ARCHITECTS CHANGING HOMELESSNESS

It seems within every city across the globe there is a problem of epidemic proportions. That problem is homelessness.

As affordability of housing reaches crisis point, where purchasing or renting a home becomes unobtainable, living on the streets becomes a reality for some. Sometimes lifes circumstances can change dramatically in the blink of an eye. Homelessness is not just about those with mental health or drug issues, it also effects those down on their luck, who have no family, friends, council or government support to turn to.

As a creative profession more architects should be considering ways they can help those less fortunate. These ways may be as simple as a gesture to volunteer their time for a charity, or volunteer their skills in developing ideas and concepts to design shelters and accomodation to assist the homeless. It has been refreshing to see some architects recently doing just this.

Local architects, Schored Projects designed fifty seven affordable and portable housing units to assist in accomodating Melbourne's homeless community. An initiative between the architecture firm, the victorian government, VicRoads Launch Housing and a donation from business men Brad and Geoff Harris. The portable homes can be built quickly , one a day, and cost effectively at $80,000 each.

Over the last four years Hayball Architects have participated in the 'Sleep at the G' which raises funds for the homeless. Hayball has raised money for The Melbourne City Mission through the generosity of fellow architects and professional colleagues. Sponsorship of the Hayball team provides opportunities for the homeless via housing, education, employment and health.

Architecture students are also becoming involved in assisting the homeless. The University of Queensland School of Architecture has their annual 'Winter Sleepout'. UQ Students and staff together with Brisbane based architects and colleagues sleep out to raise funds for the homeless living on the streets of Brisbane. QU are committed to addressing the serious issue of lack of shelter and accomodation for those in need.

Overseas there are initiatives such as the LA County's 'Yes to ADU Design Competition'. This competition asks entrants to consider the difficulty in housing within the LA area, by designing with accessory dwelling units (ADU) to assist with the lack of housing. Many of the entrants explored shipping container, prefabricated or modular systemised units as a solution to this growing problem.

Cheddar.com recently posted a video of a 3D printed 'geopolymer concrete' home that can be constructed within a matter of hours for a reasonable price. 3D printed homes are the way for the future and could provide us with the best solution to eradicting global homelessness.

There are also those within the public eye who have been leading the charge and utilising their voices and social media platforms to helping the homeless and disadvantaged. Those such as Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Bethenny Frankel. The more people that are committed to changing our world and helping those without a home or shelter, the better.