Architectural firm AFFECT-T has designed a bamboo homeless shelter prototype that could go some way towards easing the plight of homeless people in Southeast Asia. Each unit consists of two floors and measures only 15 square meters. However, this small space is designed to include a living room, kitchenette, bathroom, work space and sleeping quarters.
AFFECT-T believes that bamboo homeless shelters could be connected to other units and combined to form larger spaces for communal events and group activities. This facilitates the creation of a temporary community while occupants search for permanent public housing
The firm proposes that the tiny bamboo dwellings, which can be placed nearby other units to form small communities within Hong Kong's disused industrial buildings, would serve as temporary shelter while the occupants secure more stable and permanent public housing.
The units' simple designs can be constructed quickly and cheaply. The use of bamboo means that ceiling and wall patterns can be customized to provide varying levels of ventilation and privacy as appropriate.
Bamboo Homeless Shelters
These Bamboo Structures Could Provide Housing for Asia's Homeless
Trend Themes
1. Bamboo Homeless Shelters - Opportunity for architects and designers to create innovative and sustainable bamboo shelters for homeless populations in Southeast Asia.
2. Temporary Community Spaces - Potential for creating temporary communities and communal spaces by connecting bamboo shelters, offering opportunities for social interaction and support.
3. Quick and Affordable Construction - Advantageous for construction companies to adopt fast and cost-effective methods of building bamboo shelters, enabling efficient response to homelessness.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers can explore the use of bamboo as a sustainable and versatile material for designing innovative homeless shelters.
2. Social Services and Community Development - Opportunities for organizations to develop temporary community spaces and support systems around bamboo shelter clusters, fostering a sense of belonging.
3. Construction and Building Materials - Construction companies and material suppliers can capitalize on the demand for quick and affordable construction methods using bamboo for homeless shelter projects.