Gallery: Ikea Develops a Smart Flat-Pack Shelter for Disaster Refugees

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    IKEA's flat-pack refugee shelter is meant to increase comfort for refugees in harsh climates. *Image: Ikea Foundation*
  • Image may contain Outdoors Nature Building Rural Countryside Shelter Housing Flooring and Indoors
    Rocco Nuri
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    The unit's square footage is double that of a tent. *Image: Ikea Foundation*
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    Shelter1

    The shelter is made from a special polymer that helps control temperature and increase privacy. *Image: Ikea Foundation*
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    shelter6

    A solar panel will provide electricity for a light and USB port that is inside each unit. *Image: Ikea Foundation*
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    shelter4

    The units come in flat-pack boxes and take around four hours to construct — no tools required. *Image: Ikea Foundation*
  • Image may contain Building Nature Outdoors Rural Shelter Countryside Housing Farm Loft Barn and Flooring
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    shelter2

    The shelters are tall enough for standing room. *Image: Ikea Foundation*
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    shelter3

    A current prototype. *Image: Ikea Foundation*
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    shelter5

    Flat-pack box. *Image: Ikea Foundation*
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