GRAPHISOFT Case Studies Transitional Shelters for Syrian Refugees: An IoT Case Study

	Transitional Shelters for Syrian Refugees: An IoT Case Study GRAPHISOFT

Transitional Shelters for Syrian Refugees: An IoT Case Study

GRAPHISOFT

Applicable Industries	Cement Construction & Infrastructure
Applicable Functions	Maintenance Product Research & Development
Use Cases	Construction Management Construction Site Monitoring
Services	System Integration Training
Challenge	The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was faced with the challenge of providing temporary shelters for Syrian refugees. The traditional construction methods were not only expensive but also time-consuming and required skilled labor. Furthermore, the concept of using earth-bag houses as transitional shelters was not widely accepted due to the perceived quality of the end product. The team, mostly comprised of unskilled workers, also needed significant management and training to understand the construction process. The challenge was to design and construct cost-effective, durable, and user-friendly shelters within a short period of time, using mostly unskilled labor. Read More
About Customer	The customer in this case study is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. In this particular project, they were focused on providing temporary, cost-effective and durable shelters for Syrian refugees. The UNHCR worked with architect Anas Aljbain, who used Archicad to develop the designs for the earth-bag houses. The UNHCR's goal was not only to provide shelter but also to stimulate small business opportunities and provide work for the refugees. Read More
Solution	Architect Anas Aljbain, in collaboration with UNHCR, used Archicad to develop designs for temporary shelters made from bags filled with earth. This construction method was not only cost-effective but also provided an opportunity for the beneficiaries to work and earn an income. The earth-bag house construction system was simple and did not require deep knowledge of construction, making it possible for the refugees themselves to build the houses. The design took into account environmental and social norms, providing safe play areas for children and good ventilation. The houses were attached side-by-side to reduce costs and each house included a toilet and bathroom to ensure proper hygiene. The construction process was also made easier with the use of 3D documentation to explain the desired details and results. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Applicable Industries

Cement

Construction & Infrastructure

Applicable Functions

Maintenance

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Construction Management

Construction Site Monitoring

Services

System Integration

Training

Challenge

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was faced with the challenge of providing temporary shelters for Syrian refugees. The traditional construction methods were not only expensive but also time-consuming and required skilled labor. Furthermore, the concept of using earth-bag houses as transitional shelters was not widely accepted due to the perceived quality of the end product. The team, mostly comprised of unskilled workers, also needed significant management and training to understand the construction process. The challenge was to design and construct cost-effective, durable, and user-friendly shelters within a short period of time, using mostly unskilled labor.

About Customer

The customer in this case study is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. In this particular project, they were focused on providing temporary, cost-effective and durable shelters for Syrian refugees. The UNHCR worked with architect Anas Aljbain, who used Archicad to develop the designs for the earth-bag houses. The UNHCR's goal was not only to provide shelter but also to stimulate small business opportunities and provide work for the refugees.

Solution

Architect Anas Aljbain, in collaboration with UNHCR, used Archicad to develop designs for temporary shelters made from bags filled with earth. This construction method was not only cost-effective but also provided an opportunity for the beneficiaries to work and earn an income. The earth-bag house construction system was simple and did not require deep knowledge of construction, making it possible for the refugees themselves to build the houses. The design took into account environmental and social norms, providing safe play areas for children and good ventilation. The houses were attached side-by-side to reduce costs and each house included a toilet and bathroom to ensure proper hygiene. The construction process was also made easier with the use of 3D documentation to explain the desired details and results.

Impact #1	The earth-bag house construction system provided a simple and efficient solution to the urgent need for basic homes for Syrian refugees. The houses were not only cost-effective but also durable, resistant to high winds, earthquakes, and floods. The construction process was simple enough to be carried out by unskilled workers, providing them with an opportunity to work and earn an income. The design of the houses took into account the social and environmental norms of the refugees, providing safe play areas for children and good ventilation. The houses could also be easily dismantled and the materials re-purposed, making them a sustainable solution. The use of 3D documentation made it easier for the unskilled workers to understand the construction process and the desired results.

Impact #1

The earth-bag house construction system provided a simple and efficient solution to the urgent need for basic homes for Syrian refugees. The houses were not only cost-effective but also durable, resistant to high winds, earthquakes, and floods. The construction process was simple enough to be carried out by unskilled workers, providing them with an opportunity to work and earn an income. The design of the houses took into account the social and environmental norms of the refugees, providing safe play areas for children and good ventilation. The houses could also be easily dismantled and the materials re-purposed, making them a sustainable solution. The use of 3D documentation made it easier for the unskilled workers to understand the construction process and the desired results.

Benefit #1	Cost per square meter of the earth-bag house was estimated at US$41, making it a cost-effective solution.
Benefit #2	Each house, including walls, cost approximately US$1,850, with the total cost per block being approximately US$13,000.
Benefit #3	Seven unskilled laborers could finish a 44 sqm house, including finishing, in about 2 weeks.

Benefit #1

Cost per square meter of the earth-bag house was estimated at US$41, making it a cost-effective solution.

Benefit #2

Each house, including walls, cost approximately US$1,850, with the total cost per block being approximately US$13,000.

Benefit #3

Seven unskilled laborers could finish a 44 sqm house, including finishing, in about 2 weeks.

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Overview

Transitional Shelters for Syrian Refugees: An IoT Case Study

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit