Permanent shelter
Practical Action
about the differences between diagrams produced by different groups of people can also
be instructive. For example by asking women and men, or young and old people, or able
bodied and people with disabilities to work separately a rich and diverse picture will
emerge.
Mapping – it looks like this
Collectively producing a
map of an area can
identify specific hazards
and features which
vulnerable people can use
to mobilise in times of
need to minimise the
risks to life and property.
Mapping can also be used
as a tool to plan how
neighbourhoods should be
developed. Many
materials can be used to
create maps, from sticks
Figure 4: Photo credit: Practical Action South Asia
and stones to computer based software. If you need to keep a record then the process
should be paper based or be transcribed onto paper.
Transects – a slice of life
By taking a walk through a neighbourhood, or potential settlement area, a group of
people can record what they see, talk to people along the way and make notes, look at
natural features and identify hazards. Taking pictures and later discussing what was
taken and why it is considered important can generate useful debate.
Modelling – bringing ideas to life
Ideas can be brought to life through building models – using simple local materials or
scale drawings can all enhance a process involving people in defining their built
environment. The same techniques can be used to show what neighbourhoods,
community spaces or individual dwellings might look like.
Seasonal calendars – what a difference a year makes
People’s daily reality and livelihood options can change significantly with the seasons.
Hazards change in periods of rain or drought, women and men’s workloads may vary
enormously and their economic situation accordingly. Plotting out a seasonal calendar
with older and younger people, women and men will help to understand the seasonally
dependent hazards and opportunities.
Figure 5: Photo credit: Practical Action South Asia
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