node: shelter:bus charette

For our first charette of this week, we were to take the first step in actually desiging the "shelter"bus." We had to design a mobile relief shelter for natural disaster recovery. We thought about things that people would need when living in the aftermath of a disaster, and picked two to work with. We created 2 different types of buses that could help people in need.
We began with some initial idea drawings.














After choosing what we wanted to focus on most, our designs stemmed from there. Our first bus is called the "comfort bus". This vehicle provides shelter, sleep areas, bathroom areas, food storage, and a small relaxation and living area. We wanted it to be a "home on wheels." Here are is a bubble diagram created to map out the space.



After we mapped out the different types of spaces we wanted to include, we started sketching and thinking of particular layouts and ideas for each.






We then progressed to sketch models. These models portray 2 of the 6 "pods" that would extend the length of the bus unit.




For our 2nd bus, we focused on communication. We wanted a place where stranded people could go to communicate with loved ones, be updated on the latest news, and have somewhere comfortable to go when there isn't anywhere else. Here is the bubble diagram exploring a possible layout.



Next came our idea sketches..










After sketching and planning, we decided on a design for our sketch models. This model portrays the basic form and functions of the communication bus.





Our models and ideas focused on "pods" because we strongly felt that while people needed communication and community in a time of crisis, they also needed privacy, to be alone in a space that is "theirs" when they have no where else to go. This charette was a really fun and interesting experience.

Still more charettes on the way!