A new portable heat shelter called Neralu was showcased at the Sweat and Concrete 2025 event in Bengaluru, India. Designed to support outdoor workers facing extreme heat, Neralu is a lightweight, easily assembled shelter that can accommodate up to four people and is made from affordable materials like metal and plywood. It costs about $175 and is designed to be easily transportable.
The shelter emerged as the winner of a design contest highlighting the need for solutions to protect India’s outdoor workforce from rising temperatures due to climate change. Organizers aim to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and the challenges faced by those working outside. Local architect Ankritya Diggavi and her team designed Neralu by observing outdoor workers and their current makeshift solutions.
Experts emphasize that such shelters are crucial as Indian cities experience increased days of extreme heat, posing significant risks to workers’ health and livelihoods. Despite the innovative design, some workers attending the event voiced that while shelters are helpful, more comprehensive support, such as reliable public transport and health insurance, is also necessary.
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