Design and build houses for a minimum cost for developing countries or emergency situations. This was the challenge set by the Harvard Graduate School of Design that together with the Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Chile launched an architectural competition. The subject of the competition, the ‘elementary’ dwelling designed by some of the best architects from around the world.

The jury – including Jorge Silvetti and Rafael Moneo – has chosen seven winners. Each has been made into a prototype house of 25-30 square metres (350 square feet) to be developed in 150-250 examples. The cost of each unit 7500 dollars. Making the idea more concrete is the programme VSDsD (Vivenda Social Dinamica sin Deuda), sponsored by the Chilean government that will offer the necessary funds to those who are unable to pay rent. E.S.