Through the articulation of morphological studies and research into housing issues, I propose producing collapsible structures to be used as portable shelters. I use architecture as a medium to create a housing model that I conceive in relation to the observation of homeless people.

This project allowed me to reflect on the growing number of people living on the streets, not by choice. In Buenos Aires, more than 5,800 people live on the streets, and another 20,000 are at risk of becoming homeless.

At the same time, I am intrigued by the indifference of our society.
My goal is to provide shelter and make the entire population see reality.
From a social perspective, my gesture is provocative. It's to alert our society to the serious housing problem facing Buenos Aires.

From an architectural perspective, my goal is to explore ephemeral, ever-changing, and nomadic structures. It's the breaking of a premise in architecture: immobility versus nomadism. I attempt to systematize nomadic housing through the ancient technique of origami.
Is a shelter architecture? Is architecture without footprints possible?

This object/space will be a temporary shelter for its users.
An urban parasite that becomes visible to society, a striking, morphologically complex and contemporary design.

Two worlds intertwine: architecture advances against a harsh reality.
Does living in a designed device bring dignity?

I propose to provide a roof.
I propose a new way of transience, a new identity.
Space, roof, shelter, temporary, dignified.

This project doesn't address the basic right to access housing, but it does address a specific need: providing temporary shelter for homeless people.
It is an immediate response to a real need.
An impermanent architecture that leaves no trace, but makes a present problem visible.

START:
My first step was to contact Juan, my model user, who lives on a sidewalk in the Villa Crespo neighborhood. I spoke with him about his needs. My goal was to provide him with a cover that would protect him from the elements at night and accompany him on his trips during the day.

DEVELOPMENT:
I developed a catalog of foldable shapes using the origami technique, the art of paper folding. The prototype's functionality had to meet the following characteristics: waterproofing, thermal insulation, durability, lightness, easy storage, and comfort. Once the paper model was chosen based on the morphological needs, the material research began, culminating in the selection of corrugated plastic, laser-cut and taped along its flexible edges.  
At the same time, I researched the homeless population and reflected on the consequences of this project.

ENDING:
I delivered a finished prototype to the user for testing. I developed a website describing the project's progress, which will allow me to update it with future developments.