Move Over Shigeru Ban, Here Comes IKEA!

The Swedish furniture company has teamed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to roll out flat-packed shelters that can be assembled (like IKEA's furniture) in four hours. At 17.5 square meters (190 square feet), the plastic-walled shelters are considerably larger than the UNCHR's ubiquitous tents, and last 10 times longer—up to 5 years. Additional benefits include solar panels on the roof and an exterior shade that cools during the day and traps the heat at night.

A prototype will be implemented in Ethiopia in July, but at a cost of 10,000 USD the shelter has a way to go to compete with the 500 USD tents. Nevertheless IKEA is aiming for 1,000 USD once in mass production, to offer the UNCHR and refugees a larger and longer-lasting alternative in times of need.