Empower Shack

#104 Vhernier is supporting a project by Urban Think-Tank at ETH Zurich, in partnership with Ikhayalami, centred on microcredit and self-construction that could change the face and destiny of a South African informal settlement. #salone2015

Time Space Existence: the Future of Architecture In Venice

Until November 23, 2025, Venice is the global hub for architectural discussion with "Time Space Existence." This biennial exhibition, spearheaded by the European Cultural Centre, features projects from 52 countries, all focused on "Repairing, Regenerating, and Reusing" for a more sustainable future.

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An encounter between Carlo Traglio, the president of Vhernier, and the ebullient Alfredo Brillembourg lies behind the creation of fine jewellery in support of Empower Shack, a design response to living needs in the shantytowns of Cape Town, with a population of 7.5 million and 2,700 homes

Vhernier, Carlo Traglio e Alfredo Brillembourg — Opening photo: Daniel Schwartz/U-TT. Above: Carlo Traglio and Alfredo Brillembourg. Photo Nico K.Tucci

Presented at the Fuorisalone, the plan was developed by Urban Think-Tank, founded by Brillembourg and Hubert Klumpner and prize-winners in Venice in 2012 for work in Caracas with ETH in Zurich and in collaboration with the NGO Ikhayalami.

Vhernier for Empower Shack. photo Nico K.Tucci — Vhernier for Empower Shack. Photo Nico K.Tucci

“We don’t want to impose anything”, explains Brillembourg, “we encourage the inhabitants themselves to drive the city’s reconstruction, using what they use today: corrugated sheet metal and wood. It is important to adopt materials they are familiar with. They have to build the homes fast or they won’t have anywhere to sleep at night.”

How will it actually work? Each resident will have access to microcredit and will be involved in the process of building their home. This is where Urban Think-Tank’s simple but revolutionary idea comes in: “We decided to build two-storey houses to ensure stability even on sand with an inner frame. It is a small technical detail that changes everything”, continues Brillembourg. The additional plan is to rent out the second storey or use it for business purposes. “After all”, continues the American architect “the poor’s greatest asset is the land they are sitting on; in this way, they can double their capital. The aesthetic of the house is the least of their problems and they can upgrade it over time.

EmpowerShack, living module interior — Empower Shack, living module interior. Photo Daniel Schwartz/U-TT

“Archistars are not interested in humanising megalopolises, which is partly what appeals to me in this initiative, that and its sustainability”, explains Carlo Traglio. By no means new to such initiatives, Vhernier has already supported two projects for post-earthquake Haiti. “The guarantor behind the operation and our point of reference is ETH Zurich, where Brillembourg teaches and which, in turn, has received support from The Swiss Re Foundation”, he continues. “I’ll be going to check on things personally, in June, for instance, to decide where we shall start building the first shacks.”