With around 60,000 homeless people in Los Angeles and others seeking interim or emergency accommodation following natural disasters, architects Perkins and Will have come up with a possible way to reduce the numbers out on the street. It involves the DOME, a ready-furnished module for use in dividing existing interior spaces into multiple units, and so making optimal use of available space.

Working in collaboration with Missouri-based Shield furniture manufacturers, the architects opted for combining furniture with structure. The result is a single module to which others can be attached and removed, which includes an extra long twin bed; open overhead, and box-like under-bed, storage space; and a lockable wardrobe. All these fit into a 7ft (2.13m) by 6ft 2in (1.88m) area. And there’s still space for a small pet kennel if needed, and for sitting, standing and moving around.
Wardrobes Hold the Domes Together
At the helm of the design is the wardrobe which runs the full width of the unit. Its back panel forms the “wall” dividing it from the next unit, and its width is split into two separate zones, bridged by open storage space. One zone is recessed to accept the bed’s head, while the other houses a 6ft (1.8m) high and 2ft(60cm) deep locker. The wardrobe’s side panel includes an electric outlet as well as a recessed LED light to cast light into the aisles between rows of DOME modules, so reducing the need for overhead lighting.