Innovative tent for refugees harnesses renewable energy

Nearing the half-decade mark, the Syrian Civil War has by modest estimates already created four million refugees and driven at least seven million inside the shattered country to abandon their homes.

Unfortunately, those forced to flee frequently escape one battle only to encounter a new one: the struggle to live normal lives in crowded refugee camps, or finding basic shelter on the road between their old lives and their new.

Temporary dwellings for Syrian refugees are often nothing more than simple tarpaulin tents. These are tasked with providing protection from scorching heat and bitter cold, and shielding inhabitants from rain and snow.

Seeing this aspect of the crisis unfold, Jordanian-Canadian architect and designer Abeer Seikaly decided to use her unique set of skills to do something about it.

Over the last two years, Seikaly has worked on developing an innovative multi-purpose tent shelter that she hopes can be put to use aiding displaced individuals such as the Syrian refugee community.

Unlike the austere tents seen in images of refugee camps like Zaatari in Jordan, Seikaly’s tent harnesses renewable energy, uses unique structural fabric allowing controlled ventilation, and can be broken down and transported easily.

Original article by Samuel Wendel

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Innovative tent for refugees harnesses renewable energy