS”) is an innovative solution for transitional housing. The design innovation is seen in the market as there are no comparable shelters, or shelter options. The cost and ease of set up are both significant factors in the solution to disaster relief housing. GVS allows any person to set up their own housing without much guidance or strength. In addition to individual housing, the GVS comes with an optional connector module that can facilitate multiple linked shelters for a medical station or food distribution (to name a few).
The Global Village Shelter (herein “GVS”) is an innovative solution for transitional housing. The design innovation is seen in the market as there are no comparable shelters, or shelter options. The cost and ease of set up are both significant factors in the solution to disaster relief housing. GVS allows any person to set up their own housing without much guidance or strength. In addition to individual housing, the GVS comes with an optional connector module that can facilitate multiple linked shelters for a medical station or food distribution (to name a few).
Functionallity and use of design:
The present disaster relief field relies heavily on tent and tarp structures; these structures offer little protection from outdoor elements and no sense of personal space. The GVS is a rigid structure that is assembled on-site by two people in approximately15 to 20 minutes. The instructions are simple graphics with limited text. There is no language barrier in the assembly process. The user, or the disaster relief procurement agency setting up the camp, simply unpacks the base and the roof modules and assembles the GVS on site.
The present disaster relief field relies heavily on tent and tarp structures; these structures offer little protection from outdoor elements and no sense of personal space. The GVS is a rigid structure that is assembled on-site by two people in approximately15 to 20 minutes. The instructions are simple graphics with limited text. There is no language barrier in the assembly process. The user, or the disaster relief procurement agency setting up the camp, simply unpacks the base and the roof modules and assembles the GVS on site.
Drawbacks of life improvement:
There are no drawbacks to this design. One may want to see a more permanent structure; however this more-permanent product would be outside of the 'transitional housing' market. The Global Village Shelter could be made more permanent with some exterior maintenance, such as adding fresh coats of paint and maintaining a strong flooring option (hard wood as opposed to a simple tarp).
There are no drawbacks to this design. One may want to see a more permanent structure; however this more-permanent product would be outside of the 'transitional housing' market. The Global Village Shelter could be made more permanent with some exterior maintenance, such as adding fresh coats of paint and maintaining a strong flooring option (hard wood as opposed to a simple tarp).
Research and need:
The Global Village Shelter emerged from an extensive amount of background research. We started by establishing the patent for the product and learning about the existing solutions to disaster relief. We did extensive research on the relief agency market and the services provided. Our most intensive research went towards the manufacturing methods and corrugate machinery. If was imperative to the design that the shelter was made in such a way that used the existing machinery to its’ largest capacity. The corrugate is produced in the largest size possible and the structure is designed around the maximum sheet capacity for the material. The triple wall laminate has high burst strength. In conjunction with Weyerhaeuser, we developed a special coating for the shelters’ walls and roof (interior and exterior). The coating is both fire retardant (class B) and waterproof. The fire resistant chemical is infused into to the corrugated prior to the application of the water proof coating. The coating used does not detract from the recyclable quality of the corrugated cardboard. The coating color is white. Every component was a design decision, from the nylon ratchet rivets being used in non-stress areas to the stainless compression rivets on the roof. Large washers are used to prevent damage to the coating on the beam and door reinforcements. The window frame and roof cap are thermoformed in the same mold to save money, material, and time. Tape is linered to make application easier and labor costs less. The PP corrugate door is white but still allows light into the closed structure because of the inner structure of the corrugated rows. The door lock is comprised of cost efficient parts. The door, window, and all extrusions are pre fabricated and installed prior to shipping and packing.
The design allows the shelter to be functional in all types of climates, making them useful to many situations. They are a temporary structure; that is one of the design goals. This shelter is designed with a definite shelf life. It is a temporary shelter and will last from 8-12 months. It is possible to extend this time period by painting the outside of the structure and providing a more substantial floor (not a tarp); basic maintenance like this can extend its life. The GV Shelter is made to be temporary and is priced to be affordable enough so a relief agency or individual could purchase more as needed. It is not possible for them to become completely permanent buildings, lending to problems such as the ones seen in Honduras with the temporary concrete structures provided post hurricane Mitch. The Hondurans received relief and were then forgotten once the press left; this led villages to remain intact as shanty towns causing many problems associated with poverty (no water, electricity, etc). This is often the problem caused by not moving to the next step in the relief efforts. The temporary nature of the GV Shelter does not allow for this.
In addition to the research above we designed with the environment in mind as well.
The corrugated, PP extrusions and GP ABS window / roof cap are recyclable. The thermo-plasticity of the polypropylene extrusions and roof cap/window components allows the plastics to be re-melted and recycled using the technology from the initial processing. Plastic recycling is widely available throughout the world; this makes the Global Village Shelter approximately 90% recyclable. The corrugated is also biodegradable. Some details about the main components are: CORRUGATE: Most of the design decisions were made to maintain the shelters’ strength and environmental responsibility. The corrugate was a natural choice, as it allows the user to be in an insulated and strong environment, also taking disposal of the used unit into consideration. The corrugate is thick enough to insulate and maintain privacy. The corrugate also allows for some give in the material. This give is important in the folding aspect of the units (for shipment and prior to assembly). The base opens up and the roof, when placed on top, solidifies the structure with beams that extend inside of the structure, approximately 1 foot down the interior wall. All beams are pre-scored; the pre-scoring is something that could not happen with another material. POLYPROPYLENE EXTRUSIONS: The extrusions can be reground and are available in white, which is in keeping with the clean appearance of the shelter. The appearance is basic and clean.
The Global Village Shelter emerged from an extensive amount of background research. We started by establishing the patent for the product and learning about the existing solutions to disaster relief. We did extensive research on the relief agency market and the services provided. Our most intensive research went towards the manufacturing methods and corrugate machinery. If was imperative to the design that the shelter was made in such a way that used the existing machinery to its’ largest capacity. The corrugate is produced in the largest size possible and the structure is designed around the maximum sheet capacity for the material. The triple wall laminate has high burst strength. In conjunction with Weyerhaeuser, we developed a special coating for the shelters’ walls and roof (interior and exterior). The coating is both fire retardant (class B) and waterproof. The fire resistant chemical is infused into to the corrugated prior to the application of the water proof coating. The coating used does not detract from the recyclable quality of the corrugated cardboard. The coating color is white. Every component was a design decision, from the nylon ratchet rivets being used in non-stress areas to the stainless compression rivets on the roof. Large washers are used to prevent damage to the coating on the beam and door reinforcements. The window frame and roof cap are thermoformed in the same mold to save money, material, and time. Tape is linered to make application easier and labor costs less. The PP corrugate door is white but still allows light into the closed structure because of the inner structure of the corrugated rows. The door lock is comprised of cost efficient parts. The door, window, and all extrusions are pre fabricated and installed prior to shipping and packing.
The design allows the shelter to be functional in all types of climates, making them useful to many situations. They are a temporary structure; that is one of the design goals. This shelter is designed with a definite shelf life. It is a temporary shelter and will last from 8-12 months. It is possible to extend this time period by painting the outside of the structure and providing a more substantial floor (not a tarp); basic maintenance like this can extend its life. The GV Shelter is made to be temporary and is priced to be affordable enough so a relief agency or individual could purchase more as needed. It is not possible for them to become completely permanent buildings, lending to problems such as the ones seen in Honduras with the temporary concrete structures provided post hurricane Mitch. The Hondurans received relief and were then forgotten once the press left; this led villages to remain intact as shanty towns causing many problems associated with poverty (no water, electricity, etc). This is often the problem caused by not moving to the next step in the relief efforts. The temporary nature of the GV Shelter does not allow for this.
In addition to the research above we designed with the environment in mind as well.
The corrugated, PP extrusions and GP ABS window / roof cap are recyclable. The thermo-plasticity of the polypropylene extrusions and roof cap/window components allows the plastics to be re-melted and recycled using the technology from the initial processing. Plastic recycling is widely available throughout the world; this makes the Global Village Shelter approximately 90% recyclable. The corrugated is also biodegradable. Some details about the main components are: CORRUGATE: Most of the design decisions were made to maintain the shelters’ strength and environmental responsibility. The corrugate was a natural choice, as it allows the user to be in an insulated and strong environment, also taking disposal of the used unit into consideration. The corrugate is thick enough to insulate and maintain privacy. The corrugate also allows for some give in the material. This give is important in the folding aspect of the units (for shipment and prior to assembly). The base opens up and the roof, when placed on top, solidifies the structure with beams that extend inside of the structure, approximately 1 foot down the interior wall. All beams are pre-scored; the pre-scoring is something that could not happen with another material. POLYPROPYLENE EXTRUSIONS: The extrusions can be reground and are available in white, which is in keeping with the clean appearance of the shelter. The appearance is basic and clean.
