Date: 16 July 2007
About Living Steel
Living Steel, a worldwide programme to stimulate innovation in the design and construction of housing, was launched in February, 2005. The programme was developed to help address societal pressures stemming from increasing urban population densities. The United Nations figures currently estimate that 180,000 people relocate from rural settings to cities every day.
Living Steel, is a five year programme managed by the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI), an industry representative body that has committed more than €14.25 million to support the global search for more efficient and effective housing solutions.
Funded through the contributions of the worlds leading steel manufacturers Living Steel includes and represents Arcelor, Baosteel, BlueScope Steel, CELSA Group, Corus, Erdemir, IMIDRO, Mittal Steel, Posco, Ruukki, and Tata Steel.
With the population predicted to reach eight billion people by 2020 and international migrants numbering 191 million in 2005, the need for sustainable housing solutions is a political precedent. Through the Living Steel programme, those in the steel industry have clearly stated their commitment to work collaboratively to help address this significant global challenge. Currently underused in the residential sector, steel allows for faster construction, durability in structural strength and flexibility in designing solutions for the worlds growing urban population. It's also the world's most recycled material making it a smart and viable option for housing.
Central to the Living Steel initiative are a select number of international architecture competitions, each presenting architects with the opportunity to bring their vision for effective and affordable housing to life. The first competition focused on the development of housing solutions in India and Poland–these projects are now underway. The second competition will feature projects in Brazil, China and the United Kingdom and are scheduled to commence in 2007.
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