Sustainability Problem: Rise in Homelessness
New York’s state constitution says that “the aid, care and support of the needy are public concerns and shall be provided by the state and by such of its subdivisions.” And yet homelessness is a growing concern, increasing by 35% in the last 5 years. A significant rise in rents (18%) and only a minimal increase in income (5%) have largely contributed to this growing concern.
The first step in eradicating homelessness is to provide people in this situation with proper housing. Knowing that they have a roof over their heads can help these people focus their energy on the other much needed efforts to move out of homelessness. In fact this is also the solution according to the Coalition for the Homeless.
Sustainability Technology: 3D printed modular units
Oslo and a NYC-based design firm Farmlab has proposed an innovative idea to tackle this problem. They came up with Homed, which involves hexagonal-shaped, single-person units that came be attached onto empty walls on buildings – which the firm calls “vertical lots”. This can be a reasonable solution to the overcrowded and transitional shelter problem that many homeless people face on a daily basis.
According to Farmlab, The prefabricated units would be attached to and be accessible via a scaffolding that would rise up alongside windowless, empty building walls, and could be easily disassembled, if needed. The units would come with an outer aluminium shell, and interior walls 3D printed from recycled polycarbonate. Smart-glass (electrochromic glass) windows would help to shade or light the unit’s interior as needed, while providing a view for inhabitants, in addition to providing advertising opportunities for sponsors. Inhabitants can also design their spaces according to their preference and their furnishings can also be 3D printed using bioplastics. Additional, bathing and communal units can also be added as needed.
Also considering that these are individual units, more people will be comfortable taking advantage of this type of housing opportunity, unlike in shelters where safety, security, and stealing are major concerns. These units can also be assembled, expanded, and disassembled fairly quickly. The utilization of scaffolding as super structure for the system is the crux of the solution, as it allows the city to use land that would be too difficult and expensive to develop. Homed puts these individuals on the right path to overcome their hardship and does so by providing them with a supportive and improved life.
Low income housing is needed, but lack of land and increased land costs are major hurdles to overcome for the city. Currently NYC’s Dept. of Homeless Service has an operating budget of $955.3M, clearly showing the depth of the city’s financial burden in regards to homelessness. Throwing more money at the problem is not the answer, but innovative solutions in addition to helpful/alternative policies can do much to help the homeless more effectively and efficiently.
Stakeholders:
- Homeless people
- NGOs dedicated to helping the homeless
- City officials looking to reduce homelessness
- NYC residents
Technology Implementation & Distribution:
Build out these 3D pods and test their safety and quality before any use.
Then engage city officials by showcasing the benefits of such a housing project. Ask them to provide a test area to assemble these units.
Encourage discussions with the Dept. of Homeless Service to have a group of people test out this new housing development and ask them to provide feedback.
Upon proven success, seek support to implement this on a larger scale. Continue the monitoring and feedback mechanism to ensure that all needs and concerns are met.
By: Bhoomi Shah UNI: brs2147
Comment on “Floating Cities” by VishantKothari
The idea is to build these communities in safe/sheltered waters and provide aquaculture farms, healthcare, medical research facilities, and sustainable energy powerhouses. The first city would be built on a network of 11 rectangular and five-sided platforms so the city could be rearranged according to its inhabitants’ needs like a floating jigsaw. A feasibility report by Dutch engineering firm Deltasync says the square and pentagon platforms would measure 164ft (50metres) in length and they would have 164 ft-tall (50 metre) sides to protect buildings and residents.
I think this is a great solution to the planet’s climate change problem. Water is going to be a major concern for many at risk areas (i.e. the Polynesian islands) when it comes to housing and if we can work with this element rather than fight it, survival is more likely.
makeasmartcity 