SU Engineering goes global Students develop new-age shelters for disaster relief

Despite the promised assistance from multiple sources, the people of Haiti are still suffering in less than adequate living conditions after the 2010 earthquake that measured 7.0 magnitude on the Richter scale and killed more than 230,000 people.
Here at Southern University, a group of engineering and architectural students are collaborating to create the Solar Research Cottage, a standalone living structure that will allow victims of any natural disaster to live comfortably, without relying on major power sources or disturbing the environment. The structure, once completed, will be self-sustaining, generating its power through solar panels, with the capability to even purify water. Assembly will also take approximately four hours, greatly assisting in sheltering as many as possible in very minimal time.
Currently, the students are in the process of researching the materials that will allow the building to weather all conditions, specifically the soil types found in Haiti, in order to determine maximum weight the building can be.
“A lot of people don’t understand the underlying motive behind sustainability,” said Kristen Hypolite, a Mechanical Engineering major on the team. “It’s not meant to overpower the ecosystem around it.”
When asked what kept the struggles of the residents of Haiti in the forefront of their minds, the group had a plethora of responses:
“I would say, it’s because anything can happen,” explained Jeffery Latin, Mechanical Engineering major. “A hurricane or earthquake could hit Haiti, or anywhere, at any point. Preparedness is key.”
“Climate changes are going to have a significant impact on the weather, and this sort of thing is going to be necessary,” added Dr. Samuel Washington of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. Washington serves as council for the group, as well as providing funding and contacts for their endeavors.
“A lot of the funding that was promised to Haiti, if you do some background checks, was never actually provided.” Washington explained.
The group expects to have their project completed by November 17, and sees these Solar Research Cottages benefiting not only the residents of Haiti, but globally in the case of any disaster.