2024 - 24 Hours

The recent earthquakes in Turkey have brought the issue of temporary emergency shelters back to the forefront. These natural disasters, which render thousands of people homeless, demand urgent and practical solutions. The shelter crisis following the earthquake has driven both government and non-governmental organizations to develop rapid and effective solutions. In this context, innovative architectural projects that provide flexible and functional temporary shelter units are of great significance.

“24 Hours” not only provides temporary shelter for earthquake victims but also serves as street lighting and shade. In parks, this unit functions as seating, shade, lighting, and a charging station in daily life, while it can also be transformed into temporary shelter during emergencies. It stores energy via solar panels, which can be used for both the charging station and lighting.

While it addresses the need for emergency shelter within the first 24 hours after an earthquake, it also stands out as a sustainable structure with various functions for urban areas in the long term. Inspired by the “otağ,” a type of tent used by Turkic people throughout their nomadic lives, this design embraces multipurpose use and aligns with the principles of sustainable architecture by ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources.

The primary goal of “24 Hours” is to protect human life and enhance the quality of life. These units, designed to be placed in earthquake assembly areas for emergencies and to meet daily urban needs, provide safe and functional spaces for the community. This approach not only boosts Turkey’s earthquake preparedness and response capacity but also enhances the quality of life in urban areas with aesthetic and practical solutions.

The stored energy is designed to be used for emergency or general use. Solar panels charge the batteries inside the seating units with energy, which can either be stored or used immediately. The enclosed area is approximately 32 square meters and has been designed to accommodate at least one family.