Integrated Shelter Unit

Integrated Shelter Units (ISU) is a modular shelter system that transforms underutilized commercial spaces into flexible, tech enabled environments for temporary urban use. Designed for adaptability, ISU supports a range of needs, from rest and caregiving to remote work. Offering secure, on demand access in dense urban centers like Downtown Boston.

Design Team: Savannah Cheung, Sahil Mohan, and Chelsea Jno Baptiste

Role: Product Development, UI/UX, and Brand Identity

Problem

Public spaces in cities are not designed to support essential, short-term human needs such as rest, privacy, or caregiving leaving many individuals without access to safe, flexible, and dignified environments in their daily lives. This gap disproportionately affects those navigating the city in states of transition, instability, or care responsibility.

Goals

  1. Activate underused public space with functional, responsive infrastructure.

  2. Support essential needs like rest, caregiving, and short-term privacy.

  3. Design modular, adaptable units for flexible urban deployment.

  4. Use technology for secure, on-demand access and real-time tracking.

  5. Promote equity and dignity through inclusive, non-stigmatizing design.

Research

Research identified a key gap in public space infrastructure: a lack of flexible, dignified environments for short-term needs like rest, privacy, or caregiving. Field observations and policy analysis revealed that existing spaces—such as parks and transit hubs—are not designed to support people in transitional or underserved situations. These insights guided the development of ISU as a modular, tech-enabled solution to address this overlooked layer of urban life.

Comparative Urban Analysis

Shelter and Human Need

Design Process

The design process for ISU began with analyzing underused public spaces and observing how existing environments often fail to meet basic, short-term human needs. These insights guided the development of a modular unit prioritizing privacy, flexibility, and accessibility. In parallel, an app was developed to support real-time availability tracking, secure access, and user navigation—enabling the ISU system to function as an integrated, on-demand experience within the urban landscape.

Interior of ISU

ISU Attached to Building

User Journey Prototype

Outcome

The final ISU concept delivers a modular, tech-enabled system that transforms underutilized public spaces into accessible environments for short-term needs such as rest, caregiving, and privacy. By combining adaptable spatial design with a digital platform for real-time access and navigation, ISU proposes a scalable model for more inclusive urban infrastructure. The project culminated in a public exhibition in Downtown Boston, where the concept was presented to city officials, designers, and community members—sparking conversation around the future of responsive, human-centered public space.

Pilot Activation: 3rd Space Pop-Up