CLAP: A comprehensive shelter system during emergency conditions

Time and again, in various parts of the world, it has been seen that people as well as local authorities are not well prepared for some impending natural disaster. A spurt of recent calamitous events certainly suggests this. But the predicaments are not only associated with the quantifiable destruction caused by natural catastrophes. They also extend to non availability of proper services (like drinking water, sanitation, etc.) for the affected people and most importantly can turn the area into a breeding ground for spreading of diseases and pestilence. In relation to a righteous solution in such adverse scenarios, the CLAP disaster accommodation has been adroitly envisaged as a practical and convenient emergency shelter system.

CLAP disaster accommodation

Since, in certain conditions, it becomes very difficult to gauge the the advancing and effects of any protracted natural disaster, the designer has thought of a system that would be reactive rather than proactive. According to him, conventional shelters like tent systems are just limited to unwieldy and flimsy components. But what the affected people need more in their emergency accommodations is sense of permanency combined with practicality and easiness of construction. In regard to this, he had embarked on a detailed research on alternative solutions as opposed to conventional systems of emergency requirements. The resulting examination alluded to certain criteria - the construction should be tool free and can be easily achieved, it should have supply of clean electricity (with usage of solar cells), it should have natural cross ventilation components and finally - the structure should be upright and sturdy.

Picture Gallery

CLAP Katastrophen Unterkunft

Jede unit accommodates four people and is completely without tools in one compact piece Aufbaubar

Moving beyond the theory part, the designer went on to built a functional 1:3 model, which can be considered as the first prototype of the CLAP accommodation. Firstly, he took the criterion of optimized air circulation, in which the structural component can be upright in position (as a protective measure to counter outdoor climatic conditions). That is why, the materials used were lightweight which can be easily transported, set up and most importantly be re-used. The final spatial volume called for a basic rectangular shape with a shed roof. This simplistic aesthetic feature was intentionally undertaken so as not to complicate matters for both construction and transportation.

Structurally, each of the temporary dwelling units will comprise of six rigid individual elements to give an essence of a strong framework (that can withstand the effects of nature). These hardy elements would be connected to each other in a flexible manner with sturdy tarpaulin used in truck shedding mechanisms. Functionally, the individual units will have a capacity for four people.

Finally coming to the criterion of transportation, it is directly related to the structural attributes of the CLAP system. The designer has envisaged a compact mechanism in which the walls can be folded (for the building to be disassembled) for the front and rear part to be ramified into identical square forms. For this foldable outcome, both the walls and roof will be constructed from natural fiber composites. As for the dwelling, it will measure a paltry 0.15x3 x2.3meters and 70kg in weight in its 'folded' form.

Source: JamesDysonAward