FEMA Katrina Trailer Camps Post Index - Polly Auyeung

This post is to provide a brief summary of the FEMA Katrina Trailer Camps and link to more in-depth posts on the blog. Cited sources for each category are in the linked posts.

Subject: FEMA Trailer Camps (site photographs)

Architect: There were many levels of bureaucracy which all played a factor in the creation of the camps. However one of the key decision makers was Michael Brown, the now former FEMA director. (bio)

Purpose: After Hurricane Katrina, a Category 3 storm, hit the gulf coast of the united states, many people lost their homes. Roughly 700 000 applied to FEMA for housing assistance. The organization had to provide temporary housing for the displaced citizens. Trailers were chosen as the main option. (Hurricane Katrina context), (FEMA definition of a trailer),

Size and Scale: The trailers were small and compact so they could easily be stacked and transported to the camp site. The model we are studying is 32' x 8' x 11'4". (FEMA trailer specs), (trailer plan), (trailer elevations)

Timeline: After Hurricane Katrina, the camps were set up weeks later. With an original closing deadline of 18 months after the storm, there are still residents today living in dilapitated FEMA trailers. (Timeline of FEMA's efforts), (trailers still in use)

Construction: Some of the trailers used for the FEMA efforts were pre-existing vehicles. The others were manufactured in various parts of North America including Goshen, IN. These trailers are constructed of low grade aluminum siding, chipboard, and vinyl.  (construction details), (trailer 3D render), (trailer wall detail)

Address, Location and Site: FEMA Camps are located across the United States but the majority are near the Gulf Coast. They are set up wherever possible: school yards, existing trailer parks, parking lots... For that reason, the lack of officially divulged information makes many of the camps hard to track. Often the sites were not initially designed to hold many people but they are forced there anyways. They pack as many trailers as possible into the site to maximize efficiency and cost-saving over comfort. (potential camp beside oil refinery), (camp site plan), (FEMA camp grid parti), (inprisonment parti)

FEMA's Poor Management: The victims that are in the most need of housing are being evicted from FEMA's temporary housing even though the permanent housing has not been established yet. The over all poor construction, lack of amenities, and unhealthy environments are all part of FEMA's poor management in the Katrina crisis. (New Orleans: poverty and flooding), (trailers vs. houses), (formaldehyde in trailers), (Renaissance Village timeline), (residents forced to evict)

Relationship to the Site: FEMA trailers are immobile until the residents move out. The organization moved and anchored the trailers to the ground. As they are property of FEMA, residents cannot move them. Over time trailers are added and subtracted. Some still exist in camps today. (Fema trailer immobility), (FEMA camps over time compared to Airstream)

Airstream Trailers Post Index - Polly Auyeung

This post is to provide a brief summary of the Airstream trailer and link to more in-depth posts on the blog. Cited sources for each category are in the linked posts.

Subject: Airstream (photographs)

Inventor: Wally Byam (bio)

Purpose: Byam first designed the Airstream to be the perfect trailer. At a time when road culture and exploration were becoming popular, it was to be aerodynamic, light, and provide luxurious accommodations anywhere in the world. (origin of the airstream name), (the Wally Byam Creed)

Size and Scale: Small and compact, they are meant to be towed by vehicles. They range from 17' x 8'x 7' to 31' x 8'5" x 9'7". We are studying the largest model, the Classic 31'. (trailer plan), (elevations), (section)

Timeline: The Airstream company was formed in 1932 and is still making trailers. It is one of the oldest trailer manufacturers in the world. It has changed its trailer design over the years but overall it has retained its sleek aluminum shell. (company history), (design morphology timeline)

Construction: Airstreams are carefully hand-constructed of quality materials such as aircraft grade aluminum, steel, and wood. They are meant to provide a luxurious environment and last for a long time. 70% of all airstreams ever built are still in great condition. As a result, they cost much more than regular trailers, at roughly $70 000 USD. (how it's built video), (Airstream construction guide), (wall detail), (trailer 3D render), (exploded axonometric)

Address, Location and Site: As they are self-contained trailers, Airstreams can travel anywhere. However many Airstream enthusiasts choose to have rallies at Airstream-only parks. At the grassy, scenic sites, trailers are arranged in circular formations to encourage socializing. (rally arrangement patterns), (site pictures), (site plans), (site organization parti), (site freedom parti)

Community: The Airstream has many enthusiasts united by its iconic idea of "freedom to put the world at your doorstep". They set themselves apart from typical RV-ers by holding ambitious Airstream only caravan trips and regional rallies. They often discuss these expeditions on their Airstream online forums. (airstreamer culture), (airstream caravans)

Relationship to the Site: Airstreams are constantly moving, traveling from one place to the next. They never dwell in a place for more than a week. (tracking airstream rallies), (major airstream camps over two years)

The Changing Concept of Trailers - Polly Auyeung

While airstream trailers are superior to the models used in FEMA camps, using airstreams in the camps would not make them significantly better places to live. Similarly if average trailers were used as travelling shelters, people would still find them enjoyable. What needs to be questioned is the concept of the trailer, its purpose. By altering the conditions of its use, it affects how the trailer is perceived. The trailer (especially the Airstream) was originally designed to prompt americans to travel, to explore the land, "to place the great wide world at [their] doorsteps". As a FEMA camp unit, it was valued for its cheap production, easy transportation to the site, and packing efficiancy. Without the choice of movement, the fundamental idea of the trailer is lost. So though it succeeds as a luxurious, nomadic shelter, it is a failure when it's a cheap alternative to a fixed address.

FEMA vs. Airstream - Juan Pablo Uribe

Movement - Giles Hall

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