# Space-Maximizing Homeless Shelters These Temporary Pods Turn Unused Wall Space into Homes By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-07-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/temporary-pods References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3048901/world-changing-ideas/need-room-to-house-people-in-expensive-cities-attach-these-pods-to-buil?partner=rss) & [spatialdesignarchitects](http://www.spatialdesignarchitects.com) James Furzer is a UK-based architect who recently pitched a design for a series of temporary pods that could help turn unused wall space into functional accommodations for homeless residents. With [affordable housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-house-1) in short supply in cites such as London, these pods could help provide a cheap housing solution. The temporary pods would be attached to unused wall space, which would make them unobtrusive and cost-effective. The simple shelters would feature a [fold down mattress](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florin-court-flat) inside and a small ladder for easy access. The act of raising the shelters off of the ground would help give residents privacy and freedom from street harassment. The temporary homes would also provide shelter from London's notoriously harsh weather. While the temporary pods are currently just a concept, the shelters demonstrate one means of providing accommodations for the city's growing homeless population. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Temporary Wall Pods:** Opportunity to develop a business that rents out or sells these pods to cities or organizations for affordable housing solutions. - **Space-maximizing Architecture:** Growing trend of architects and designers developing innovative housing solutions that make use of underutilized spaces in urban areas. - **Minimalist Housing Design:** Opportunity to create affordable, minimalist housing designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to focus on designing innovative, space-maximizing housing solutions for urban areas. - **Real Estate:** Opportunity for real estate investors to invest in affordable housing options, such as temporary wall pods, to meet the increasing demand for housing in urban areas. - **Non-profit Organizations:** Opportunity for non-profit organizations to partner with architects and designers to create innovative housing solutions for homeless populations in urban areas. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Origami-Inspired Disaster Relief Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefab-folding-pods.md) - [Humanized Waiting Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/de-wachtkamer.md) - [Reinvented Compact Living](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-housing-prototype.md) - [Eco-Friendly Modular Refugee Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allspace-1.md) - [Climate-Responsive Prefab Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drop-pod.md) - [Climate Relief Temporary Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/additive-manufacturing-homes-crisis.md) - [Prefab Timber Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-nests-treepod-project.md) - [All-Glass Mesmerizing Compact Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beaufort-bushland-retreat.md) - [Prefabricated Miniature Home Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cpsula.md)