Researcher(s)
- Vatsala Bais, Public Policy, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Jennifer Reitz, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware
Abstract
In the wake of increasingly frequent natural disasters, housing displacement has become a critical challenge in the United States. Traditional construction methods often fail to meet the urgency and scale of post-disaster recovery, prompting planners to explore innovative alternatives. This presentation investigates modular construction, which is a method of prefabricating housing units off-site. This is seen as a promising solution for rapid and cost-effective shelter delivery. Through analysis of disaster response case studies, pandemic-era housing adaptations, and homelessness initiatives, this project evaluates the benefits and challenges of modular housing across different emergency contexts. It also distinguishes modular housing from manufactured housing and explores how many companies and nonprofits are integrating these homes into long-term recovery plans. This presentation is guided by the central research question of “How can Modular Construction serve as a Scalable Solution for Disaster Housing Recovery in the United States?”. This presentation draws on real-world examples, including insights from Delaware’s Disaster Housing Strategy, to highlight the potential and limitations of modular solutions in the world.