PLACE OF DWELLING

        This is a shelter designed to address the issue of homelessness in American cities, specifically Newark, NJ. Based on the experience of Newark’s Hope Village project that houses the homeless with micro units converted from shipping containers, we developed this prototype for one or more homeless individuals, aimed to be more affordable, adaptable, replicable and responsive to climate concerns. The design consists of a superstructure (roof and truss system) and a cubicle dwelling unit (pod). The superstructure, as a semi indoor space, provided a platform for various kinds of programs such as various types of dwelling units, office, bathrooms or even communal space. It’s over-structured current design gives it the flexibility to be altered in width and length to accommodate any possible future needs. Inside the 86 square ft. unit, an entire series of furniture is designed around a flexible cleat system that allows for optimal use and serves different types of residents. These furniture are either foldable or multipurpose, in order to meet the efficiency demand of the limited interior. This prototype was constructed on NJIT campus within a 5-week period by us. 

        Besides the woodworking, with my long term experience in photography, I was in charged with documenting the construction. All photos included in this project are taken by myself, postprocessed with photoshop. 

Construction pushes toward completion