A Study on Mega-Shelter Layout Planning Based on User Behavior

Abstract

We explore the spatial layouts of mega-shelters and suggest better spatial planning strategies. A mega-shelter for refugees contains multiple functions, such as dormitory, dining, medical, kitchen, storage, and community areas. Post-disaster refugees often suffer from PTSD that affects their mental health and spatial cognitive ability. The spatial configuration of a mega-shelter can accelerate their recovery by providing an environment that not only satisfies the basic needs, but one that can improve their spatial cognitive ability and promote a sense of community in this new, albeit temporary, small society. Four mega-shelters in the U.S., Australia, and Japan were analyzed using space syntax methods, specifically axial line analysis and visibility graph analysis (VGA), as well as justified graph analysis. The comparative analysis shows that while specific spatial layouts are different, all shelters were designed from a manager’s perspective. The movements of the refugees were sometimes unnecessarily exposed to supervision and control, and community areas were often found in locations with low accessibility. By incorporating strategies such as siting community space in areas with high global integration values and adopting transition areas, mega-shelters can create an environment that can enhance the refugees’ will to recover and rebuild by promoting communications with neighbors and various community activities.

Computational Analytical Methods for Buildings and Cities: Space Syntax and Shape Grammar

“…The 14 articles were authored by 41 international scholars, with a research focus on buildings and cities in Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Greece, Germany, Hungary, France, Sweden, South Africa, and the United States. The eleven original research articles on Space Syntax explore a range of built environments-courtyard houses [4], laboratories in history [5], art museums [6], mega-shelters [7], public libraries and their surrounding areas [8], a subway station [9], historic streets [10], rural settlements [11], and urban districts [12][13][14].…”

“…Kim et al [7] conducted a comparative analysis of the spatial configuration of four mega-shelters for disaster refugees in Australia, Japan, and the U.S., using a comprehensive combination of axial line analysis (ALA), VGA and JPG. Space syntax is valuable in conducting a rigorous analysis of significant but sensitive environments.…”

A new perspective on cognitive rehabilitation: layout design methods for wandering behavior in dementia patients

“…Sommer's research indicated that by adjusting the seating arrangement in a hospital activity room from a linear layout to an arc-shaped layout, interpersonal dialogue doubled in a short period of time. Therefore, by optimizing spatial layout and incorporating inducing floor material designs, roaming patients can be guided into public environments and encouraged to communicate with each other [59], thus reducing their tendencies for silence and introversion. This strategy not only enhances social interaction among patients but communication itself also serves as an effective means of cognitive rehabilitation for the brain.…”