EJP | News | France | 'Five questions' to Rafi Elbaz

	Thursday, November 20, 2008 22 Cheshvan, 5769

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'Five questions' to Rafi Elbaz

Today, designers feel involved in ‘globalized’ issues and create news commitment models.

Updated: 02/Nov/2005 18:57

Rafi Elbaz, Lifeform, Kit of Parts, 2003

Photo: DR

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Israeli Rafi Elbaz and his project ‘Life form’s Kit of part Shelter’, designed shelters for the homeless in New York. He has just ended an exhibition at the Georges Pompidou centre in Paris, dedicated to design. European Jewish Press goes back over the beginning of his project.

EJP: How did the project ‘Life form’s Kit of part Shelter’ in New York begin?

The ’kit’ is a system of easy to install (3 hours). All parts are removable reconfigurable and personal sizable

Rafi Elbaz

Rafi Elbaz: My interest with homelessness began when I lived on the Bowery as a student in the late 80’s. Bowery was where most of New York’s homeless people used to be. I used to know some of them say Hi and sometimes give them money.

When I saw the competition that common ground had organized on the Bowery, I was immediately ready to participate.
Having seen my old neighbourhood transforming and becoming a place for the reach, I thought that it would be important to preserve some of its old nature. As a consequence I began to develop a dwelling solution for the homeless that is dignified and that can live up to the standards of the new neighbourhood.

EJP : Could you describe the kit?

RE: The ’kit’ is a system of easy to install (3 hours). All parts are removable reconfigurable and personal sizable. It is made for different prototypes of people and the hope is that by them been able to personalize their units they will get acquainted to the Idea of home and private space. The kit’s envelope is made out of Dura board which is a sturdy board made from straw and hard paper. It is environmental and economical the interior parts are made with plywood. The unit comes packed and with installation Instructions.

Stephan Augustin
Distillateur d’eau
Watercone, 2002
Collection particuliere
Photo : DR
It creates potable water through Solar Power
EJP : Why did you exhibit at the Pompidou centre in Paris the last month?

RE: The Pompidou centre exhibit is dealing with the idea of commitments and hospitality in architecture. When they found out about my project they asked us if we would like to participate.

EJP : In 60’s the designer Victor Papanek a champion of a committed design said the designer had politic, social and environmental responsibilities. Design may be ethic. Do you feel involve in ‘mondialisation’ issues?

RE: I do feel involved in globalization issues and in providing quick and affordable housing for the needy. I also believe that it is the responsibility of the Architect to be aware of environmental issues around the globe. This could be addressed by a selection of materials and design solutions. Design can be ethical and I see myself as an ethical designer.

EJP: When the kit could be used?

RE: Over the next year about 100 homeless people could use this kit in New York.

It could be used anywhere from a dwelling for the homeless to disaster relive to writers cabin and vacation villages. It could also be adapted to more up scaled living. In one of our recent projects whish is a condominium building with took some of the principles from here to a more sophisticated young professionals who wants high lifestyle and yet are aware to social environmental issues.

For more information click on to Rafi’s website: www.lfmshop.com

Day in history

1945: Germany

The Nuremberg Trials begin. Trials against 24 Nazi war criminals of World War II start at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice.