Cyclone Shelters in the Coastal Belt of Bay of Bengal
By Kashef Chowdhury
In the rural landscape of Bangladesh, there is no address or postal code. In fact, in remote coastal areas, there are not much roads by which directions can be given. Village people usually refer to markers, for example, a large pond, a tall tree etc for directions and orientation. It is in this sense that the cyclone shelter needs to present itself as a marker in the landscape, so that it quickly becomes known to the surrounding areas and the people are able to find their way easily in case of emergency.
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The
design essentially consists of a cruciform shaped two-storied volume, with a
circulation ramp ‘wrapping’ the inner structure, thus providing added
protection to the main building. Light/ventilation wells created in the four
corners also remain protected from high wind and flying debris during cyclonic
storms and the use of small concrete openings ensure ventilation to those
sheltered inside. Only one material is specified: exposed concrete, to
withstand tidal surges and high wind pressure as well as against saline earth,
water and air.Interior spaces consist mainly of classrooms, as the primary function will be as a school during general conditions. Adequate bench/table storage ensures that classrooms can be cleared
during inclement weather.
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High
ceiling and perforations in internal and exterior surfaces ensure sufficient
cross ventilation and the bathrooms are equipped with hand drawn tube-wells to
ensure constant supply of water. Large overhead tanks are used for rain harvest
and solar panels on roof supply bare necessity power. The roof doubles as a
playground and multi-function space for the school and the ramp ensures that
cattle can be taken up to the roof, to be saved from tidal surge and flooding.
The catastrophic nature and scale of a cyclone is such that damage to livestock, crops and property cannot be entirely prevented. But the task here is to minimize and, if possible, nullify loss or injury to human and animal lives. In cyclone prone areas, the shelter is the supreme symbol of safety and protection. Instead of merely fulfilling its functional purpose, the task here is to create a shelter that not only performs in the best efficient manner but also instills a feeling of safe belonging to the people of that particular locality. And in consideration of its predominant use as a school, the design of the structure needs to succeed in attracting the attendance of children, who are generally less motivated towards education in the remote and far lying coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal