Staff Profiles

My research is in post disaster housing response including shelter and settlement level initiatives. My main way of working is to collaborate with operational shelter agencies, the Global Shelter Cluster and other international shelter coordination organisations.

Research projects

Currently we hold funding from UKRI under the Global Challenges Research Fund Translations initiative. Our research is on self-revovery. Find out more here: https://self-recovery.org/

Further information

https://self-recovery.org/

Books

• Piccioli A, Ashmore J, Kosareff K, Mamo J, Whitaker C, Obrecht A, Rule A, Rose Daniel B, Parrack C, Setchell C, Argeñal E, Zarins J, Richardson J, Kennedy J, Weber J, Urquia M, Nordlie Ø, D’Urzo S, Hirano S, Newby T, Ed., Shelter Projects 2015-2016, International Organisation for Migration (2017)
  ISBN: 978-92-9068-736-8
  Abstract Spanning humanitarian responses from all over the world, Shelter Projects 2015-2016 is the sixth in a series of compilations of shelter case studies, overviews of emergencies and opinion pieces. The projects represent responses to conflict, natural disasters and complex or multiple crises, demonstrating some of the implementation and response options available. The book is intended to support learning by highlighting the strengths, weaknesses and some of the lessons that can be learned from different projects, which try to maximize emergency funds to safeguard the health, security and dignity of affected people, whilst – wherever possible – supporting longer-term shelter needs and sustainable recovery. The target audience is humanitarian managers and shelter programme staff from local, national and international organizations at all levels of experience. Shelter Projects is also a useful resource for advocacy purposes, showcasing the work done by the sector, as well as for research and capacity-building activities.Website 

Journal articles

• Ahmed I, Parrack C, 'Shelter Self-Recovery: The Experience of Vanuatu'
  Architecture 2 (2) (2022) pp.434-445
  ISSN: 2673-8945 eISSN: 2673-8945
  Abstract

  Abstract: This paper draws from a research project that explored the lived reality of communities in Vanuatu recovering from major disasters to understand the impacts of shelter interventions by humanitarian organizations. It focuses on “shelter self-recovery”, an approach followed by organizations after recent disasters. A global overview of self-recovery highlights the potential of this approach to support recovery pathways and indicates the reliance on local context. The overview shows the need for more evidence on the impact of self-recovery programs. In Vanuatu, the study was undertaken in three island sites—Tanna, Maewo and Pentecost—affected by different disasters, particularly cyclones. It examined three main issues: (a) understanding and interpretation of self-recovery; (b) how the approach has evolved over time; and (c) what is being done by communities to support self-recovery to reduce future disaster risk. Key findings from the field indicated that devastation by disasters such as cyclones can cause a serious scarcity of natural building materials, which impedes the self-recovery process. The other significant issue is that of traditional versus modern building materials, where many people aspire for modern houses. However, poorly constructed modern houses pose a risk in disasters, and there are examples of shelters made of traditional materials that provide safety. Drawing from the field investigations, a set of recommendations were developed for more effective shelter self-recovery by humanitarian agencies in partnership with communities and other stakeholders. These recommendations place importance on contextual factors, community consultation and engagement, and addressing the supply of natural building materials.

  Website 
• Harriss L, Parrack C, Jordan Z, 'Building safety in humanitarian programmes that support post-disaster shelter self-recovery: An evidence review'
  Disasters 44 (2) (2019) pp.307-335
  ISSN: 0361-3666 eISSN: 1467-7717
  Abstract

  The humanitarian sector is increasingly aware of the role that good quality evidence plays in underpinning effective and accountable practice. This review addresses the need for reliable evidence by evaluating current knowledge about the intersection of two key outcome targets of post‐disaster shelter response ‐ supporting shelter self‐recovery and building back safer. Evidence about post‐disaster shelter programmes that aim to improve hazard resistance whilst supporting shelter self‐recovery has been systematically analysed and evaluated. Technical support, especially training in safer construction techniques, was found to be a key programme feature, but the impact of this and of other programme attributes on building safety was largely not ascertainable. Programme reports lack sufficient detail, especially about the hazard resistance of repaired houses. Accounts of shelter programmes need to include more reliable reporting of key activities and assessment of outcomes, in order to contribute to the growing evidence base in this field.
  

  Website 
• Hendricks E, Lutyens L, Parrack C, 'Knowledge exchange and adoption to enable safer post-disaster self-recovery'
  Journal of Integrated Disaster Risk Management 8 (2) (2018) pp.1-23
  ISSN: 2185-8322
  Abstract

  Despite extensive knowledge on disaster risk reduction and knowledge transfer studies since the 1970s in management and classroom situations, the adoption of knowledge to reconstruct more hazard-resistant housing after a natural disaster is still rare in self-recovery processes. Approximately 85% of the disaster affected populations recover without humanitarian or governmental shelter assistance. Hazard-resistant construction guidelines are infrequently applied, and new insights from scientific research rarely lead to changes in policy and practice. As a result, disaster affected populations remain vulnerable in case of recurring disasters. The focus of this study is where and why the exchange of knowledge and adoption of knowledge fails in the self-recovery process. The literature presents causes for the rejection of knowledge as the lack of institutional structures and communicating science, and proposes to engage both ends of the producer-user spectrum in a dialogue to negotiate a consensual view of what is feasible and desirable. Currently, governmental and humanitarian organisations involved in recovery aid have difficulty designing communicative interactions effectively in communities using and diffusing hazard-resistant construction guidelines. To reach and support the 85% in self-recovery processes, there is a need to develop an adequate understanding of how knowledge exchange and adoption in such interactions can be more effective. To address this challenge we propose an analytical framework to evaluate knowledge transfer interventions in self-recovery processes. Current knowledge interactions in post-disaster recovery are examined and critically analysed using existing knowledge exchange literature. The framework intends to highlight barriers and failure mechanisms that may hamper the knowledge adoption. This analysis provides proposals based on logic to overcome these obstacles; lifting barriers, strengthening trust, matching need and knowledge and reducing risk of adoption failure. The value of these proposals need to be verified in field research. In line with the proposals a second framework is proposed, that enables the analysis of knowledge exchange interventions, as knowledge exchange is essential for adoption. 

  Website 
• Parrack C, Piquard B, Brun C, 'Shelter in Flux'
  Forced Migration Review 55 (June 2017) (2017) pp.7-9
  ISSN: 1460-9819
  Abstract Current humanitarian guidelines do not sufficiently cover what shelter means in volatile and protracted conflict settings, particularly outside organised camps. We propose improved tools that will address that gap.Website 
• Flinn B, Parrack C, 'Shelter After Disaster'
  Fourth Door Review 9 (2016)
  ISSN: 1364-5110
  Website 
• Heywood M, Parrack C, Baiche B, Lockwood L, Richardson J, 'Testing Fibre Stabilisation for Earthquake Resilience of Earth Mortar in Stone Masonry Construction'
  Nepal Engineers' Association Technical Journal XLIII-EC30 (1) (2016) pp.67-71
  ISSN: 2091-0592
  Abstract Earth mortar stone masonry construction in seismically active zones present a risk to life. This paper documents a laboratory mortar test which demonstrates that fibre reinforcement of the
  mortar is likely to have some benefit in terms of the earthquake resilience of the masonry, by improving the structural integrity of the building and reducing the risk of total collapse during
  a seismic event. Further research is needed to quantify the required reinforcement density and to provide guidance on achieving the required density and distribution in practice.
• Parrack C, Flinn B, Passey M, 'Getting the Message Across for Safer Self-Recovery in Post-Disaster Shelter'
  Open House International 39 (3) (2014)
  ISSN: 0168-2601
  Abstract

  Self-recovery in post-disaster shelter is not the exception but the norm. Following earthquake, flood or storm, the majority of affected families will inevitably rebuild their homes themselves, using their own resources, but there is little support from the international community to encourage good safe building practice.

   While the communication of key messages about safer building has been carried out effectively in development contexts, it rarely forms a major part of humanitarian response programming. If the humanitarian shelter sector is committed to the principles of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), more can be done to support the process of safer reconstruction among self-rebuilders.

   This paper argues the case for the humanitarian community to link post-disaster shelter programming with the more developmental approach of communicating building safety to a much wider audience than just the most vulnerable beneficiaries. It proposes the shelter sector and the donor community direct more resources towards support for this process, which it argues would augment the effectiveness and impact of a shelter response.

   

  Website 

Book chapters

• Parrack C, Ashmore J, Evans R, Moore B, Piccioli A, Richardson J, Urquia M, 'Exploring the Role of Shelter and Settlements in Conflict and Peacebuilding' in Twigg J, Babister E (ed.), Roadmap for Research: A Collaborative Research Framework for Humanitarian Shelter and Settlements Assistance, InterAction (2021)
  Abstract

  Out of all humanitarian crises, the five countries with the highest reported needs for shelter
  and non-food item assistance in 2018 were Yemen, Syria, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
  Nigeria, and Sudan (InterAction, 2020). These shelter and settlements crises are all in conflict
  situations. The recovery or establishment of shelter and settlements generates sensitive
  political issues during conflict. Whatever shelter strategies are implemented by operational
  agencies will have significant impacts, which can include fuelling conflict and contributing to
  peacebuilding (InterAction, 2020; Anderson, 1999).
  

  
  Where root causes of conflict are linked to control of resources, such as land (van Leeuwen
  & van der Haar, 2016), interventions related to access and use of land will be influenced by
  the conflict. They will affect decisions about where shelter and settlements can be located for
  displaced communities, as well as having an impact on possible durable solutions, defined by
  UNHCR as repatriation, local integration, and resettlement (UNHCR, 2017c). Displacement
  can be as much a tool for aggressors in conflict as a coping strategy for affected populations;
  parties in conflict are often part of the negotiation when humanitarian actors are supporting
  displaced populations to settle (Lischer, 2007). Parties can impose restrictions on access to
  land, rights to settle, and freedom of movement. They can also restrict the use of building
  materials or building techniques. These restrictions may reduce shelter opportunities and
  sometimes limit assistance to provision of temporary shelters and non-food items (Global
  Shelter Cluster, 2013).
  

  
  Timeframe is another essential element to consider. In conflict, the traditional division
  between relief, recovery, and development does not work. The humanitarian and emergency
  phase may last for a long time with lapses and relapses of violence and insecurity forcing
  multiple displacements of affected populations. The displaced population is often stuck in a
  temporary situation for years (Moore, 2017), with no durable solution, but this interim state
  of existence does not stop the desire for better housing and other social and communitybuilding
  activities that are more associated with development outcomes (Brun, 2016).
  

  
  This research aims to explore the role of shelter and settlements programmes in conflict
  reduction and peacebuilding. It aims to demonstrate that support to shelter and settlement
  interventions in conflict and displacement contexts can contribute to wider multisector
  humanitarian outcomes, such as protection and social cohesion.
  

  Website 
• Flinn B, Hirano S, Khan S, Lopez-Villegas M, Moles O, Parrack C, Schell J, Webb S , 'All the ways home: A proposition for the Shelter & Settlements sector to embrace Homes & Communities' in Global Shelter Cluster (ed.), Shelter Projects (8th edition), Global Shelter Cluster (2021)
  Abstract

  Shelter is still too often equated with a physical structure – ranging from an emergency tent to a prefab structure to a basic living space provided within Sphere standards. At the same time, there are spirited discussions and many attempts to expand the understanding and scope of the shelter sector.
  

  The zealots amongst us may propose to entirely do away with ‘shelter’ and replace it with ‘home’: a concept that goes beyond its tangible dimensions to evoke more elusive aspects such as a place where a family nurtures and cares for its loved ones, where people belong, feel safe, cook and share meals, converse, study, produce and where memories are stored and future plans are created.
  

  We suggest considering a shelter–home spectrum to maintain relevant as a sector. Programming may lean across this spectrum depending on context. The role of the shelter actor may thus vary from direct delivery of emergency shelter to an enabler of ‘home-making’

  
  

  Website 
• Hirano S, Serdaroglu E, Abdellaoui J, Adesh T, Alhetar A, Ali M, Argenal E, Arouet C, Ashmore J, Aurouet C, Babister L, Bauman N, Blanc D, Brackett N, Braedt C, Brighton N, Brun C, Cordero RP, Corsellis T, Dalgado D, Daniela R, David G, Davidson S, Dewast C, Doran N, Dummett C, Eynon A, Farme K, Flinn B, Flores M, Genot X, George A, Glenn-Haley K, Grafweg A, Hand P, Hilmi M, Hurkmans B, Illangasinghe M, Illangasinghe M, Jahn I, Joseph S, Karapandi E, Kelly C, Kennedy J, Krolik M, Laasme H, Larraza M, Lu R, Maina E, Malany L, McCaughey JN, McDonald G, McNulty K, Moles O, Moore B, Mounteld B, Nunes N, Opdyke A, Palmer R, Palmer E, Palo T, Parrack C, Piccioli A, Rajczak L, Rao S, Reilly D, Richardson J, Rule A, Sadural A, Sailendra P, Savla M, Sennewald B, Sharma A, Sitko P, Skrine I, Sladden T, Sophonpanich W, Tauk R, Thomas M, Treherne C, Tulio M, Wahlstrom E, Wain J, Williams D, Wisniewski S, Yap G, Zarins J, Zavales J, 'Shelter and Settlement, The Sphere Handbook 2018' in Sphere Handbook, Book (2018)
  ISBN: 9781908176400 eISBN: 9781908176608
  Website 
• Clarke P, Parrack C, 'Portugal 1755 Earthquake' in Shelter Projects 2013-2014, sheltercasestudies.org (2015)
  Abstract
  Following the destruction of most of the housing stock in Lisbon by an earthquake and related tsunami and fire, a complete re-design and reconstruction of the city was undertaken. The new city was designed to include large public spaces, modern infrastructure, and new, anti-seismic building designs.
  Website 
• Kahn N, Parrack C, 'A market-based programme to improve housing in the mountains of northern Pakistan: Addressing seismic vulnerability' in Still Standing Looking back at reconstruction and disaster risk reduction in housing, Practical Action Publishing (2014)
  ISBN: 978-1-85339-839-1 eISBN: 978-1-78044-839-8
  Abstract

  The Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP) has been working with the high mountain communities of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan since 1997. Alongside its contribution to the general built environment and housing improvement of the area, the programme is engaged in the development and promotion of solutions for making the buildings seismically resistant. Gilgit-Baltistan falls in a high seismic zone and the earthquake of 2005 caused the death of nearly 90,000 people in the neighbouring state of Azad Kashmir and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, which share long borders with Gilgit-Baltistan. BACIP believes that investment in making communities safer will minimize the chance of loss of life and assets and reduce the cost of reconstruction. BACIP works with local communities in a participatory manner to improve the local housing by improving safety and comfort without changing the local culture and way of living. For the sustainability of its approach, it has made efforts to make its solutions part of the local market so that entrepreneurs and artisans are available to manufacture, sell or construct these solutions. A number of profitable enterprises have been established. Alongside hands-on training and demonstration, BACIP uses media such as radio for the promotion of its solutions and awareness of communities. In December 2013 with the support of the Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF), BACIP revisited a number of houses that were constructed using seismic-resistant technologies and it was found that the solutions applied to these houses had greatly contributed to the safety and comfort of the users. 100 per cent of the houses were in use and were occupied by the original owners.

  Website 
• Schilderman T, Parker E, Blackett M, MacLellan M, Parrack C, Watson D, 'Conclusions: How does our approach to reconstruction need to change?' in Schilderman T, Parker E (ed.), Still Standing Looking back at reconstruction and disaster risk reduction in housing, Practical Action Publishing (2014)
  ISBN: 978-1-85339-839-1 eISBN: 978-1-78044-839-8
  Abstract

  Our research into the long-term impact of reconstruction provided new learning, leading to some suggestions for future changes to reconstruction and recovery and our ways of working. We were also able to identify gaps where we need to broaden our understanding, perhaps through future research. However, it is worth noting again that our review of case studies was based on qualitative information only. Numbers interviewed in each case were relatively small, and, therefore, did not produce statistically viable quantitative evidence. As far as possible, we verified individually obtained information through triangulation. We also compared our findings with those of two parallel research efforts with a similar focus. That said we are aware that these case studies are looking back at reconstruction over a very variable timespan, ranging between 4 and 35 years, making comparison of long-term impact difficult even between them. Moreover, they took place in widely differing contexts, and every new crisis is bound to be different again. The positive lessons that have come out of this research will, therefore, always need to be adapted to new disaster situations. Bearing in mind these restrictions, we can see some of the findings from the literature reviewed in Chapter 1 confirmed in our case studies. Other literature findings are harder to verify, partly because our sample of cases may not have covered them sufficiently, but also because these findings may have been evident in the short-term impact and changed in the longer term, a phenomenon confirmed in the research by Duyne Barenstein in Chapter 3.

  Website 
• Kennedy J, Parrack C, 'The History of Three Point Five Square Metres' in Shelter Projects 2011–2012, Shelter Case Studies (2013)
  Abstract
  Of all the numeric indicators commonly used as
  guidelines in humanitarian shelter response, it is the
  indicator for covered shelter space that is perhaps the
  most often quoted – three and a half square metres
  per person. However, a lack of awareness of where
  this and other indicators came from has played a part
  in limiting discussion on the appropriate use of this
  indicator across all forms of shelter and reconstruction
  response.