"Solos: Future Shack"
2004-05-14 until 2004-10-10
Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
New York, NY, USA

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution presents the award-winning architectural prototype FutureShack in the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden, May 14 through Oct. 10, 2004. Designed by Australian architect Sean Godsell and entered into Architecture for Humanity's relief housing competition, FutureShack addresses the shelter needs of refugees and homeless persons around the world. Constructed from one ready-made twenty-two-foot-long shipping container, FutureShack is equipped with a minimum of industrial materials and is entirely self-contained, which enables multiple structures to be stacked and shipped to crisis sites. Maintained by solar power, FutureShack is ready for occupancy within twenty-four hours.

The second installment of Cooper-Hewitt's Solos exhibition series, which explores groundbreaking, innovative international and contemporary architecture and design works, spotlights FutureShack because it represents a departure from what we think of as "domestic architecture," says exhibition curator Floramae McCarron-Cates. Sean Godsell comments, "The need 'to house,' born out of adversity, offers for architects the opportunity to provide shelter for fellow human beings in need."

This exhibition marks the first time FutureShack will be on view outside of Australia, and also represents the first major architectural project by an Australian architect in New York City. About the Solos series The Solos series was launched in 2003 to showcase innovations in the field of architecture and design, including designs new to the market or to construction, or new design in the research and development stages.

Solos: FutureShack is made possible in part by and with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency.

For more information about Architecture for Humanity visit: www.architectureforhumanity.org

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of New York

Other Important Exhibitions in New York