Shelter Pod
Team
Name: James Bullis
Nationality: USA
Institution : Rice University
Name: Carrie Li
Nationality: USA
Institution : Rice University
Name: Rebecca Weeks
Nationality: USA
Institution : Rice University
Name: Michael Xu
Nationality: China
Institution : Rice University
-FINALIST of HEALING Competition
During a natural disaster, shelters for displaced populations bring individuals into extremely close proximity. A pandemic adds a further element of danger for those seeking refuge. This design proposes a low-cost, easy-to-assemble, hygienic, and adaptable system that can be implemented within a variety of spaces at different scales, using readily available materials.
The presented prototype utilizes corrugated plastic panels, simple curtains (one translucent to maintain connectivity and one opaque to provide privacy), and CPVC/PVC pipe to embed a simple plumbing system within the structure, providing individuals with handwashing sinks.
This modular pod design would mitigate the spread of the virus through designated showers and toilets for small groups, safe circulation, in-unit sinks, a separate area for anyone who may contract the virus, and organizational hierarchies of scale that would facilitate contact tracing and containment. The units can vary based on need—shown are single, family, and roommate units for 2-4 people.
The proposal shows one potential implementation that would fit within a standard American football field, such as Houston’s indoor NRG stadium—located in a city threatened by two currently developing hurricanes and where the COVID-19 situation remains
#Hygiene & preventing Contamination #Protected Social Interactions #Public Space Sanitation
