Blog
SHELTERED September 29 2009
In light of the recent tragedy that has hit the Philippines, I began to think more about sustainable living conditions there. The pictures from the typhoon that really moved me were those of the squatters - where already poor structures were affected by heavy rains and rising water, causing complete submersion and the collapse of roofs and walls. A large portion of the population lives in this type of community. The country is in fact third world, and living in a high rise condo or in an urban home is just not realistic.
So my brainstorming actually brought me to the Guggenheim website. The New York museum is currently holding “Design It Shelter Competition”. It is a contest inviting both amateur and professional designers to model a shelter, all while keeping the relationship between architecture and environment in mind. 600 contestants submitted, and then 10 finalists were chosen.
To my surprise, one finalist was from the Philippines who created “a bamboo shelter in a garbage dump city”. Using bamboo on a concrete base, the shelter promises refuge from heat and rainfall. I immediately thought of how great it would be if squatters had that kind of safety, especially in a time like this. The winner of the contest will not get his/her shelter built, but instead get cash and travel prizes. Fair enough, but if this dude wins, there will be a little more awareness of the lack of sustainability in the Philippines. Voting is open to the public HERE.
IT HAS BEGUN September 29 2009
Bring on the scarves, beanies, jackets, and other outerwear. It looks like the Fall season has finally hit Los Angeles. I really hope I don’t have to retract this entry in the coming weeks.
