About Open Shelter

Open-Shelter is an initiative that emerged from a 4-week short project class at the Münster School of Architecture in the winter semester 2021/2022.
The aim was to develop architectural concepts that, in contrast to the current tent cities of most refugee camps, represents a better shelter. The 'Spannungsfeld' lies between temporary use, modular structure, cost efficiency, delivery speed and a shelter that can be adapted to individual needs.

The resources of innovative technologies and architecture should not only be available for out project studies - that is why we publish the course results on this page, available to everyone from everywhere.

The Results

The following section shows the result of the 4-weeks initiative project, sorted by different categories.

Challenges

A project like this one needs a sensitive approach, here are some of the aspects to be considered

Affordable Materials

In reality, a construction may not cost more than $360 (source: UNHCR 2021).

Affordable Materials

Privacy

A refugee tent is often shared with many others, often for many years.

Privacy

Temporary

Both governments and refugees often do not want to establish a permament situtaion in crisis areas and therefore a solution should be temporary.

Temporary

Safe Space

A shelter must also be a safe space for the supposedly weak. Many refugees are still minors and cannot protect themselves.

Safe Space

Local

Using locally available building materials or local industries creates real benefit for the region and can also increase the acceptance of the original population.

Local

Customizable

Every individual and every culture has different needs. A solution that is customizable will have a better acceptance.

Customizable

Want to learn more about a specific project?

Do not hestitate and get in touch!