A Framework for Efficient and Adaptable Post-Disaster Shelters: Streamlining Material Provisions through Modular Scaffolds

Abstract Providing shelter after disasters is a complex, multi-stage process. In the early aftermath, emergency shelters must be secured to meet basic physical needs of affected communities. However, the subsequent provision of various types of temporary accommodation requires new resources. Agencies and governments mobilize significant supplies during the phases of relief, often for a protracted period time, facing inefficiencies and challenges of wasted resources. This paper aims to review the persistent issues of post-disaster shelter processes to explore how the relief efforts could be more sustainable. The study derives a technical framework for shelter adaptability and efficiency based on architectural principles of flexibility to examine how material supply from early emergency stages could contribute to efficient transitional shelter processes. Following a review of literature, the study drew analogies with theories of Open Building and flexibility to propose guidelines for a design and building method. Through an analytical description, the paper draws up an actual shelter proposal using the derived principles. The analysis suggests that the early-stage provision of adaptable shelters, conducive to the concept of incremental transitional building processes, could optimize resources and logistics, reduce waste, enhancing the efficiency, adaptability, and overall sustainability of post-disaster shelter responses.