Go Home: A Multifunctional Tent Offering Warmth and Shelter

Innovative Design by Tian Zhuang and Xu Ruimin Aids the Homeless

The inspiration for Go Home came from the increasing number of homeless people due to factors such as war and poverty. The designers observed the harsh reality of cold winter nights in cities and aimed to provide some help. The tent, in its closed state, resembles a door, symbolizing the entrance to a home. This design not only provides physical comfort but also instills a sense of belonging.

What sets Go Home apart from other designs is its unique property of absorbing and storing solar heat. The surface of the tent is made of a polymer gel layer material that captures solar heat during the day and radiates it at night, providing warmth to its occupants. This feature is particularly beneficial for homeless people who endure cold winter nights on the streets.

The tent is made from thermal material and nylon, making it easy to produce. The technical specifications of the design are a width of 750mm, depth of 1800mm, and height of 700mm. When not in use, the tent can be folded and pasted on a wall, resembling a door. Upon opening, it transforms into a tent without obstructing the normal pedestrian flow.

The project was completed in 2017 at the Politecnico di Milano. The design process involved extensive research and observation of the living conditions of the homeless in Milan. The designers faced the challenge of creating a design that was not only functional and cost-effective but also empathetic to the plight of the homeless.

The Go Home tent has received recognition for its innovative and socially conscious design. It was awarded the Silver A' Social Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. This award is a testament to the designers' commitment to creating a design that not only serves a practical purpose but also addresses a pressing social issue.