Design idea

In times of natural disasters people are in need of a stable, resistant place for shelter and safety. The shelter also has to be adaptable to different requirements in times of need. The “Lighthouse” shall act as a giver of hope in times of despair. It is an emergency operation center and may be used as a temporary resting or sleeping area as well as a provisional hospital.

Its basic structure consists of a constant basic square with a wall length of 5 meters. It can be placed at various locations throughout the village – it is best placed on public gathering spots like marketplaces which are easy to locate for villagers in times of catastrophes.

This square may be used as a storage for the materials (bamboo, tarpaulin, sheet metal etc.) needed to expand the Lighthouse into an emergency operation center. Because of the availability of the materials on-site there is no need for a transportation system or infrastructure which in times of natural disasters may be fully unavailable. The Lighthouse can be built up very easily and fast and so allows a quick response to different emergency scenarios.

During everyday life the lighthouse may be integrated into the market square to build up tents and shops around it or may be used as a notice board. It so will become a central part of the villager’s life during everyday business as well as a lifesaver during catastrophes.

When it comes to an emergency situation the square itself can act as a shelter for the people. The materials inside may be then used to build up the emergency center. Via a plug system the bamboo pipes are connected to the base square; this way it is possible to create more rooms at the outside of the square.

On the outside four rooms on two floors may be constructed with the help of the external facade of the square. They can act as an examination room, a recovery area, an office for organization, a supply counter or whatever is needed during the emergency situation. The inside of the Lighthouse may be used as a storage for supplies (medications or food for example). Also tents and tarpaulins may be attached to the Lighthouse and so can expand the emergency operation center even further.