Atelier OPA is a product and furniture architectural studio based out of Japan. Many of their designs in recent years have taken a very minimalist turn using cardboard and other simple materials.
The latest from Atelier OPA is a unique cardboard shelter incorporating two basic designs. The structures start off by coming in a single sheet of cardboard. The sheet has pre-cut indents so users know when to bend and connect to create the cardboard shelter. In the end the shelter can sustain one or two persons. It may be a great way to give homeless people an inexpensive roof over their head and keep others in need dry. I couldn't imagine it being very permanent but Atelier OPA have really designed a shelter in its simplest form.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Cardboard Shelters
- Designing and creating inexpensive cardboard shelters for the homeless could be a disruptive innovation opportunity.
- Minimalist Architecture
- Minimalist designs using simple materials such as cardboard could provide new opportunities for sustainable and affordable housing.
- Pop-up Structures
- Creating easy-to-build pop-up structures using pre-cut materials could be a useful solution for emergency housing.
Sectors Adopting This
- Construction
- The construction industry can utilize simple and affordable materials to provide sustainable yet inexpensive housing options.
- Social Services
- Social services organizations can use pop-up structures as temporary or emergency housing for those in need.
- Product Design
- Design companies specializing in minimalist designs using simple materials can explore the feasibility of producing cardboard shelters at scale.
