Case Studies of 3D-Printed AMIE 1.0 and NYC Urban Post-Disaster Housing

Abstract

The large-scale natural disasters destroyed houses and have displaced disaster victims for much longer periods. The victims needed to move from the shelter to temporary housing, however, this has been uninhabitable or unsuitable for urban environments. FEMA’s trailers have provided had negative impacts on human health due to high concentrations of indoor VOCs. The currently used disaster housing required a large land area, but through the lesson from Hurricane Sandy, individual single-story housing was impractical in the limited space of urban environments. The researchers conducted case studies to analyze habitability features of disaster temporary housing models: First, the ready-made modular stackable post-disaster housing developed by New York City’s Office of Emergency Management and Department of Design and Construction works in urban areas. This multi-story and multi-family temporary housing structure is made from recyclable materials, and the ventilation system is energy efficient. All units are ADA compliant for special needs; Second, U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a 3D-printed house, AMIE 1.0. This is printed in pieces, then assembled to produce the tube-shape housing. The building powers its lights and appliances with rooftop solar panels. Consideration of habitability as well as innovative approaches are expected as essential factors in developing appropriate types and functions of disaster temporary housi