Urban retreat for the homeless wins FAKRO architect competition

The Dagenham-based architecture student gained recognition for his innovative use of the brief, drawing attention to the plight of over 6500 who sleep rough on London’s streets.

The design sought to offer an urban retreat for those without shelter through the use of hanging pods.

The pods use blind walls to offer a protected place to sleep, the intention being to make them an asset on both an urban and social level.

Though the design could not address factors such as ownership and maintenance, the jury was impressed by the concept that companies like FAKRO can contribute to solving social problems by donating products for such a purpose.

The suggested adaptations of roof windows were considered to be both innovative and technically feasible.

Space for new visions

The design competition, organised in conjunction with A10 new European architecture magazine, gave participants the task of creating a design concept for any type of building using available technologies and FAKRO roof windows.

Use of light to enhance the interior environment, as well as building functionality and sustainability were also key requirements of the brief.