Weaving Hope

Inspired by elements of nature such as snakeskin and sand and by the nomadic lifestyle, Abeer Seikaly designed these fascinating multipurpose tents with refugees and other people who have been displaced by global war and/or climate change in mind. The impressively simple design won her the 2013 Lexus Design Award and is now on the path to taking action as it’s currently being developed and tested.

How does it work? The carefully thought-out flexible tent structure is made with dual layers for many purposes. For one, it gives it the ability to close out the cold of the winter and wet weather. It also opens up to allow cool air in and hot air out in summer. The tent also possesses the ability to become a showering facility, as it is able to collect rainwater and store it in pockets on the sides. The water is then drawn upward through a thermosiphoning system (a method of passive heat exchange based on natural convection) providing basic sanitation. The tent also provides electricity fueled by solar power. When the tent’s fabric receives solar energy during the day, it stores the energy in a battery for use at night.

This simple yet efficient structure has an amazing potential to be a life-changing solution to many people around the world. It can provide excellent shelter for people who have experienced natural disasters or provide basic human rights to those who are living in unthinkable conditions. This design and what it stands for are truly remarkable.

For more in the ingenuity and spec of this creation, visit abeerseikaly.com