Two architects from American foundation Madworkshop have designed a stackable disaster shelter that can be put up in 15 minutes.
Jeremy Carman and Jayson Champlain created "Shelter Squared", a 4.6 sq m unit made from light, recyclable, waterproof panels, which are fastened together with Velcro.
The shelter will have sleeping quarters, lockable storage and booth seating.
The team envisages that Shelter Squared will be used in communal spaces such as school gymnasiums, community centres, or sports arenas, where those affected by a disaster may congregate.
Madworkshop says the design aims to "keep loved ones, pets, and friends connected". The unit may not provide the same shelter as similar products which can be more durable and made from harder materials and take longer to set up, such as the "Tentative" shelter made for use after an earthquake, or the flat pack "Better Shelter" made for refugees by Ikea.
When flat-packed the unit will be about the size of a mattress and can be stored on site to ensure a shelter is available when needed.
Images courtesy of Madworkshop
- Edited on 17 April 2018 to add the names of the architects and clarify that Madworkshop is a foundation
