Prefabricated housing is a pressing issue¿-¿for those looking for affordable homes as well as
for refugees fleeing wars or natural disasters. Along with politicians architects were caught
unawares by the recent waves of migration due to the wars in both Ukraine (2022) and Syria
(2015). However are tent cities and containers the best solution for cheap dignified and
quickly assembled accommodation for displaced persons? This challenging situation along with
the changing urban landscape with its ever-diminishing space calls into question existing
standards in relation to serial housing. Bold and unconventional ideas are called for if
architects are to offer high-quality solutions. From eccentric experiments all the way to
projects that have already been realised international design teams present their work between
the twin poles of unconventional developments and life-saving shelters in this volume spanning
more than 250 pages. Introduced with articles on design principles and divided into three
sections according to the form the structures take when delivered - cuboid panels and custom
units - the book covers everything from playful follies to architectural constructions for the
homeless and outpatient medical stations which offer a response to social problems and space
shortages. The text photographs and plans put forward ideas as to how more can be done than
the mere assembling of containers. Should we not first consider notions bordering on the absurd
in order to come up with workable solutions for housing today?
