#ROSHOP - Responsive Open Source Modular Housing Prototype
What is #ROSHOP?
Responsive Open Source Modular Housing Prototype or #ROSHOP is a collaborative media inspired modular house for complex post-conflict and politically unstable environments, responsive to refugees, and resource scarce needs. Sounds complex, but it is simple! The youth in Pagirinya, through #ASKnet member YEF, built a house that utilises affordable local resources and materials, is documented through open source media tools and can be replicated in other refugee settlements and beyond.
What makes #ROSHOP unique?
The building process involves open source digital technologies such as Github and was planned and coordinated 100% online by a distributed team in Uganda, Germany, and Canada. Furthermore is a sustainable and culturally relevant building made using vernacular architecture that involves local materials and indigenous techniques. The first iteration of #ROSHOP is at the Pagirinya Refugee Settlement, called the Pagirinya Satellite House.
Residents expressed gratitude for having a space they could call their own, a place where their needs were heard and accommodated. For some, it provided a conducive environment for education, with one resident expressing joy in being able to complete a software engineering course. The building’s cool interior, in contrast to Pagirinya’s heat, served as a natural refuge for concentration and learning. Both the local government and partner organisations like UNHCR recognise the value of having such a house in the refugee community.
The journey towards #ROSHOP is synonymous with the journey towards the Pagirinya Satellite House - an innovative building solution proving impactful in post-conflict and politically unstable environments.
