DOONYA: A Sustainable Solution for Homelessness

Revolutionizing Homelessness with Innovative Design

DOONYA, which means 'world' in more than a dozen languages, is a Singapore-developed community service project that merges design with engineering and technology. Its sole objective is to address the forthcoming urbanization crisis by offering environmentally friendly, integrated, transient, fully-serviced, and durable maker-pod-homes to those in need.

A key strength of DOONYA lies in its unique properties. It is a completely customizable, sustainable full facility that allows a family unit to be built in just four hours, by as few as four people, using just one allen key. Each unit has a unique GPS number, providing the homeless with an address and an identity. Additionally, it features an alarm system to prevent domestic abuse, a terrace for fresh air and sunlight, and a roof garden with solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

The realization of DOONYA is made possible through POD Structures' Tubelar® technology, a unique construction innovation that enables the rapid assembly of an entire family unit. This technology allows for mass production with minimal materials and easy stockpiling, making it a versatile emergency shelter unit.

DOONYA's technical specifications include a typical unit size of 18 sq.m., which can be extended up to 40 sq.m. as the family grows. It is equipped with a universal sink and shower, can be quickly disassembled and relocated, and is ideal for deployment to disaster-stricken areas lacking basic facilities. By providing personal space and a sense of dignity, DOONYA helps restore hope for victims of natural disasters and conflicts.

The DOONYA project was made possible through the collaboration of various entities, including Rinkoo Bhowmik of the Cha Project, Samuel Vedanaigam of Pod Structures, Christina Ho of Royal RSM, Rithika Thomas of Ecolabs, Prof Christine Yogiaman of Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Ted Lin of Stonehaven Structures.

DOONYA's interaction is facilitated by its Tubelar® infrastructure technology. It offers a range of groundbreaking features, including no eviction, transient homes that do not require land titles, flat-packed pre-packaging for efficient assembly, and expandability to accommodate growing families.

DOONYA can be deployed in impoverished urban areas, informal settlements, disaster relief efforts, war zones, low-cost housing projects, refugee camps, and rapid deployment shelters. Its versatility and ease of assembly make it a valuable solution for various contexts.

Despite the challenges faced in terms of cost and offsite construction, DOONYA has successfully overcome these obstacles to provide an innovative and sustainable solution for homelessness.

DOONYA has been recognized for its excellence and impact, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. DOONYA's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contribute to a better world.

With DOONYA, Jackie Lai and the collaborative team have revolutionized the concept of homelessness, providing a sustainable and dignified living solution for those in need.