Framlab Wants to Revolutionize the Way We House the Homeless

Founded by Norwegian designer Andreas Tjeldflaat, Oslo and New York–based creative agency Framlab has revealed a concept proposal for the production of hexagonal pods called Homed that could help to house New York City’s homeless. The firm aims to utilize often overlooked urban spaces, such as window-less, blank façades of multistory buildings, by attaching the single-occupancy units onto these unused surfaces of “vertical land.”

A standard Homed pod will begin with a steel hollow structural section covered with a 3D-printed, recycled polycarbonate shell. The exterior of the unit is then fitted with a pre-fabricated steel and oxidized aluminum façade, while its interior is clad with wood laminate. Each module will offer customization options for appliances, furniture, storage space, and utilities. Attaching pods together, as another option, would expand the interior space and add other functions such as a shower, an extra bed, a reading nook, or communal space. “The unit is designed to provide year-round housing that can withstand harsh, cold weather and provide a cool space during summer,” according to a release.

The recently unveiled proposal showcases Homed pods in a honeycomb-shaped cluster, installed on a scaffolding structure. Use of scaffolding allows easy access to each pod while also facilitating the installation, expansion, and disassembly of the units. The front façade of each pod will utilize smart-glass technology that can transition between transparent and opaque options, as well as display digital advertisements.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, ARCHITECT.