# Prefab Altruism Philanthropic construction adopts an accessible approach. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published Feb 16, 2017 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/prefab-altruism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Prefab Altruism trend? **Prefab Altruism:** As consumer demand for corporate social good increases with the rise of Millennial and Gen Z power, construction companies are leveraging their ingenuity to create much needed refuge in developing countries. Architectural projects in these zones demonstrate creativity and adaptability from companies that challenge themselves to build fast, safe and low-cost buildings that, in turn, go a long way towards bringing awareness as well as relief to communities globally. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 31, 2015 to May 24, 2017 - Published: Feb 16, 2017 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: South America, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Prefab Altruism trend ### Sustainable, Affordable Housing Construction companies are focusing on leveraging their ingenuity to create much needed refuge in developing countries in an effort to build fast, safe and low-cost buildings that bring awareness as well as relief to communities. ### Upcycling, Recycling and Smart Materials Innovation in architecture is being driven by the use of recycled materials, prefabricated structures that can be customized to meet a community's aesthetic and functional needs, and the incorporation of smart materials to make buildings function better. ### Community-Focused Design Designers and architects are recognizing the importance of community-focused design to create buildings and spaces that encourage social interaction and foster a sense of belonging among residents. ## What the Prefab Altruism trend means for industry ### For Construction Industry Innovation in architectural design and new technologies that make construction faster, safer, and cheaper could disrupt the construction industry. ### For Real Estate Industry New approaches to housing design, especially those that are sustainable and community-oriented, could disrupt the real estate industry by transforming what people expect from their homes and communities. ### For Social Services Industry Designing spaces that are focused on community can lead to opportunities for social service providers to work more creatively and effectively with local residents in order to foster human connection and support. ## Workshop question How are you responding to the consumer demand for a more socially conscious approach to business? ## Trend signals for Prefab Altruism Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 76%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 76% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Prefab Altruism trend 6 featured examples from Jul 31, 2015 to May 24, 2017. - [Austere Hutong Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peoples-architecture): People's Architecture Office Built a Stark Home in a Beijing Hutong (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The construction industry can capitalize on the use of prefab plugin panels to create cost-effective housing options for densely populated areas. - [Easy-Build Wooden Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pine-wood-home): This Pine Wood Home Only Took Ten Days To Build (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation potential in the construction industry through community-based practices and sustainable materials. - [Pre-Fabricated Housing Communities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/s-house-3): The 'S House 3' Will Be Used to Make Planned Neighborhoods (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Construction companies can leverage prefabricated housing technology to build affordable, sustainable communities faster and more efficiently. - [Low-Cost Refugee Camps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flatpack-homes): These Flat-Pack Homes Provide a Long-Term Solution for Housing Refugees (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The construction industry can explore opportunities in manufacturing and supplying flat-pack homes for refugee camps. - [Affordable Upcycled Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cream-tubs): This Indonesian Library Uses Ice Cream Tubs to Form Its Walls (Category: Social Good) Implication: The architecture industry can explore the use of upcycled materials to create cost-effective and environmentally friendly structures. - [Homeless Veteran Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-six): 'The Six' Provides Housing for Homeless and Disabled US Veterans (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Real estate developers can focus on creating community-oriented housing projects that cater to specific populations, such as disabled veterans. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)