A Closed Cycle Humanitarian System

In his lecture Dr. Becker’s discussed the topic on fugitive camps and the various issues relating to food, water, sanitation, shelter and medical care. Since fugitive camps are always a result of an immediate mortality event, it is difficult to pre-design a system with consideration for each camp’s specific needs. In result, many solutions are thoughts during disaster aftermaths.

One of the things that struck me the most during the lecture was when Dr. Becker explained how refugee camps can last a few generations or even a life time. Perhaps it is also for the notion that a refugee camp being a “camp” rather than a “settlement”, that when the general public is thinking about contributing to the refugee camps, most donations were done in consideration that the camp is short term.

This is clear even during class when we brainstormed about the design of the fugitive camp bathroom. Most concepts raised such as using a bucket or digging a big hole in the ground were not meant to be used long term. No one mentioned the idea of establishing a toilet system. Also, even though people donate food to the refugee camps from all over the world, few talks about the possibility of helping the camp to grow or raise their own food.

Another problem that lies within the donation system is that the products given to the camps are often items needed to be disposed, which results in either the product being too fragile, useless, or dangerous to the human body. Some examples were given such as the plastic buckets that are used to carry water. Although they work as containers, these buckets were most likely used to carry gasoline or other dangerous chemicals before being donated. Many medicines are also donated under the condition of being close to or after its expiration date.

Since refugee camp have always been seen as something that requires constant help and supplies, this also leads itself to become a legit trash disposable system for the people who have too many resources. Being aware of this situation, how can we change this as designers?

Ever since I was a child my father has stressed the importance of helping others. Every Chinese New Year after receiving red packets, we would put together an amount that would generate enough interest to support a child’s monthly expenses. This funding becomes a permanent support for the child until they are able to become independent, then is passed on and continue to support the next child with needs.

The same concept can be applied when we think about the needs of the refugee camps. As the old proverb says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” if we can figure out a way to educate the refugees to learn about ways to self sustain, such as growing their own vegetables or how to construct better tools with their natural resources, the camp would gradually demand less supplies, and those who have become more skilled can also act as an educator and pass on his knowledge to others or even another refugee camp. I believe rather than endlessly giving, creating a closed self-sustainable cycle system would lasts much longer and be much more helpful.