Search

Multifunctional Patchwork Helps Solve Cohabitation Issues

Italian designers Giulia Pesce and Ruggero Bastita delved into the world of cohabitation for homeless people and refugees who tend to share spaces with others, therefore, not having a space of their own. That research led to their final industrial design project, called Patchwork, at Designskolen Kolding.

With a rise in homelessness and immigration, shelters have to house multiple people in large, open spaces. That means little to no privacy for those staying there. Patchwork aims to improve the quality of their lives by offering a flexible personal space they can customize as they wish. The design allows for various functions, like sleeping, working, storing clothes and belongings, etc., with amenities like hooks, a mirror, and a shelf, that can all be adjusted to their needs and liking.

Patchwork was developed in collaboration with the Danish design studio Hans Thyge & Co, where the duo now work as designers, and the Department of Architecture and Design of Politecnico di Torino as advisors for the research.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.