The Open Source House ‘is a non-profit organization that aims to provide better, more sustainable housing in low-income countries.’
What makes this project particularly unique is the ‘open source’ bit. Their design competition challenges participants from across the globe to create a house design for a middle-class family in Ghana, based on 8 design principles (including, being able to be produced locally and minimising energy consumption).
The ideas are then shared on the site so that they can used – and improved upon – by others. The web platform also makes it simple for designers to share ideas, co-operate and even connect with people in Ghana to get a feel for the location.
Of course Ghana is only the pilot in a project which hopes to see 100,000 sustainable homes built in developing countries before 2020:
“The platform will be a source on the internet which offers a huge diversity in smart and sustainable designs freely accessible for everyone; it will be a place where creativity is never lost. Furthermore, on the platform the designs can be upgraded, improved and adjusted according to the specific needs within a certain region or according to cultural needs, available materials or other circumstances.”
Open Source House is a project from architect Vincent van der Meulen and Enviu, an organisation which scouts and develops ideas around innovative, sustainable entrepreneurship.
This is one idea that seems to tick those boxes – and a model that you could apply to lots of societal and ecological issues. What problem would you like to turn your entrepreneurial flair to?
Site: www.os-house.org
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