VISIBLE GOOD
Visible Good and the RDM
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Visible Good (VG) was started in 2011, with just a handful of tools, some empty warehouse space and an idea. My goal was to develop a building that would revolutionize the disaster relief/humanitarian shelter sector. The result is the RDM (Rapid Deployment Module), a structure that can fold up into itself to become its own shipping container. These buildings are tough, attractive, easy to put up and take down, they are interconnectable and sustainably manufactured. Shortly after completing the original prototypes, we had our first orders. I had never founded a manufacturing company before, but with the help of advisors, great consultants and two partners, Visible Good was born. Since then, VG has developed highly energy-efficient systems for the US Army, deployed to disasters in the US and abroad and has continued to develop new and better systems. To be clear,, VG was not just about a design - it was building a business. To that end, as a founder and CEO, I had my hand in all aspects of planning, management, fundraising and investment efforts, branding, marketing, etc. I have been awarded two US patents for the design of the RDM. Please return to the Home page to see a short video of an RDM coming together.
This image was developed to very quickly "tell the story" about how our shelter goes from box to building. Please see the video on my home page for more.
The RDM arrives as a crate and UNFOLDS to become the shelter. Just two people and 30 minutes needed. No tools or previous experience required.
Expeditionary solar power system shown is by ZeroBase.
Engineering analysis showing wind load deflections at 100mph wind loads. FEA was conducted as part of a research/design contract for the US Army.
Army RDMs were tested at the Army's Soldier System Center at Natick MA. This one was subjected to nearly 100mph winds and -60F degree temperatures.
Thermal imaging shows Army test RDM at -60 degree temps, unit shown is heated to 70 degrees (a differential of 130 degrees). This military prototype is so well insulated, it achieved this delta-T with just 4800 watts of heating!
Following Hurricane Maria, VG raised funds and created a new housing program with Puerto Rico Rises, a local non-profit.
The VG/PRR program delivers Solar Shelter Kits. These come complete with water filtration, solar power and shelter for families seeking to rebuild.
VG/PRR program is STILL operational and has helped hundreds of people with just three Solar Shelter Kits.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, All Hands and Hearts Volunteers responded with a full-scale rebuilding effort on Abaco. As part of that effort, VG created a unique partnership with Air BnB that facilitated the construction of a new base camp. Shown here are AH&H volunteers constructing RDM shelters.
This image shows the "village" part of base camp. 32 volunteers call this home.
Two interconnected RDMs form the Base Camp's HQ. The team leaders love to use the white board walls to communicate, post schedules - and have fun.
The village at sunset. If you look closely, you can see the volunteers have taken to using whiteboard markers to add a personal touch to the exteriors!
I just love it when people begin to make a product their own!