2024 - HALO - hope and light
overcoming

The HALO project represents more than just a physical shelter; it is a beacon of hope and light. concept Throughout history, humanity has faced countless challenges from wars and natural disasters, leading to significant displacement and the loss of homes. Each year, millions are forced to seek refuge in emergency shelters, a reality that has yet to be fully resolved. One of the most pressing issues in these shelters is the lack of adequate lighting, which restricts activities after sunset and increases safety risks for both adults and children. In these dark conditions, not only do displaced individuals lose their physical homes, but they also face the erosion of their hopes and dreams. Recognizing the profound impact of light—both physical and symbolic—on human well-being, the HALO project aims to provide a dual solution: addressing the need for nighttime illumination and reigniting the spark of hope in the hearts of those affected. It acknowledges the deep connection between physical environment and emotional well-being, aiming to restore a sense of home and hope to those who have lost so much. Central to the design of HALO is the concept that the happiness of parents and children is interlinked, and by uplifting one, you can uplift the entire family. This philosophy is embodied in the shelter’s features, which encourage interaction and joyful experiences. Atop the shelter, four colorful circles harness the abundant daylight typically available in the regions where emergency shelters are often situated. These circles not only enrich the aesthetic appeal of the shelter but also create playful shadow games for children and adults alike. Families can manipulate shadows and light patterns by placing perforated paper under the circles, providing a temporary escape from their circumstances and fostering a sense of normalcy and creativity. The phosphorescent properties of the shelter’s materials play a crucial role. By absorbing sunlight and artificial light, these materials glow after dark, ensuring safety and visibility within the shelter environment. This feature is essential for nighttime, as it allows for activities and provides a sense of security. The inner layer of the shelter serves as a creative canvas for children, who can draw and create stories along its surface. At night, these drawings come to life through shadows cast by the glowing outer layer, turning the shelter into a storytelling haven. A distinctive feature of the HALO shelter is its adaptable triangle hat structure, which attaches to the outer layer. These hats, which come in two colors representing the unity of parents and children, can be personalized with drawings and worn by family members. This not only enhances visibility in emergency scenarios but also strengthens family bonds as they create and wear these symbols of unity together. Furthermore, incorporating phosphorescent materials into these hats increases safety, allowing parents to easily locate their children in low-light conditions. Materials The HALO shelter is ingeniously designed with two layers, inspired by the playful and resilient spirit of children. The outer layer is reminiscent of a children’s toy, the Hoberman sphere or “breathing ball”, made from phosphorescent plastic. This material captures light during the day and releases it slowly at night, providing a reliable source of illumination. The inner layer offers privacy while creating an engaging light play environment for children, transforming the shelter into a place of comfort and imagination. Cooperative structure Designed with scalability and sustainability in mind, the HALO shelter employs a scissor-like structure made from lightweight, recyclable plastic. This design ensures easy assembly and disassembly, portability, and minimal environmental impact.