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DH1 Disaster House (2006)
The DH design was
developed by proofing at small scale. The model photographs (left
and below) are of the first "proof". It was hand cut,
though two later models were cut digitally. The later models
resolved the door design and various other assembly details.
With all slotted connections and no fasteners, the assembly details
are important. The full-size DH1 prototype was first cut for
the SWARM Gallery show (bottom two photos), and assembled twice
in 2006 both times by four people. The first time took 5 hrs.
to assemble, the second time 3 1/2 hrs. after the design of the
roof framing details were revised. Disassembly took about the
same amount of time. This exact design can be mass produced as
the CNC router has become the universal work horse of production
shops worldwide. With no other shop set up requirements the modules
could be produced close to areas of need.
The idea behind the
raised structural floor came from photos of rubble strewn fields
in Turkey after earthquakes and from photos of war damage. The
use of quality materials is intended to allow for the integration
of the DH1 module into the permanent solution for the neighborhoods
in which they are deployed. The structure as it exists is intended
to be insulated with indigenous materials such as straw and then
wrapped with a canvas or plastic membrane, empowering acts by
the recipients.
You would think that
mass production using cast parts could allow the use of an engineered
material to reduce cost and weight and include integral solutions
for the membrane and insulation. But at what cost?
And of course, this
design, with a canvas or other membrane cover makes a great little
backyard studio building and used as is inside a larger office
or warehouse space makes a great meeting room or other space.
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2006 Gregg Fleishman