urban post-disaster housing prototype for NYC by garrison architects

urban post-disaster housing prototype for NYC by garrison architects
photo © andrew rugge/archphoto
all images courtesy of garrison architects

in response to an increasing concern for natural catastrophes, garrison architects have developed a modular post-disaster housing prototype for the new york city office of emergency management. the multistory and multifamily prefabricated units can be deployed in less than 15 hours, in various configurations depending on the specific urban conditions. the scheme provides 1- and 3- bedroom configurations, while always featuring a living area, balcony, bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, and storage space.

the prototype stacks three modules to create a multifamily building
photo © andrew rugge/archphoto

the prototype is intended to serve displaced city residents in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. when needed, the living units are delivered to the site, craned into place, and plugged into services. the design utilizes the latest construction technology and adheres to demanding requirements for safety, sustainability, durability, and universality. their flexibility allows for deployment in various urban environments, including vacant lots, private yards, and public spaces.

photo © andrew rugge/archphoto

each housing module features a balcony, with floor-to-ceiling entry doors and integrated shading to lower solar gain while providing larger windows. the units are built entirely with recyclable materials, cork floors, a double-insulated shell, and without the use of formaldehyde.  the design includes the ability for attachment of photovoltaic panels, which serve to reduce pressure on the city energy grid and allow the structures to be self-sustaining.

photo © andrew rugge/archphoto

over six years of research by the city of new york concerning emergency housing were compiled to inform the project. architect james garrison states, ‘aside from the basics of providing shelter after a disaster, the prototype is innovative because it allows residents to remain within their communities instead of being displaced for months, or even years. “shelter in place” allows residents to maintain their support networks – their friends and their families. keeping neighborhoods intact is crucial for successful rebuilding.’

photo © andrew rugge/archphoto

architect james garrison continues: ‘the beauty of the units lies in their inherent flexibility. they can be stacked like legos to create row housing, or they can be interspersed between existing homes and structures. these modules aren’t just for new york city – they were designed to meet the strictest zoning requirements in the US, meaning they can be quickly deployed to any corner of the country.’

photos © andrew rugge/archphoto

(part 1): documentation of the fabrication and assembly process
video courtesy of garrison architects

(part 2): a time lapse of the prototype’s assembly
video courtesy of garrison architects

in the shop, a building unit is insulated and structurally braced

for the prototype, five living modules were built in the state of indiana by mark line industries. they were then trucked to the site in brooklyn, and installed by general contractor, american manufactured structures and services, who hired garrison architects for the design.

a fully clad unit is ready for shipment to new york

floor plan for a living module

the prototype will remain on the corner of cadman plaza east and red cross place for one to two years, undergoing occupancy tests by NYU poly and pratt. guests will be invited to live in the units for 5-day intervals to fully explore their functionality.

project info:

project name: urban post disaster housing prototype
location: brooklyn, NY, USA
type: modular housing
status: complete
size: 2,100 sqf.
client: NYC office of emergency management
project manager: army corps of engineers
general contractor: american manufactured structures and services
architect: garrison architects
module fabricator, including structural and MEP: mark line industries
consultants: anastos engineering associates (structural, stair tower, canopy, ramp, balconies, foundations), plus group consulting engineering, PLLC (site plumbing and electrical, module sprinkler engineering), wohl & o’mara, LLP (site civil engineering)
photography: andrew rugge/archphoto