Arizona student redefining affordable housing.

University of Arizona

As a study in affordable housing, Christopher Thompson (a senior at the University of Arizona College of Architecture) is reworking the prefabricated home. "Prefabricated homes offer so many benefits - from low-cost manufacture, rapid construction, minimal site impact, they could be made of green materials, and they are perfect for urban infill projects. The question remains, however - Can they be beautiful?"

The ultimate goal for Thompson is to create a home that is completely versitile and capable of changing to a residents different needs. "The design is modular and the resident could have the freedom to alter his or her home layout in minutes - rooms can move, walls and partitions can be removed or added - it's simply a puzzle that you can put together any way you want."

Thompson hopes to be able to build a prototype of the design with the help of donated materials and funds. "I'm always looking for building materials everywhere I go but things like aluminum trusses and money aren't usually lying on the side of the road. I'd welcome anyone's desire to help. A starving student can only do so much!"