Built in Indexhibit
© 2007-2022
In Denmark, we are experiencing increasing homelessness. More and more people end up — due to various reasons — on the streets. Statistically, the amount of homeless people in Denmark has increased by almost 30% during the past ten years. So far many different strategies have been tried out without luck, and the problem keeps growing.
Finland and Norway have, with success, implemented the strategy Housing First and hereby decreased homelessness by 40% over the past ten years. Housing First has also been implemented in Denmark, yet only 5% of homeless people in Denmark receive this support. KRAKA, the Danish, private socio-economic organisation, made a report in 2019 on how to eliminate homelessness completely in Denmark by 2030. This would require construction of 1.300 houses for the homeless annually through 2022-2030. The plan would not only make homelessness history, but would also let the municipalities and the government save two billion DKK during the construction period.
Architectonically, it is important to develop housing with permanent and home-like character, constructed in robust and durable materials. In general, homeless housing is exposed to a large amount of wear and tear. It is an architectural vision to make the homeless citizens cherish the homes and take good care of these. This is to be accomplished through high architectural value and well designed homes and surroundings, based on the idea that the higher the quality the houses have, the more people will take care of them.
'Home' is an important word. This is not a temporary solution, but a home where you — as a former homeless person — can live for as long as you wish.
The project won the European Commissions New European Bauhaus, Rising Star 2021.