Sharing The Dwelling: Innovative Design Provides Shelter for the Homeless

Combining Advertising and Housing to Address Homelessness

Sharing The Dwelling is a groundbreaking design that utilizes the form of advertising boards to create shared adobes. Construction investors who promote and advertise on these boards also provide a place for the homeless to seek refuge from the elements. In return, the homeless individuals maintain and clean the advertising boards, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The design of Sharing The Dwelling is simple yet effective. Made from lightweight materials such as nylon and plastics, these shelters measure 1500mm in width, 3000mm in length, and 1500mm in height. The shelters can be easily transformed from fixed advertising boards to rectangular shelters with a simple unlocking mechanism and sliding panels.

By integrating advertising and housing, Sharing The Dwelling not only provides a practical solution for the homeless but also offers economic benefits for investors. The design allows homeless individuals to earn their keep by maintaining the advertising boards, creating a sense of reciprocity and mutual benefit.

Designer Kang Shan explains, "Shared housing is a design based on advertising boards. It not only provides advertisement propaganda and economic profits for the construction investors but also offers shelter for the homeless. This approach differs from traditional rescue methods, as it allows homeless individuals to contribute to the business while securing a place to call home."

The project, which began in October 2018, was completed in February 2019 at Zhengzhou University of Light Industry. The design team, consisting of Kang Shan, Ding Wang, Mengyao Pei, and Yanan Zhou, worked together to overcome creative and technical challenges to bring Sharing The Dwelling to life.

Sharing The Dwelling has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in the Public Awareness, Volunteerism, and Society Design category in 2019. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards. Sharing The Dwelling stands as a testament to the power of design to address social issues and create a better world.

With its unique approach and tangible impact, Sharing The Dwelling offers a glimmer of hope for the homeless population. By combining art, architecture, design, and innovation, this design exemplifies the potential of design to transform lives and create positive change.