Framlab’s dignifies shelter solution by utilizing the unused vertical space
Not just would this solution allow using lots of wasted “vertical space”, it can also be installed in many places without being a visually disturbing
Framlab’s hexagon-shaped housing units are designed to connect to the scaffolding structure while being densely-packed.
Homelessness is a pressing problem in many major cities. With the majority of the world’s population living in urban areas, the demand for housing in cities is soaring. Creating proper, affordable housing to accommodate the rapidly-increasing number of city inhabitants is becoming more of a challenge.
Framlab found a Brilliant Solution to a Pressing Problem
In New York City, where rents are at a record high, many people are left homeless as they can’t afford a place to live. According to a study by the Coalition for the Homeless, there are 61,000 homeless people sleeping in the streets of New York City, with thousands more sleeping on the streets.
This NYC and Oslo-based studio has proposed an interesting concept to solve NYC’s homelessness problem. Taking advantage of prefab housing, Framlab wants to solve the problem of scarce land by utilizing the unused vertical space.
When combined, this unused vertical space can make up hundreds of acres of available “land”. Framlab’s hexagon-shaped housing units are designed to connect to the scaffolding structure while being densely-packed.
Together, those clusters of suspended housing units will create new “micro-neighborhoods” for the city’s least fortunate, homeless population.
The units’ interiors are entirely 3D-printed and have a wood laminate cladding that gives them a warm and cozy feeling. In addition to being cozy, 3D printing the interior allows for easy customization of those units.
Flexible and Practical, even Commercially appealing
The best thing about Framlab’s solution is its practicality and the fact that those units look great when stacked together. Not just would this solution allow using lots of wasted “vertical space”, it can also be installed in many places without being a visually disturbing.
The façades of the stacked units are also equipped with smart glass that allows the display of digital content. When they function together as a big screen, those smart facades can generate income from displayed commercials. If successfully applied in NYC, we can see this brilliant solution adopted in many major cities around the world.
