南非的儿童之家

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We love recycled shipping containers, but weespecially love to see them used in a humanitarian context that literally saveslives. The New Jerusalem Orphanage is a sanctuary for up to 80orphans in South Africa. Designed by 4D and A Architects, this colorfulcontainer house is complete with lovely light-filled rooms and mosaicdetailing. Pick up a kleenex and flip through our gallery of these gorgeousimages byDennis Guichard for a closer look.

Two sisters established the orphanage in 2000 in order to care for children inthe Midrand who have been either abandoned or orphaned because of poverty, HIVor other social problems. Due to expansion, New Jerusalem orphanagecommissioned 4D and A to build new houses for the children, whose ages rangefrom infancy to 16. Recycled shipping containers were chosen as themain building material because they are 25 percent cheaper than conventionalbrick and mortar homes.

Each unit containsenough space for twelve children and a house mother, and two houses share acommunal kitchen, dining and lounge area. These are all vibrant, inspiringspaces that not only make the orphans feel loved and special, but also help tostimulate their stunted development.

Of course, funding forthe project is hard to come by. Whilst a host of private donors, NGOs,businesses and the Department of Social Development have lent a hand, NewJerusalem Orphanage is actively seeking more funding so they can continuethe most important work of nourishing the bodies and minds of these fortunatechildren.