Abstract

The frequency and severity of climate-related disasters are rising globally, resulting in the displacement of millions of individuals each year. Although this is a worldwide issue, the present research concentrates on the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut tri-state region, where severe storms, flooding, prolonged power outages, and other natural hazards frequently necessitate the activation of emergency shelters. While schools, community centers, and other civic buildings are commonly designated for emergency shelter operations, these facilities were not originally designed to accommodate displaced groups during such events. This study focuses on the immediate sheltering period following a disaster, defined as the first 24 to 72 hours and potentially extending up to one week. During this time, most displaced individuals only seek temporary refuge while they transition to family accommodation, insurance-supported lodging, or longer-term housing. The research places particular emphasis on vulnerable populations, such as older adults, individuals with disabilities, medically fragile individuals, those requiring ongoing medical care, and others who are unable to evacuate safely, access healthcare facilities, or secure alternative accommodations due to disaster conditions or strained emergency services.Using an interdisciplinary qualitative methodology, integrating historical precedent analysis, scholarly literature, FEMA guidance, building science research, and consultations with emergency management professionals from the Caldwell Office of Emergency Management, the Essex County Office of Emergency Management, and the City of Newark Office of Emergency Management. Discussions with Essex County officials provided insights into countywideemergency planning, hazard mitigation, grant administration, and regional coordination in accordance with FEMA guidance. These consultations clarified the relationship between county and municipal emergency management, in which municipalities develop and operate local shelter plans while coordinating with the county during large-scale disasters. The Essex County Five-Year Emergency Operations Plan further illustrates how municipal shelter resources are incorporated into a coordinated countywide and statewide emergency management framework. The research identifies a significant disconnect between emergency management planning and architectural design. This thesis proposes an architectural framework and a practical design checklist for incorporating emergency-ready features into civic buildings that are routinely designated as emergency shelters. By aligning emergency management planning with architectural design, the research demonstrates that thoughtful, cost-effective design strategies can enhance occupant safety, dignity, operational efficiency, and community resilience during the critical initial phase of disaster response.

Publication Date

7-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Architecture (M.Arch.)

Department, Program, or Center

Architecture, Department of

College

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Advisor

Alissa de Wit-Paul

Advisor/Committee Member

Seth H. Holmes

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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