Design like you give a damn, damnit!
The 139 Shelter was designed by Future Systems in response to a famine in Ethiopia. All the people who were trying to get food aid were being exposed to the harsh elements, scorched and dehydrated during the day and freezing at night. I think this shelter in particular is really cool because its design is based off the concept of an umbrella. Its basic function is to provide shelter for people giving and receiving food aid, and for the people to be able to chill out under and gather their strength a little. Its canopy is made of PVC-coated polyester [ PVC = :-( ] which reflects sunlight for temperature control.
The Paper Log Houses in Kobe, Japan, are built on top of foundations made out of crates that beer was shipped in, which is really cool. Way to reuse, reduce and recycle! According to the book, the crates are not susceptible to water damage and they're durable--a big plus. These houses were designed by the firm Shigeru Ban Architects in response to earthquake victims' need for temporary housing, and they are easy to assemble, dismantle and recycle. How cool is that?
The most awesome design of all is the Barefoot College that was built for the people of Tilonia, India, and it was designed and built by the people who were going to be its intended students (with the help of Bhanwar Jat, Neehar Raina, Rafeek Mohammed and a group aptly named the Barefoot Architects). It cost only $21,430 to build, which just blows my mind. There are a lot of really cool things about this project. Everyone who lived in the area and who were going to study at the college was consulted for their opinions about how it should be built. Solar panels generate power for the college. Instead of using wood and contributing to the area's deforestation problems, geodesic domes were made from discarded building materials. Again, way to reuse, reduce and recycle! I'd love to be able to check this out in person some day.
