Living Shelter is Helping the Homeless Live Better

Help Living Shelter as its helps better the lives of natural disaster victims.

Living Shelter by WY-TO and POD Structures

Image via WY-TO

Design firms WY-TO and POD Structures have conceptualized Living Shelter, a flat-pack, easy-to-assemble temporary housing solution for the homeless.

Living Shelter was born of a desire to help the homeless in Asia Pacific – many of whom are the victims of natural disasters.

According to a United Nations report, 40% of global natural disasters in the past decade have occurred in the Asia Pacific region. These disasters have resulted in the loss of half a million lives and affected another 1.4 billion people.

Typically, victims of natural disasters relocate to relief tents that are flimsy, hot and dark. The poorly-lit disaster relief shelter areas give rise to crime and children of school-going ages are also unable to read and write in the dark.

Inspired by “kampong” houses, Living Shelter offers natural ventilation in hot and humid weather. It also provides the sturdiness that “kampong” houses are known for. The shelter comes flat-packed and is easy to assemble.

Basic needs like water and electricity are provided via a water bag and powered by a solar panel. Foldable furniture such as a bed, hammock and table are also included.

Funds are currently being raised to support the production of a prototype. The product will be sent to Venice, where it will be shown at the Architecture Biennale 2016. The Biennale is seen as the ideal platform to launch Living Shelter to visitors and get the attention of NGOs and investors.

A total of US$40,000 is needed to create the prototype and cover the booth rental space at Architecture Biennale 2016 and other marketing expenses. To find out more about the shelter or contribute to its funding, visit its crowdfunding page here.