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AASHRAY - TRANSIT ACCOMMODATION
Revamping Transit Accommodation for Disaster Relief with a Modular, and a Flat-Pack Design
Domain
Academic Publishing
Services
Research, Design
Duration
01 months
Team
Parth Kothari, Rishika Jain, Reeshav Kundu
Our team worked on this project as part of the Tata Steel Design Track, developing Aashray—a novel concept for transit accommodation. The primary goal was to provide not just shelter but also hope and resilience for those affected by natural disasters.
Designed with a modular approach, Aashray ensures adequate ventilation and natural light while offering a flat-pack solution for easy transport and installation. The project was recognized for its innovation, winning first prize at the Tomorrow Lab competition.
Research
Every year, nearly 108 crore people in India are impacted by natural disasters, leaving them vulnerable and in urgent need of shelter. In such crises, transit accommodations like refugee camps play a crucial role in providing immediate relief. However, these temporary shelters often fail to address not just the physical but also the psychological well-being of displaced individuals. The lack of proper ventilation, privacy, and comfort in these camps significantly affects the overall recovery process.
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Our approach started with research to understand key challenges, followed by analysis of insights. Through ideation, we explored solutions and refined them into a final concept. The design details ensured modularity and ease of transport, leading to a prototype that offers a practical, adaptable shelter for disaster relief.
01.
Transport & Communication Disruptions:
Damaged roads and networks delay evacuations, aid, and rescue efforts.
02.
Displacement to Shelters:
Overcrowded camps with poor infrastructure create hygiene and survival challenges.
03.
Lack of Security & Privacy:
Unsafe shelters leave individuals, especially women and children, vulnerable.
Insights
Final Conept
Aashray is an innovative transit accommodation designed to provide safe and dignified shelter for those affected by natural disasters. Beyond just offering temporary refuge, it aims to restore hope, security, and resilience to displaced individuals.
The structure is thoughtfully designed with ample ventilation and natural light, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living space. Its modular design allows for easy transportation, quick assembly, and scalability, making it adaptable to various disaster-struck locations. Aashray is not just a shelter—it's a stepping stone toward recovery and stability for those in crisis.
Setting up the Camp
Exterior
Aashray features a flat-pack design, allowing it to be easily transported and rapidly assembled in disaster-struck areas. Once deployed, the structure unfolds into a cuboid-shaped shelter, providing a sturdy and weather-resistant living space. Its modular framework ensures quick setup, making it an efficient solution for emergency accommodation.
Interior
Designed for functionality and comfort, the interior maximizes space efficiency with wall-mounted furniture that can be folded down after setup. It includes a queen-size bed, a table, and a storage rack, ensuring essential amenities for displaced individuals. The structure is supported by four sturdy walls, featuring a door for security, a window for natural light, and gable vents for airflow, creating a well-ventilated and comfortable environment.
Loading and Unloading
Equipped with eight handles and four hooks, the unit can be securely lifted and transported. The setup involves positioning a ramp, sliding down the flat pack, attaching it at the ramp’s end, and then using a hydraulic lift for smooth unloading. Once in place, the flat pack is detached and ready for deployment.
Contextual use
The primary purpose of the camp is to provide transit accommodation and support for flood-affected refugees. However, these units can also be used for medical camps, army camps, adventure camps, and pilgrimage sites, making them a versatile and valuable solution in various situations.
Reflections
This project was an exciting challenge, as it required attention to intricate product details while working within tight timelines. It was amazing to see how a simple idea—born from the concept of folding—could address such significant real-world problems.
Bringing this idea to life in a practical and feasible way within the given constraints was tough but extremely rewarding. The journey was full of learning, pushing us to explore a new field and translate an abstract concept into a tangible solution. The experience became even more fulfilling when our efforts were recognized, and we secured 1st place in the competition across India.
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