While we traditionally think of housing as fixed and stable, designers have been experimenting with new models that could provide more flexibility, which are highlyapplicable to solving the homelessness crisis. Some of these homes are expandable to adapt to larger or smaller families and lot sizes, while others are designed to be customizable to reflect the values of whoever lives within. Others are designed to be modular and stackable, or double as a vendor cart to provide a means for income as well. Still others are designed to attach to existing buildings, or are retrofitted from buses and storage units. This approach emphasizing flexibility could help to accommodate those experiencing homelessness in new ways that are exciting alternatives to traditional housing types.
EXAMPLES



Mobile Shelter Doubles as Vendor Cart
Washington State
paraSITE Provides Inflatable, Warm Housing
Boston, MA
Customizable Chilean “Half-Houses”
Consticucion, Chile