INTRODUCTION
The effects of natural disasters can be devastating to any nation, but none more so than third world countries that do not possess the necessary strategies and resources to assist in the four phases of emergency management. The prevention, preparedness, response and reconstruction phases involve a great deal of thought as well as insight into the trauma of people who experience the effects of disasters. Generally, after an emergency situation, basic assumptions about life, including safety and fundamental necessities, can be shattered.
DESIGN RATIONALE
In Bangladesh, natural disasters such as cyclones occur relatively often, with an average of 16 times a decade[1]. Cyclones result in widespread damage, particularly in the urban slum areas of Dhaka, Narangayanj and Chittagong. These areas are also generally surrounded by a contaminated water source which often leads to flooding during the aftermath of a cyclone. Some urban slum houses are also prone to waterlogging[2], resulting in residents to place their possessions onto elevated surfaces.
Most urban slum houses have the bare minimum in furniture and supplies and those that live inside sleep on blankets or fabrics panned out on the ground[3]. As a result of their lack of resources, the effects of a cyclone can be severely destructive to their homes. Immediate aid including medical services, food, drinking water, clothing and hygiene items are generally distributed to those most affected[4]. However, eventually the Bangladeshi people must find ways to return to their daily duties in the slum areas and often it involves collecting water, firewood or finding and sorting material for sale[5].
For the purpose of this project, I chose to focus on the reconstruction efforts within the urban slum areas to help restore the lives of those that have lost almost everything. When a cyclone hits, the resulting destruction often includes loss of basic shelter, food, water and morale. To deal with this sudden impact of bereavement and to somehow improve the living situation, I have proposed a bag designed to carry supplies, including firewood, recycled fabrics from landfill or water jugs. When the bag is not being used, it is unfolded and used indoors as a bed by attaching the existing flaps to a bed frame that interlocks with two quick release latches. Currently, the Bangladeshi people tend to carry supplies upon their heads or holding them in their arms[6] which leaves little mobility in their hands and arms.
The materials used for the bag/bed cover is hessian, which can be readily found in Bangladesh either from purchasing gunny sacks or from landfill. The fabric is then sewn together from the recycled material and shaped to the bag template. The framing for the bed comes in two parts constructed from aluminium tubing that is bent and welded to form the curvature of the corners and legs. When the frame is not in use, it can be placed aside to a wall within the home, while the bag is used outdoors. The lightweight fabric is also very strong and is ideal in carrying stacked firewood or supplies by folding the bag in half and tying the straps together. The side flaps where the tubing is inserted can also be folded into the bag to form a stronger edging.
To receive the bag, they must exchange taka (Bangladeshi currency) for it, though as an incentive, the frame and fabric can be purchased at a discounted rate by providing recycled hessian material in the production of the design. Also, by paying for the product, they are more likely to use it, rather than sell it to make money.
This design is a possible solution that can assist in their long term reconstruction of their lives by providing a slightly eased way of conducting activities which would generally be done by other means. It is not intended to force upon a change to their traditional ways of carrying out their daily duties but to give them an alternative method while also offering an added function when being used in the home.
[1]“Background Note: Bangladesh”, 2009, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3452.htm> (accessed April 30, 2010)
[2] “Environment/Pollution”, 2009, <http://www.sos-arsenic.net/english/environment/> (accessed April 30, 2010)
[3] Huzue, I. “Urban Slum Mapping in Bangladesh”, 2006, CEGIS, pg.21-36
[4] “Final report – Bangladesh: Cyclone Sidr”, 2010, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, pg.6
[5] “Recycling”, 2009, <http://urbanpovertyinbangladesh.blogspot.com/2009/05/recycling.html> (accessed April 30, 2010)
[6] “’Ei Je’ (“Hello”) From Bangladesh”, 2008, <http://www.msf.org.au/from-the-field/field-blogs/ei-je-hello-from-bangladesh.html> (accessed April 30, 2010)
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