A record number of over 60 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes worldwide, and those who end up in camps can find themselves stuck there for years. That’s why Belgian-based design firm DMOA created the Maggie Shelter, an eco-friendly, affordable, and modular shelter that offers improved living conditions while satisfying temporary settlement requirements. Built from local, low-cost materials, the sturdy and energy-efficient Maggie Shelter can be set up in just one day and is expected to last up to 15 years—five times longer than current tents.
Most countries only allow temporary settlements, which means millions of refugees live in tents and lack access to adequate schools and medical wards. Poor living conditions can lead to long-term detrimental effects on health, most of which are preventable through basic protection against the elements. In response, DMOA designed the Maggie Shelter, a well-insulated structure that looks like a tent but offers the benefits of a fixed building.
Related: Accordion-like SURI shelters provide rapid emergency housing for refugees
Insulation is key to the Maggie Shelter. The building comprises a simple canvas shell with a hollow roof and inner walls that can be filled with locally available materials—such as sand, straw, or even trash—for insulation, stability, and noise reduction. The basic module measures 20 meters by 6 meters and houses up to 60 people; refugees can upgrade and expand the buildings as needed and adapt them for different uses, such as schools and medical wards.
Likened to an IKEA kit, the Maggie Shelter can be easily built by a team of five or six people. DMOA is currently seeking $41,000 in funds on Indiegogo to bring the shelter to production. You can help donate to the cause here.
+ Maggie Shelter Indiegogo Campaign
Via ArchDaily
Images via Maggie Program
from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://ift.tt/1OKitGH
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