There is a record high 65.3 million people displaced around the world right now. When fleeing war or natural disasters, people often take only what they can carry, forced to leave the majority of their personal belongings and their homes behind. Their transient lives usually begin again under a temporary shelter or tent of some kind.
This nomadic, uncertain plight of refugees was the inspiration behind Jordanian-Canadian architect and designer Abeer Seikaly’s Weaving a Home project.
“In this space, the refugees find a place to pause from their turbulent worlds, a place to weave the tapestry of their new lives. They weave their shelter into home.”
The durable mobile shelter is inspired by elements of nature such as snakeskin and traditional weaving. The durable dual fabric structure is waterproof, provides protection from the cold and opens up to provide a breeze in the heat. It is designed to contract and expand making it ideal for mobility while still providing modern comforts such as heat, running water, electricity, and storage.
It’s basically the one-man band of tents.
Rainwater is collected at the top of the tent with any overflow running off the sides. The water provides basic sanitation in the form of a clever shower system. The tent also has the ability to collect and store solar power that can be used for light and heat.
This unique design won Seikaly the 2013 Lexus Design Award. The tent is currently being developed, and once complete, it is sure to be a lifesaving design for millions of people in need of a comforting safe space, and a temporary home when they have none.
