Analysis and Optimization of Post-Disaster Temporary Housing Strategies

The proposed project aims to improve temporary housing strategies after disasters by developing a tool that helps decision-makers choose the best types of shelters, their locations, and their capacity over an 18-month period. The project will consider factors such as the type of disaster, how long people will be displaced, the weather, the damaged buildings, and the cultural and social needs of the affected people. The tool will allow for changes in shelter types over time to better meet the changing needs of the displaced population. The project will involve studying different shelter types, creating a mathematical model that considers uncertainties and people’s preferences, and using data from the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the United States to test and improve the tool. The goal is to help governments and aid organizations make better decisions about temporary housing after disasters, benefiting both the participating institutions and the affected communities.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marie-Ève Rancourt

Student:

Partner:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

HEC Montréal

Program: