An analysis of inclusiveness and accessibility of Cyclone Shelters, Bangladesh

Abstract

There are around 2,500 cyclone shelters and multipurpose cyclone shelters along the 710 km long coast of Bangladesh. They have gradually been constructed since the devastating cyclone of 1970 to provide a safe haven facility for the coastal population. Constructed by various agencies the shelters are heterogeneous in many aspects; i.e. Funding conditions, location, design, footprint, construction material and technique, and construction process, etc. Until now, spatial distribution of cyclone shelters; structural strength analysis; catchment area; and management issues have dictated design of the shelters. Preliminary research by the authors shows that accessibility and inclusiveness of the shelters by incorporating opinions and requirements of the stakeholders have not been considered in most cases.This paper presents the rationale, process and findings of a pilot study that assessed multipurpose cyclone shelters for their inclusiveness. A simple random sampling method was used to select the case study shelters. An assessment protocol was developed to evaluate each case study shelter for their inclusiveness. Initial findings show that design of the cyclone shelters failed to address requirements of disabled and older population group; gender discrimination; and specific requirement of the local farmers. By incorporating widely accepted inclusive design principles and design standards the shelters can be made more user-friendly, accessible and inclusive and help to a supportive built environment for all.