Core77

An Illustrated Guide to Building an Emergency Tarp Shelter

By Core Jr - October 21, 2010

in Object Culture

TYTHEdesign is working on a one-page, illustrated, ikea-esque guide to the construction of emergency shelters with sticks, string, stones and tarps.

According to Tythe, because disaster response is, by its very nature, disorganized, delayed, hurried and inadequate, victims will be required to construct their own shelters from limited materials, most often plastic sheeting or tarpaulins donated in large supply by AID organizations.

Despite the large knolwedge-base concerning appropriate, safe, and secure construction of tarpaulin-based emergency structures, TYTHEdesign noticed that instructional materials are missing from the aid process. In response, they created a single-page guide illustrating the basics, to be distributed among displaced populations with shelter materials. Currently, TYTHEdesign is working on pushing this forward with large NGOs, but would appreciate any feedback you have on the clarity of the diagram below.

(Note: The knowledge presented is based on best practices defined by Oxfam and IFRC.)

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Rupert

14 years ago

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I am looking to buy a tarp to use for a shelter for a trip across France in May/June (so not so extreme I hope). I have seen a very reasonably priced tarp from Thailand in camouflage aviation ripstop nylon, 3x2m and weighing 420g - so 70gm2, waterproff with silver back. Do you think this would be suitable?

And poles - would lightweight 45g fishing poles extendable 38-197cm be any use?

Appreciate any advice on these and what might be better.
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Allegra

14 years ago

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Flint, thanks for the critique! We had to assume people could figure out the knots, due to lack of real estate on the page.

Efrain, some of these were *based on* existing diagrams, but they are all original illustrations created to increase understanding of how to use the given materials in an emergency situation.
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flint

14 years ago

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A critique on the decisions made.

1) Why illustrate three different methods to support the tarp if there isn't an explanation about why those choices exist? It would be better served to show just one method (the more common "tent" setup) and utilize the space of the layout either for more detailed information or white space.

2) A sheet bend knot is stronger in tying rope to the tarp corner, as opposed to using a bundled rock or simple half-hitch as shown. Rocks have a tendency to wear through the tarp or are simply not available (although other materials may be sufficient). A half-hitch not is simply not strong enough for the various possible loads.

3) Illustrate the process of how the knots are tied rather than assuming your user will understand how to create them.

Thanks for putting together this guide, as I do see it being helpful to those who have never done this before.
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Efrain E. Velez

14 years ago

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These are standard diagrams found in Scouting manuals. They do a great job diagramming the above and more...
... A great resource for Designers and Architects revisiting the basics of everyday and emergency situations.
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