John Brown University and World Vision will sponsor a national competition to design and build a rapidly deployable shelter proto-type for potential use by aid organizations responding to natural or man-made disasters. The competition will take place April 18-20 on the JBU campus in Siloam Springs.
Engineering, construction management and architecture students from several colleges and universities around the country will be competing. Participating teams have submitted preliminary plans for the competition. Once they arrive on the JBU campus in April, they will be required to assemble their shelters for inspection by the judges and testing. Each shelter will undergo testing for habitability as well as the ability to withstand an earthquake, wind and rain.
Thursday, April 18, 7-9 p.m. — Balzer Technology Center
Disaster Response and Service Opportunity Fair
Leaders from several relief organizations will present information and opportunities
Friday, April 19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Balzer Technology Center
Design and Earthquake Testing
Each team will present their shelter design to the judges and then have it tested for earthquake sustainability. The teams will also be timed for the speed it takes to assemble their shelter.
Saturday, April 20, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. — Balzer Technology Center Lawn
Habitability, Wind and Rain Testing
Shelters will be judged on the ability to keep occupants comfortable overnight and then be test with hurricane force wind and rain.
Seattle based Cascade Designs Incorporated, which has grown to become the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry, is providing technical assistance and financial support.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
John Brown University is a private Christian university, ranked No. 2 overall and No. 1 Best Value among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report and listed as one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes. JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 40 states and 39 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.