A groundbreaking modular housing proposal called "Shelters of the Future" has been awarded first prize in an international competition focused on creating low-cost shelter solutions for internally displaced persons in Somalia. The winning design, developed by architect Rabie Al Ashi in collaboration with renowned firm Kengo Kuma & Associates under the guidance of Anteo Taro Boschi Sanada, represents a revolutionary approach to humanitarian architecture that combines traditional Somali building techniques with contemporary design principles.
The competition was organized by Somalia's Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing (MoPWRH), the International Organization for Migration (IOM-UN Migration), and the Young Architects Competition (YAC). The initiative aimed to rethink the future of dignified, contextual, and resilient shelter design specifically for displaced communities throughout Somalia, addressing the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions in the region.
The innovative design is built around a flexible 4x4 meter spatial module that serves as the foundation for the entire system. Each human-scaled unit consists of two enclosed rooms paired with a semi-open central space and a private garden area. This thoughtful configuration allows displaced families to maintain their dignity, privacy, and cultural spatial norms while adapting to their temporary living situation. The modular approach enables these units to be organized into diverse configurations based on community needs and available space.
What sets this project apart is its adaptive clustering system that supports community-oriented living. The modules can grow organically, forming radial, linear, or courtyard arrangements that create vibrant neighborhood structures capable of evolving with changing community requirements. This remarkable adaptability allows the shelters to transition seamlessly from emergency response solutions to long-term, livable environments that can serve displaced populations for extended periods.
The project places significant emphasis on using locally sourced, renewable, and low-embodied-energy materials that reflect Somalia's rich architectural heritage. Construction relies heavily on traditional materials such as acacia logs, mud bricks, palm leaves, and earth-based finishes. The shelter system is specifically designed for low-tech, self-build assembly, which empowers residents to participate directly in constructing their homes while strengthening local craftsmanship and reducing dependency on expensive imported building systems.
Environmental sustainability and climate adaptation are central to the design's success in Somalia's challenging hot, arid climate. The shelters integrate multiple passive strategies including cross-ventilation systems, thermal mass for temperature regulation, strategic shading elements, and breathable enclosures that enhance comfort without requiring energy-intensive cooling systems. These features ensure that residents can maintain comfortable living conditions year-round while minimizing environmental impact.
The design also incorporates important social and cultural considerations that are often overlooked in emergency shelter solutions. Gender-sensitive layouts ensure appropriate privacy and safety for all family members, while designated spaces for small-scale farming and livestock support livelihood recovery efforts. Shaded communal areas are strategically placed throughout the modular neighborhoods to encourage social cohesion and community interaction, helping displaced families rebuild social networks and maintain cultural practices.
Shelters of the Future represents a paradigm shift in humanitarian architecture, moving beyond the concept of temporary fixes to propose a scalable, culturally grounded, and resilient architectural framework. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can grow with its users over time, restoring not just physical shelter but also stability, dignity, and a crucial sense of belonging for people living in displacement contexts. This award-winning approach offers a replicable model that could transform humanitarian shelter design across similar contexts worldwide.
