Design can't save the world, but it can certainly help.
The Problem: housing the homeless. Unfortunately there is not the political will to solve this persistent problem, so those who are homeless often live in makeshift shelters. Most of these shelters are little more than a collection cardboard and plastic refuse held together by electrical tape and ropes. These shelter, which are more like rustic tents, must be taken apart and rebuilt each time a homeless person is forced to move. Homelessness is a nomadic existence.
This is where design fills the gap where traditional institutions fail to meet an urgent need.
The Solution: The Wheely. A mobile homeless shelter made of recycled, but extremely durable and water resistant materials that is easily transportable by a one person. The Wheely, as it name suggests, is a shelter that rolls. A kickstand stabilizes it in place wherever it is parked. The tent membrane unfolds from inside the wheel.
Designer: Zo-Loft Architecture and Design
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I certainly think this is interesting. Homelessness might not affect us now, or ever. But it certainly is an issue to the Twin Cities and I think it's important we discuss it. What do you guys think about The Wheely? To me, I can't say it necessarily is my favorite idea, but it's a different point of view from where I'm used to seeing about homelessness (which I like). It's more adaptation oppose to a solution. I couldn't find much information on price to produce or production --
