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Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects
Shigeru Ban Architects have designed temporary homes for Japanese disaster victims inside a chequerboard of stacked shipping containers.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_02.jpg)
Above and below: prototype unit
Once the Multi-storey Temporary Housing is constructed it will provide 188 homes in Onagawa for those left homeless by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_03.jpg)
The containers can be placed on unlevel terrain or narrow sites and should be able to withstand future earthquakes.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_04.jpg)
Containers can be stacked up to three storeys high, with open spaces between each apartment.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_05.jpg)
The architects, who have constructed one prototype apartment, suggest that temporary residents may choose to stay in the containers permanently.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_06.jpg)
Since the disaster in Japan, Dezeen has published a few projects by designers to raise money for victims - see all the stories here.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_07.jpg)
Another recent story on Dezeen features shipping containers that provide a sea-facing observation deck - click here for more stories about container architecture.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_08.jpg)
Images are from Shigeru Ban Architects
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_09.gif)
Here's some more information is proved by the architects:
Multistorey Container Temporary Housing
Temporary housing are starting to be deployed disaster areas.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_13.gif)
However, the number of the amount of housing required is insufficient. The main reason is that most of the damaged coast areas are not on level terrain.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_12.gif)
Usually, temporary housing is suitable for flatlands, and providing the required number of units is difficult.
![dezeen_Multistorey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects_11](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_11.gif)
Click above for larger image
Our project to Onagawa, Miyagi prefecture is to use existing shipping containers (20 feet) and stack them in a checkerboard pattern up to three stories.
![Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects Multi-storey Temporary Housing by Shigeru Ban Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_Multistorey-Temporary-Housing-by-Shigeru-Ban-Architects_10.gif)
Click above for larger image
The Characteristics of multistory temporary housing:
» shorten the construction period by usage of existing containers
» possible to build up tp 3 stories and to be build in narrow sites or slope lands
» placing containers in a checkerboard pattern and create a open living space in between
» excellent seismic performance
» can be used as a permanent apartment