If you ever wonder about understatements and 'take-it-for granted' aspects of life, constantly coming back to shelter after a brutal winter storm or a blazing heatwave probably hovers around the top of the list. Unfortunately, there are enough and more refugees from severely underdeveloped countries and countries stricken with social, political and economic crises who do not have this luxury. The article, 'A New Ingeniously Designed Shelter For Refugees - Made By Ikea' examines how the furniture giant seeks to transform the lives of millions of refugees seeking shelter.
For several decades now, the United Nations has been in charge of providing for and catering to the needs of these poor self-exiled souls in need of a home, over the years with the numbers amassing, the organization responsible for promoting international cooperation is comparable to any local government body whose once noble intentions have been teetering between corruption incapability. So who then will take care of these millions of unfortunate people who are looking for a wall to lean on? Ikea has decided to be the white knight and take matters into its own hands. With a breakthrough social innovation that provides shelters made of plastic mounted of a super steel foundation, Ikea's new project trumps the United Nation's loosely based excuses for shelters by incomparable measures.
Using a newly conceived polymer called Rhulite, which lets light into the house during the day but prevents casting of shadows at night, Ikea's innovation is not only more secure and stable, it also provides the refugees a chance at a normal life, one where they can avail electricity and heating, and use their right to privacy and live without having a constant of feeling of being watched. It seems like Ikea has struck a balance between making these shelters light enough to be able to transport effectively all the while ensuring they are resistant to harsh weather conditions.
Working with the UNHCR, the United Nation's refugee agency, Ikea is all set to test their new innovation in Ethiopia. Now, while the costs associated with making these shelters is far more than the currently existing tents, the benefits far outweigh these costs. Besides, with mass production and economies of scale, the costs will drastically reduce over time and make this venture a truly innovative social enterprise. The question that remains to be answered is whether Ikea has made the right call in focusing their attention around ensuring the privacy of the refugees, when they could have steered their efforts more towards strengthening the structure or perhaps, just making it bigger. Luxury or comfort? Only time will tell.
For several decades now, the United Nations has been in charge of providing for and catering to the needs of these poor self-exiled souls in need of a home, over the years with the numbers amassing, the organization responsible for promoting international cooperation is comparable to any local government body whose once noble intentions have been teetering between corruption incapability. So who then will take care of these millions of unfortunate people who are looking for a wall to lean on? Ikea has decided to be the white knight and take matters into its own hands. With a breakthrough social innovation that provides shelters made of plastic mounted of a super steel foundation, Ikea's new project trumps the United Nation's loosely based excuses for shelters by incomparable measures.
Using a newly conceived polymer called Rhulite, which lets light into the house during the day but prevents casting of shadows at night, Ikea's innovation is not only more secure and stable, it also provides the refugees a chance at a normal life, one where they can avail electricity and heating, and use their right to privacy and live without having a constant of feeling of being watched. It seems like Ikea has struck a balance between making these shelters light enough to be able to transport effectively all the while ensuring they are resistant to harsh weather conditions.
Working with the UNHCR, the United Nation's refugee agency, Ikea is all set to test their new innovation in Ethiopia. Now, while the costs associated with making these shelters is far more than the currently existing tents, the benefits far outweigh these costs. Besides, with mass production and economies of scale, the costs will drastically reduce over time and make this venture a truly innovative social enterprise. The question that remains to be answered is whether Ikea has made the right call in focusing their attention around ensuring the privacy of the refugees, when they could have steered their efforts more towards strengthening the structure or perhaps, just making it bigger. Luxury or comfort? Only time will tell.
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