Homes for Hope

Homes for Hope is a collaborative project by 11 architectural students at University of Southern California and a design foundation called MadWorkshop. It is a temporary transitional living unit that can be built fast, cheap, and free of red tape. This new approach, in response to the increasing homeless crisis and the inefficiency of the conventional homeless housing solutions, aims to house more neglected individuals in a shorter period of time. 

One thing I found interesting and encouraging is that their prototype (92sgf) is about the same size as my Rubix unit. And its built cost of $25,000 is a valuable reference number for me when I do my budget analysis. However their unit does not have a bathroom, which I think is essential for an independent living.

Another thing I like about this project is that the team shares my very same belief that the design should support dignified living in terms of amenities and aesthetics, despite the tight size and budget of the unit. The stacking quality of the units offers the opportunity to make the building complexes look nicer and more blended into the neighborhoods.     

Looking closer to their design, I am impressed by how the design concepts are professionally presented in their drawings.