Natural disasters are becoming more frequent as a result of the climate crisis. These have recently been made visible by the many floods in Germany, which destroyed many houses in a short space of time. Those affected no longer have any home and often lose their entire home.
After several discussions with medical professionals, THW and those affected, it became clear that the loss of normality and, above all, one's own privacy is a decisive factor for further, long-term psychological damage. Humanitarian standards were therefore particularly important for the development process.
This is where the "Emergency Nest" shelter network comes in. The material and the construction method symbolize the sustainability and self-sufficiency of the design, which are becoming increasingly important in today's world.
model in scale 1:10 made of sintered material
The Emergency Nest consists of 3 basic materials: an aluminum frame, aluminum honeycomb panels and PVC tarpaulins. These form a lightweight framework that is very durable and cost-effective. The shelter is easy to set up thanks to the reduction to a few handy components, which are assembled using a simple plug-in system and lightweight tools. In addition, the small pack size and the associated transportation are significantly simplified.
Human dignity is a fundamental human right. This is very often neglected in mass emergency shelters. The individual design of the Emergency Nest is an attempt to give this back to those affected to a certain extent.
The interior has a modular design, which creates an analogy to a tool wall that can be individually adapted to the needs of each person and each situation. The folding mechanism on the side walls provides additional space and area for individual design. This provides more than 120% more space.
Thanks to the modularity of the basic frame, it is possible to design various large nests that can be adapted to different situations and needs. Exchange and communication are particularly important in crisis situations. For example, larger nests can be used as dining rooms or meeting places. But sanitary and supply nests are also provided.
Many other features such as solar panels, sockets and drinking water filters with an accompanying rainwater collection system also enable a digital interface between self-sufficiency and normality.
Due to the uncomplicated, quick set-up, easy transportation and independence, the nests can also be used as emergency accommodation in other crisis or migration areas where there is a lack of basic infrastructure.
this project was created as part of the Rimowa Design Prize 2024 in cooperation with Ole Müller
Thanks to Prof. Christian Scholz and Volker Mahn for helping us out