Design

CONCEPT

The biggest issue in Mae La is overcrowding. In order to alleviate this problem,  the houses must look to build vertically. In theory, if the area of once current house held two families, half of the camp would become usable for farming and other public activities. The vertical shelter will also free space for
circulation both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The houses in Mae La are so tightly packed together that one would have trouble even walking around. This problem is made worse by new refugees coming in and building houses in the middle of roads and pathways. By cutting the number of building foot prints in half, the camp becomes much less congested and has room for community buildings and activities. The space would also allow family to maintain small gardens to supplement their food rations.