Challenge background
This project aims to leverage AI and participatory design to address the critical challenges faced in the refugee camps of Cox's Bazar. By creating an optimized system for camp layout and resource distribution, it has the potential to significantly impact the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of refugees, while also advancing the field of humanitarian technology and setting new standards for refugee camp design globally.
Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, hosts one of the world's largest refugee camps, primarily housing Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. The camp faces significant challenges due to its size, population density, and vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly during the monsoon season.
The problem
The refugee camps in Cox's Bazar struggle with issues of overcrowding, poor sanitation, flood risks, and inefficient resource distribution. The current camp layout and infrastructure are not optimized for the long-term well-being of residents or for withstanding seasonal environmental challenges.
Goal of the project
1. Flood Mitigation:
- Reduce flood-prone areas within the camps by 50% through optimized layout and drainage systems.
- Decrease flood-related evacuations by 70% during the monsoon season.
2. Resource Optimization:
- Improve access to clean water sources for 90% of camp residents.
- Reduce average distance to essential services (healthcare, education, food distribution) by 30%.
3. Sanitation Improvement:
- Increase the ratio of functional sanitation facilities to camp population by 40%.
- Reduce incidence of water-borne diseases by 50% through improved sanitation layout.
4. Community Acceptance:
- Achieve 80% approval rating from camp residents for new layouts and resource distribution.
- Successfully integrate cultural and social considerations into 100% of design decisions.
5. Scalability and Replication:
- Develop a modular design system adaptable to at least 3 different terrain types within Cox's Bazar.
- Create a blueprint for scaling the solution to other refugee camps globally.
Project timeline
- 1
Week 1
Data collection
- 2
Week 2
Data preprocessing
- 3
Week 3
Data analysis
- 4
Week 4
Model building
- 5
Week 5
Model intergration
What you'll learn
1. Geospatial Analysis and Modeling:
- Gain proficiency in using GIS tools for complex terrain analysis and flood risk mapping.
- Learn to integrate multiple data sources (topographical, geological, climate) for comprehensive site assessment.
2. Humanitarian Engineering:
- Develop skills in designing infrastructure solutions for challenging environments with limited resources.
- Learn to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability in humanitarian contexts.
3. AI for Disaster Preparedness:
- Gain experience in developing predictive models for natural disasters, particularly in monsoon-affected areas.
- Learn to create AI-driven early warning systems for flood risks.
4. Optimization Algorithms for Resource Allocation:
- Develop expertise in creating multi-objective optimization models for complex resource distribution problems.
- Learn to balance competing needs (e.g., proximity to services vs. flood risk) in layout design.
5. Participatory Design in Humanitarian Contexts:
- Gain skills in facilitating design processes that meaningfully involve refugee communities.
- Learn methodologies for incorporating cultural considerations into technical solutions.
6. Ethical Considerations in Refugee Aid:
- Understand the ethical implications of using AI in vulnerable population settings.
- Learn to navigate the complexities of data collection and use in refugee contexts.
7. Simulation and Scenario Planning:
- Develop proficiency in creating digital twins of camp environments for scenario testing.
- Learn techniques for simulating complex social and environmental interactions within camp settings.
8. Cross-Cultural Communication:
- Gain experience in effectively communicating technical concepts across language and cultural barriers.
- Learn to develop culturally appropriate interfaces and visualization tools.