natura futura designs a mobile micro shelter for homeless people in ecuador

part shelter, part kiosk, ‘the ambulantito’ is a portable device conceived by natura futura arquitectura for homeless people who move from one city to another. designed for the ecuadorian and latin american context, the project provides an emergency refuge while raising awareness of growing poverty rates. the structure is mounted on wheels and features foldable elements that transform it from a basic shelter into a kiosk to sell food or other products.

images by natura futura

‘latin america and ecuador are experiencing a tangible reality, the indigence rates resulting from immigration and the current economic crisis are continually growing,’  says natura futura. ‘faced with this, we question ourselves: what can we do from our profession to alleviate and raise awareness about a situation that we witness every day? using self-management, it was possible to collect resources, collaborate with friends and join forces for a common goal.’

the ambulantito is envisioned as a temporary solution, meaning it can be shared, donated, moved and loaned. it’s also designed to be adaptable so that homeless people can use the shelter as a kiosk in parks, local fairs, and on the street. in this mode, the device serves as a vehicle to generate income.

the mobile device measures 2.5 × 0.85m and is built from a structure of square metal rods and panels of locally sourced timber. it has two eaves, one fixed and the other operable, which, when opened, creates a stall-like frontage. there’s even a chalkboard to advertise what’s on sale.  

a key aspect of the design was to make sure people’s belongings are safe. to achieve this goal, natura futura implemented folding lattice doors on each side, securing any personal property or products intended for sale. the lower side supports can be folded up during the day, allowing easy mobility around the city; and unfolded at night, providing enough space to rest.

natura futura continues, ‘the ambulantito is a first small step towards raising awareness of urgent needs such as shelter, productivity and human safety, seeking to be an engine of consciousness that opens up new possibilities and reflections on our role of responsibility regarding the realities of the city.’

project info:

name: THE AMBULANTITO – rolling productive micro-shelter

location: babahoyo, los rios, ecuador

architect: natura futura

area: 2.10 sqm (22.60 sqft)

collaborators: ambrosio, luis martinez, erika tobar, vanelly dumani, andres cruz, fernando romero, maria elena diaz & andre marinov, jhonatan andrade, baby noah, carlos viteri, daniela alarcon

photography: natura futura

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.