I'm going to take a different view. What lens are you looking through? What is a home? In different parts of the world today, "home" can mean many things. Homeless should be treated as part of any community and not shipped off to a central shelter. To me, that represents a very ill-conceived "Americanized" solution to an age-old problem.
One large problem to overcome is accurate research. As solution providers, architects "need the info, people!" Just who are the homeless and why are they homeless? The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NEAH) says that homelessness is (thankfully) in decline in most states. I don't see any statistics on the NEAH website regarding the breakdown of homeless with mental health issues. They have categorized homeless in most every other way. Without holistically addressing mental illness, in my opinion America has a much larger problem.
I have seen entire families living in about a 6x6 cardboard shelter in India and very happy. I have seen multi-generational families living together in very small structures made from surrounding natural elements in Africa and Central America. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the literal line of demarcation between the have's and have-not's is visible and extreme.
The pictures of what are referred to as homeless depict tents and other sorts of shelters as "home". Many of us might live in apartment homes, or single family (subdivision-style) homes, or if we're lucky - a custom designed home. Which one is the "right" home? I would submit that none of the solutions I have seen in India or Africa are right or wrong. They are simply different.
I categorically reject the notion that some type of large edifice or "central booking" facility should be erected to house urban homeless. The subject of "urban homelessness" is more complex and deserves more thought than building a central shelter. They need to have a place to shelter, but in my opinion, rather than forcing our solution upon them, their choice must be considered.
There are many community fears and financial limitations that will drive the decisions of our municipal leaders. Those fears and limitations must be addressed in any solution. In addition, zoning codes and ordinances across the US will require modification.
As with most controversial subjects, there are different sides of the story. Navigating a path to solution is going to be very complex. Architects should be squarely involved in solving complex and controversial community issues. Let's face it, it's right in our wheelhouse.
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Gordon Rogers AIA
EAS Department Executive
Kitchell CEM, Inc.
Phoenix AZ
Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2016 19:46
From: Eugenio Aburto
Subject: Tactical Pop-Up Urbanism for the Homeless?
A solution for homeless is design, urban design and building design.
Urban, requires land to development; a good design can attract tourists if is backed with a building design, a free forms design, with no limitations, interesting shapes. There is a construction material which gives such freedom: PAPER CRETE.
Even furniture and accessories to collect rain water are possible.
The cost: very low if people donate news papers and junk mail.
Cement, maybe an smart candidate for the presidency will give a little of the campaign money, and collect thousands of votes from the ex-homeless and the people who is suffering right now with the problem.
And the Cities will collect taxes from the ex-homeless people who will have a work and live place.
Labor: the homeless people and volunteers
Urban and building design: architects in their spare time, architectural students to see their ideas in 3 dimensions and being use.....