Esperanza P.A.R.C. (Pro-Active Recovery Community)

Abstract

While housing is the largest component of economic loss from natural disasters, little attention is paid to the housing problem before disasters occur (Quarantelli 1995; Comerio 1997). Displaced people living in temporary housing communities suffer emotionally and have difficulty resuming daily activities. Disaster planning must therefore become more of a priority for urban areas (FEMA 2009). This thesis proposes a design application planning for temporary housing communities in urban areas in the United States. A park is devised to transform into a temporary housing community facilitating psychosomatic recovery and helping victims recommence daily activities, when needed. A site in Miami-Dade County, Florida has been chosen due its high vulnerability to hurricanes and large metropolitan center. Previous examples of temporary communities are analyzed within the context of site planning, community morale, and functional efficiency. Lessons from this thesis can hopefully influence disaster planning for temporary housing in other urban areas.