You can’t measure how creativity has changed the world, but thanks to the inventions that come out of the shadows every day, you get something bigger. Such is the case with these cabins that have appeared in a city in southern Germany. These futuristically designed capsules are there for a reason, as reported by the British newspaper BBC.
Mysterious capsules with futuristic design: what are they for?
Seeing the homeless wandering the streets, one often wishes to help them and protect them from the cold and wind of winter. This is what a German city has proven by providing the homeless with a futuristic looking capsule roof during the winter months. These small habitats have seen the light of day in Ulm, a city located in southern Germany, more than 120 kilometers from Munich. Homeless people will be able to benefit from this original and well thought-out initiative.
“Ulmer Nests” or “Nids d’Ulmer” in French, these sleeping pods built of wood and steel have been placed in parks and other public spaces with the aim of sheltering people in need. According to BBC, the idea dates back to four years ago, precisely in 2018. At the origin, six entrepreneurs who decided to invest and act in favor of this cause. Indeed, in addition to being spacious enough to accommodate two people, these capsules are equipped with thermal insulation to protect those who take shelter in them from the wind and cold. And although there are no surveillance cameras, motion sensors alert the volunteers of the Caritas Ulm-Alb-Donau association in charge of the project as soon as the doors are opened. The volunteers then carry out an on-site check to ensure that everything is in order, but also to provide help, support or assistance to anyone using the shelter. In addition, solar panels have been installed to save energy during the day.
Ulmer’s capsules: a promising pilot project!
According to the inventors of the “Ulmer Nests”, the capsules are part of a pilot program to test whether the facilities are suitable to offer sufficient protection against winter cold waves, especially since the city of Ulm reaches extremely low temperatures during this time of the year. If the tests are successful, the installation of these compactly shaped cabins could be extended to the whole country and why not to the whole world in the very near future.
Homeless capsules: a dream that will change our world
Ulmer’s nests are far from being an alternative to homeless shelters, they were designed to be used only in emergencies, for people who find themselves on the streets and can’t get a roof over their heads for the night. The most important thing is that this creative idea has come to fruition. Provided that the governments, associations or companies of each country can make things happen and provide the necessary funds to implement these cabins in the four corners of the world.
For some more than others, life can be very hard. This is the unfortunate daily life of the homeless, who, in addition to facing the challenges of life every day, must also endure the cold, dark nights of winter. But with a little help and a lot of compassion, lives can be saved.
