felipe campolina’s 32.4 sqm portable housing unit can make parking areas habitable

‘urban camp’ proposal by felipe campolina 

Brazilian architect and 3D visual designer Felipe Campolina reveals his proposal for the ‘Micro Housing 2022’ contest launched earlier this year by Impact Design Competitions. His project, titled ‘Urban Camp’, envisions an affordable, portable, and easy-to-assemble building system that makes parking lots habitable for those seeking temporary or permanent refuge and housing. Each unit spans 32.4 sqm and can comfortably accommodate more than four people.

‘This model applies to any car-centric city. It’s like a manifesto against car culture by occupying parking spaces and making them habitable for a temporary or permanent situation. In addition to fulfilling its role in the housing deficit, this action aims to awaken people’s interest in urbanism for cities that privilege people more than cars,’ writes Campolina. 

the front facade of Felipe Campolina’s design, showing volumetric details

scaffolding structure with a double-height living space 

Felipe Campolina (see more here) proposes a Tube & Clamp scaffolding as the main structure for each ‘Urban Camp’ unit, pairing it with wooden lumbers and OSB boards to complement the ‘stiffness’ of the design. Meanwhile, clear polycarbonate tiles cover the entire roof for proper waterproofing.

The high-ceiling interior splits over two levels; the first floor features an integrated living and kitchen space and a sleeping area hosting four beds arranged vertically, creating a unique spatiality. The second floor, meanwhile, holds a compact workspace that can be accessed by a ladder fixed on the wall. In addition, every room within the housing unit has built-in storage furniture, including a full bathroom that connects to an outside service area.

Thanks to its rapid DIY mechanism, the ‘Urban Camp’ model can quickly turn into a micro-village of 25 units hosting over 100 people comfortably and safely. 

bird’s eye view showing another unit being assembled next to the existing one

simulation of an urban village inside a car parking area

Felipe Campolina’s proposal of 25 units inside a car park can house over 100 people

lateral facade

compact interior with a high-ceiling and integrated living & kitchen space

every interior space has built-in storage furniture

the sleeping room features 4 beds arranged vertically, creating an unusual spatiality

project info:

name: Urban Camp
architecture + visualization: Felipe Campolina | @fpcamp 

competition: Micro Housing 2022 

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.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom