There are hundreds of millions of homeless people around the world. Statistics show the majority of them are women and dependent children. The largest numbers are in developing countries.
From the artist who upcycled trash into tiny houses to the MIT student who designed $5 inflatable shelters, many people are using their creativity to give the homeless a place to sleep at night. Throw another creative solution into the mix.
Barcelona-based designer Martin Azua has designed a self-inflating shelter that you can fold up and take with you.
This portable house is made of metallic polyester. When not in use, the inflatable shelter folds neatly into a pocket. Once out in the open, it reacts with body heat and heat from the sun to transform into an insulated home.
This foldable shelter is more like a cross between a tent and a blanket.
The metallic polyester material allows the heat to pass through to protect people from the cold weather. When reversed, it deflects solar heat to provide a cool interior on a warm, sunny day.
This foldable house could also be a perfect solution as a post-disaster emergency shelter or a great idea for an overnight camping trip or a hike.
