WHAT IS BEAUTY?

During my travels, I have encountered many states of disrepair; Argentinian slums, the south side of Chicago, Indian Reservations. What is so beautiful about them? Resourcefulness is beauty. Limitation is beauty. People in these situations are the best and most sustainable builders because they are limited to found objects. This inspired me to look closely at the huge issue of homelessness in urban environments. Since homeless shelters are easily filled, I wanted to create a temporary, accessible, and highly portable living situation made only out of found cardboard. Because of the simple pattern, this "structural blanket" can be laid flat to sit on, propped against a wall to block wind, or stretched over you to create a more private space. Because it is so lightweight and portable, it can be handed out to people turned away from homeless shelters that are full.