Scottish design agency Suisse is raising funds to develop its RD-Shelter prototype, which could be rapidly deployed to house people displaced by war or natural disasters.
The campaign was launched by Suisse founder Paul Gray, who has spent the last seven years perfecting the shelter design.
"Disasters do take many forms; war, famine, crop fail, the fallout from the actions of aggressive dictatorships, landslide, typhoon, extreme weather conditions ? the list goes on," said Gray.
"The common ground in every instance is the exposure that those displaced have to endure," he added. "They have to wait too long for the most basic forms of protection. The most basic shelter."

The rapid deployment (RD) shelter is made from fluted polycarbonate ? a plastic material often used for roofing. The shelters are opaque, windproof and waterproof, and can house two adults and two children. The housing locks from the inside, and inhabitants can also store items in the base of the structure.

Related story: Designnobis proposes pop-up disaster relief shelter for earthquake-affected families

The RD-Shelter's pinched-in shape means it can be folded down to 25 per cent of its assembled height, allowing it to be stacked for more efficient transportation. According to Gray, it can be constructed without the need for tools or specialist crew, and holds itself up "with nothing more than tension".
Suisse's RD-Shelter is currentl...