Designing multi-purpose furniture for post-disaster temporary shelters and small houses

Despite the substantial researches in the field of furniture design, the issue of multi-functional furniture for small permanent house and post-disaster temporary shelter remains relatively underdeveloped, with dimensions should be explored. Accordingly, this study aims to contribute in this area by focusing on the design of multi-purpose furniture that addresses the needs of small permanent housing as well as temporary and transitional shelters in post-disaster scenarios. Therefore, descriptive-analytical method and design-based approach are employed in the design process. The initial phase involved identifying a spectrum of multi-functional furniture types through experiences, studies and reviewing the specialized literature. Some alternatives are proposed and a final option is designed based on the standards and concepts. Key criteria including multi-functionality, flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are considered as main elements for the design process. Subsequently, detailed implementation plans and technical specifications are presented using AutoCAD and Revit software. The objective of this furniture design is to ensure its suitability for both small permanent house and also temporary shelter. The article introduces the kits and packages specifically for kitchen, living room, and sleeping areas, as well as the requirements for four-person family residing in a temporary shelter. Furthermore, the design process prioritizes creating an integrated interaction between the user and the product during both the implementation and utilization phases. In general, beyond the physical and functional considerations, this article integrates a comprehensive set of criteria into the design process, including the preservation of residents’ dignity and respect, proportionality, aesthetic appeal, and product manufacturability.

Keywords:

Multi-purpose , Furniture , Small house , Temporary shelter , Disaster , Functionality