Propuesta para viviendas de emergencias en caso de inundaciones para el Barrio Playa de Añasco

Abstract

The escalating frequency and intensity of flooding events due to global warming demand urgent attention to the problem of recurring floods in “Barrio Playa" Añasco, Puerto Rico. Hydrological disasters in this region result in substantial socio-economic losses and profound social challenges for the community, necessitating solutions to ensure residents' safety and enable post-event recovery. This research addresses this issue by designing specialized emergency housing units uniquely tailored to the community’s needs. This yearlong study consists of two phases: "flood theoretical research" and "design intervention." The former includes studying flood formation factors, classifying flood types, and utilizing GIS technology to map various flood scenarios. In the latter, site visits and housing damage assessments inform current living conditions, guiding the execution of the final design for custom flood-resistant emergency housing units. The outcome is a comprehensive emergency plan centered on adaptable housing units, serving both as immediate response and recovery income by seamlessly transforming into vacation homes during non-emergency periods. This initiative acts not only as an economic upliftment model but also emphasizes the importance of community-driven entrepreneurship in disaster resilience. By implementing at least 30 units, we aim to provide safety to 10% of the most vulnerable population. This research significantly contributes to architecture by not only recognizing and addressing the pressing challenges faced by the community but also providing a replicable model that integrates proactive flood management with community-centric design, emphasizing flood mitigation and community resilience. It serves as a valuable framework for other vulnerable regions globally facing similar issues.