Permanent shelter for housing infrastructure and services design - planning process: process guidelines

Permanent shelters are cost-effective shelters that can be easily assembled and converted into a permanent home. These structures are used as simple emergency shelters for the people displaced by various natural and manmade disasters. The recent in an increase in the mass migration and natural disasters have impacted the communities with various human, environmental and economic losses. During these times there are high chances of spreading diseases due to multiple factors which have to cope with the communities own resources. A shelter is a significant factor in human lives besides food, water, and clothing. Hence temporary shelters are very important during the time of disaster and migration. Practical Action has always maintained a People first approach to the permanent shelter designs. We firmly believe that when the reconstruction process starts with comprehensively identifying the needs of the people first and then the technology for providing the infrastructure and services will fall into place. Before designing permanent shelters for persons displaced by disasters, it is crucial to engage the affected community in the planning process. It is also vital that communities understand the context of the changes and future risks they will have to face as a result of the disaster. It is recommended that before entering into housing rebuilding; a general discussion takes place. It will help participants of the community and the reconstruction process at the subsequent steps. Participatory surveys, procedures, and analysis aim to create and recognise multiple perspectives and offset biases by creating a debate about change. Discussion about change should generate new thinking and readiness to take action.