IDEC Design Competition: Refugee Camp Design

During the design process for the Dadaab community housing, the many issues that the preexisting shelters caused were thoroughly investigated. These preexisting issues include, severe heat, flood, strong winds, illness, and overcrowding. The goal for this design is to create strong, durable, and functional shelters that can become the family’s new permanent home if they decide to stay. Traditionally, Somalians have built their homes out of mud, cement, and grass thatched roofs. The buildings in the main cities feature flat roofs and do not provide electricity or running water. The new design provides the necessary space for large Somalian families. In an effort to blend both Kenyan and Somali cultures, I designed the exterior of the Dadaab shelters with Kenyan clay mud, similar to the Somali building materials. Each first floor in the shelter features a living area with multiple tables, benches, and shelving. The room adjacent to the living area is the bedroom which features three bunk beds and shelving. there is no kitchen because food is provided by the UNHCR. The bathrooms are communal style outside of the shelters. The exterior of the first level features a flat and concave roof to provide a rooftop garden. The second floor features a semi-circular shed with a sloped grass thatched roof to provide shade and fresh air when farming. The rooftop garden provides a source of income as that was a problem for many refugee families who chose to make a living in Kenya. This shelter is functional, simplistic, maintainable, and durable. The goal for the shelter design is to age and prosper with the families rather than the shelters preventing families from prospering.​