This architecture essay explores possible modifications to expand the use of the Oxfam Emergency Shelter (SES2).
Shelter SES2 is an emergency shelter designed to house refugees in disaster situations. It was developed at Cambridge University by Pete Manfield and Tom Corsellis in 1998. In 1999 the prototype was tested and refined by John Howard and John Martin at Oxfam who then approved it for deployment in refugee camps. It has been deployed in Algeria, Turkey and El Salvador. There is no single organisation that deals internationally with shelter, unlike food (Cafod) and water (Oxfam), so funding for this type of project is sporadic. For this reason shelters must be developed up to a useable standard before organisations become interested in using them or funding further development. Possible modifications to expand the Oxfam Emergency Shelter -- basically the modifications tried did not work; reasons are given.