Homelessness is a problem which is growing around the world. In London, there are more than 6,500 homeless residents with nowhere to feel safe. One enterprising architect named James Furzer has a plan to fix that.
The genius of this design is clear at a glance. The pods are designed so that they can be attached to the walls of structures around the city. Since they are raised above the sidewalks, they are not actually taking up any space on the ground. Indeed, the space they would use is essentially going to waste right now. The pods can be reached using ladders. The ladders can be raised from within the pods, which also increases their safety.
Safety is a big deal, because London’s homeless are among its most vulnerable residents. Not only is homelessness a terrible reality to face on its own, but those who are without a safe place to stay are at a high risk of assault.
Production costs for the pods would be minimal, and charities would take charge of maintaining and cleaning them as well as handling bookings. The cladding on the pods could be adjusted so that it doesn’t clash with the exterior walls they are attached to.
James Furzer did run a campaign on Indiegogo to raise money for his Homes for the Homeless project, but unfortunately it closed before he was able to reach his modest funding goal. You can see the original page for the project here, and visit Furzer’s website here. More information on the sleeping pods is available at Dezeen. Hopefully Furzer will make another attempt at raising the money, as this project seems like a smart way to provide a stopgap solution for those in desperate need of somewhere safe, private and dignified to spend the night.
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