The southern German city of Ulm has devised an innovative approach to provide shelter for homeless individuals during the frigid winter months. They have developed a series of sleeping capsules, or “nests,” which serve as an ideal alternative for those reluctant to utilize traditional shelters.
Capable of accommodating up to two people, these capsules enable the homeless to sleep and stay warm during the winter, when outdoor conditions can be life-threatening. Additionally, the nests can be locked to ensure the occupants’ safety.
More info: UlmerNest.de | Facebook
Though the concept of this shelter is commendable, it is currently only available during the winter and in limited quantities. The primary objective of these nests is to prevent homeless individuals from freezing to death.
Now in their second year of use and testing in Ulm, the nests continue to undergo improvements. Each capsule is hand-assembled, and the current cost is expected to decrease once the prototypes have been refined.
The pods are well-insulated, equipped with solar panels, and provide ample space for luggage and a pet. Professional cleaning services are employed to maintain proper hygiene standards after each use.
A member of the Ulmer Nest team elaborated on the high-tech aspects of the capsules, stating that they have improved the door design, insulation, and climate management to optimize humidity and temperature levels while operating on a limited energy budget. The nests have also been integrated into Ulm’s city-wide wireless IoT network.
The Ulmer Nest project was initiated in 2018 at the behest of the city of Ulm as part of their temporary problem-solving initiative, “Wilhelmsbüro.” The team dedicated to assisting the homeless is comprised of product and interface designers as well as software and hardware developers.
More photos are below!
All credits: ulmernest
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