10/08/2025
[𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝘼𝙍𝘾𝙃𝙄𝙑𝙀𝙎]
(This)place: A Scalable, Modular Solution for Displaced Communities
Resilience to disaster is not enough, we need to be resilient ourselves. While foreign aid and temporary government support help cities recover, they often create a “dependency culture.” Foreign emergency aid does not always align with local needs, leading to ineffective solutions and long-term reliance rather than self-sufficiency.
One of the most critical aspects of recovery is housing. Post-disaster victims lose more than just a structure; they lose a part of themselves. Their homes carry memories, emotions, and cultural significance. Relocation may be necessary, but it often disrupts their identity and community ties. Post-disaster reconstruction should not just rebuild structures but restore lives, allowing people to regain control and rebuild in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
What if housing solutions could evolve from temporary shelters into permanent homes? This design proposes a modular, vernacular-inspired system that is adaptable, transportable, and responsive to users’ needs. It allows displaced individuals to modify and personalize their spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and stability. With a 360° design approach, this solution provides more than shelter—it offers a transformative path to recovery, empowering communities to rebuild, reconnect, and reclaim their sense of home.
Rebuilding homes, Restoring lives
Award: Top 50 Finalist, Tiny House Design Competition 2024
https://volumezerocompetitions.com/competitions/result/tinyhouse-2024
Design Team:
Kim Russel Manjares
Kier Vince Tinae
Josh Puenteblanca