Compendium: Transitional Learning Spaces (TLS)

This compendium of transitional learning spaces in emergencies will ultimately benefit the children and its communities who have lost their school infrastructures and learning environments due to the devastating effects of a disaster. To this end the compendium aims to equip field practitioners with a selection of documented TLSs that have been implemented in past emergencies to capitalize and pass on the knowledge that has been gained from past emergency responses. The compendium reviews and provides practical insides on how to implement TLSs that are most appropriate for various types of emergency situations with strong links to WASH in schools initiatives. The 13 selected case studies have been chosen from different types of disasters include earthquake, floods and high winds.

The compendium documents a wide selection of projects with varying degrees of structural complexity, cost, construction time, community participation, construction modalities and locations. It illustrates the distinctive nature of each emergency situation and the very specific responses. All documented TLSs are part of the overall reconstruction efforts and an important component within the early recovery stage. They are the first step on a continuous process of school reconstruction activities to achieve durable and sustainable solutions. Several case studies demonstrate this process through upgrading of initial tent solutions or subsequent construction activities for semi-permanent learning facilities. The TLS phase (approximately six month lifespan) and semi-permanent solutions (approximately 30 month lifespan) aim to give local governments and other partners enough time to effectively plan and implement safe, permanent and user-friendly school facilities.

All case studies are documented in a standard architectural form of technical drawings, BoQs, photos and relevant information with regards to construction skill required, lifespan, cost, construction time, materials, site selection, etc. This collated information offers a solid and clear base for decision makers, field practitioners, technical staff (engineers, architects) local communities and all partners in the event of an emergency. It gives easy access to relevant information to assist rapid development of specific solutions for transitional learning spaces in accordance with the national standards and local settings.