Softshelter for homelessness caused by disaster | molo

softshelter is an experimental system for creating personal space within a larger shelter area in order to provide individuals and families with a sense of privacy and encourage community-building in the days following a disaster.

softshelter is part of molo’s ongoing research-driven exploration of materials, fabrication techniques and space-making with a focus on enhancing common daily ritual and flexible use of space.

We are currently preparing a study in which a member of the molo team will occupy softshelter; the flexible shelter will be set up in molo’s workshop space from now through September.

By occupying the shelter as it is being designed, we will be able to make discoveries that allow us to further refine a system that, hopefully, will one day be able to assist in disaster relief in an immediate and tangible way.

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use + care

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• view films of softwall + softblock in use http://molodesign.com/films/softwall_softblock
• Ensure that the floor surface is flat, clean and dry before setting up softwall.
• softwall + softblock are intended to have a long useful life. Nevertheless, they are made with material that is 100% recyclable (just remove magnetic end panels).

Drawing courtesy molo

softwall can be flat packed for efficient shipping and can be quickly unpacked and expanded to create walls and rooms. Communities of shelters can be set up with a small group of untrained people, in a short amount of time and without tools.

softshelter · setting up a room

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With 1-2 people, private rooms for individual families can be created within minutes without tools or experience. softwall quickly and easily expands to create the four walls of the space The end panels are connected magnetically to each other.

softshelter · setting up a community of rooms

Drawing courtesy molo

A community of rooms can be created very quickly with a small group of untrained people.
The flat packed softwalls can be easily carried to a desired area and set up in infinite arrangements. Private rooms can be joined to other ‘neighbours’ by connecting the magnetic end panels of the softwalls together.

softshelter · room types

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softshelter · connection types

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softshelter · form making

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• corridors
  Blocks of rooms can be spaced apart to create corridors that allow for circulation within the space.
• adjoined rooms
  Extended family and friends can choose to open up adjoining rooms to create shared living spaces.
• common areas
  Shifting the flexible softwalls apart creates a common living area for socializing, public activities and gatherings.
• opening rooms
  Larger open spaces can be created by compressing the walls of each room.

softshelter · room conditions

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softshelter · using the door

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The door accessory can be adhered to any softwall to be used as an adjustable door. the circular holes on the door attachment allow for easy handling from both inside and outside of the room. The door accessory can be used in all types of connection points (two, three, and four ways).

softshelter · home-making accessories

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These home making accessories allow families and individuals to personalize their space.
The clipping system, flower vase and tyvek hanger allow for personal items to be hung on the walls. Wet items and shower supplies are contained on the water resistant tyvek hanger and safe from the kraft paper softwall. The LED light can be positioned within the interior space when no other light source is available. These simple accessories empower users to create a sense of home in the temporary shelter.

softshelter · community accessories

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signage can be used in a number of ways in a community of shelters; wayfinding for emergency help, bathrooms or showers, a notice board for people to communicate, or a name that identifies the family living in a room.

The transducer accessory allows the softwall to act as a speaker for community announcements.

softshelter · 12V power

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After a disaster, essential resources like power and communication are not available. In time these resources are restored. A simple 12V power system can be integrated with softshelter to bring connection and control into the lives of those inhabiting the shelter.