Ikea is doing their part by getting their Better Shelter foundation involved with Syrian refugee shelters. They are applying their mode of furniture assembly to temporary housing in an effort to help recently landed refugees, specifically those arriving in Switzerland, Sweden and Germany.
The Ikea Better Shelters are 57 square feet, which gives inhabitants twice as much room as the standard tends typically used in Syrian refugee shelters. The steel shelters come equipped with lights, mosquito nets, ventilation and windows. They also have lockable doors "to keep women and children safe from sexual violence," which is reportedly a significant issue within refugee camps.
The UNHCR also ordered 100,000 of these shelters. Ikea has contributed financially to the United Nations organization as well.
Superior Swedish Shelters
Ikea is Designing Extensively Equipped Syrian Refugee Shelters
Trend Themes
1. Temporary Housing Innovations - Ikea's Better Shelter foundation is utilizing furniture assembly techniques to create innovative temporary housing solutions for refugees
2. Anti-sexual Violence Innovations - Ikea's lockable door feature in their Better Shelters addresses the issue of sexual violence in refugee camps and presents opportunities for further anti-sexual violence developments
3. Ventilation and Lighting Innovations - The inclusion of ventilation and lighting features in Ikea's Better Shelters presents opportunities for further innovation and development in enhancing living conditions for refugees
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Industry - Ikea's utilization of furniture assembly techniques in creating Better Shelters presents opportunities for the furniture industry in contributing to temporary housing development
2. Construction Industry - The development of Better Shelters highlights opportunities for the construction industry to innovate and improve temporary housing assembly and design
3. Non-profit Industry - Ikea's financial contribution to the UNHCR exemplifies opportunities for the non-profit industry to collaborate with businesses in addressing global issues