April 16, 2007
What started as a classroom assignment turns into a project to help the community.
Benjamin Pratt, professor in art and design, asked students in his sophomore-level studio class to develop and build one-person homeless shelters as a real-world problem-solving assignment. The designs had to be portable, compactable shelters that addressed the needs of individuals who are homeless.
The student creations included a cloak that converts into a tent and a hanging shelter inspired by a cocoon. At the culmination of the assignment the designs were presented and donated to representatives of a non-profit organization, People Inc. of St. Paul, Minn.
Two designs were identified as being exceptionally viable for mass production. Pratt and eight of his students have volunteered to seek funding and material donations to mass produce the shelters, which can be made for approximately $10 each.
For more information or to donate, contact Pratt at prattb@uwstout.edu.
