Study concerning the design and functionality of individual emergency shelters

Ene, Mircea Costin; Simion, Ionel; Valter, Matei

Abstract

The divide between the rich and poor in the European housing market is fast rising. Latest research indicates that Europe is dealing with an increasing number of homeless people. Every city in Europe has them—homeless people compelled to live on street corners, frequently hiding themselves with cardboard. Rain, snow, and temperatures below zero pose a threat to their lives on a daily basis. There are many varied kinds of services that have been discovered, but it is difficult to keep track of everyone and guarantee that they have a warm night's sleep in the winter. The current article suggests accommodation as a workaround until they can receive high-intensity support, a way to keep a single person warm and safe during the winter. The focus is on devising a strategy that not only ensures the warmth and safety of individuals during the harsh winter months but also seeks to industrialize the construction of shelters, ensuring affordability below the cost of winter hospitalization for a homeless person. Crucially, the article introduces an additional layer to this initiative by highlighting the dual purpose of these individual shelters. Beyond being a means to provide respite for the homeless during severe weather, these shelters are envisioned as immediate response units in the event of emergencies such as earthquakes in urban areas. The article explores the potential impact of this multi-layered approach on transforming urban landscapes and fostering resilient communities.

Citation

Ene, M. C., Simion, I., & Valter, M. (in press). Study concerning the design and functionality of individual emergency shelters. Scientific Reports, 14(1), Article 21148. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71327-0

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 27, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 10, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 2, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 2, 2024
• Journal: Scientific Reports
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 21148
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71327-0
• Keywords: Emergencies, Engineering, CAE, CAD, Homeless, Shelter, Industrial engineering