DATA INFORMED DESIGN
CAMPUS PLANNING
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
SUSTAINABILITY
2024 | Perkins&Will
Location: Lawrence, KS
Core Team: Gautam Sundaram, Basak Alkan, Brad Rogers, Mona Vijaykumar
Click below to learn more about the project:
How can design solutions enhance preparedness and responsiveness to reduce vulnerability during emergencies in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Sub-Saharan Africa faces an array of unpredictable and devastating disasters—wars, epidemics, floods, earthquakes, and droughts—claiming millions of lives each year. The high vulnerability and loss are often attributed to poor planning and a lack of preparedness. In such critical situations, time becomes a lifesaving resource, demanding a design approach that is both responsive and efficient.
This project explores the concept of "acting" as a proactive design strategy to address emergency conditions. By focusing on swift, adaptable solutions, the approach aims to not only mitigate the impact of disasters but also reveal subtle aesthetics within the urgency of emergency responses. The project seeks to demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform crisis situations into opportunities for resilience and recovery.
Elevational view of the shelter
