Donovan Ballantyne on Wednesday demonstrates the temporary homeless shelter he built for a class project. Students were required to design portable homeless shelters that would cost under $40. The PVC pipe ceiling in Ballantyne's shelter folds into the shopping cart. Photos by K.M. Cannon. Melina Soto demonstrates her homeless shelter, which folds into an alto saxophone case. She says it was designed for a teenage girl. Homeless advocate Gail Sacco on Wednesday tries out a homeless shelter designed by UNLV second-year architecture student Yanina Umanzor as part of a class project. Sacco helped judge the designs.

Donovan Ballantyne probably has a different perspective on his latest architecture project than the rest of his peers.

The assignment to build a practical, affordable shelter for a homeless person struck home with the second-year architecture student.

"I was homeless for a year of my life," he said. "I wanted to build something to inspire them."

Ballantyne was one of dozens of students in University of Nevada, Las Vegas assistant professor Patricia Stissi's design class who presented their projects for grading Wednesday.

Stissi said she wanted the class to build portable shelters that could be purchased or easily acquired for under $40.

When she had homeless advocates, including Gail Sacco, come in and talk to the class, the students learned that the homeless have to be able to pack up their shelter quickly.

"Their concern was how fast they can get out of there, too," Stissi said, because it's illegal for the homeless to sleep in tents on the streets or in parks in the city of Las Vegas.

"Can you break this down in 30 seconds and drag it down the street when the cops are saying you're going to be arrested in 30 seconds?" Sacco said. "I am really, really pleased that the kids did it. I think they did a great job."

The structures ranged from the typical PVC-and-cardboard constructions to more elaborate and unique shelters.

Melina Soto, a second-year architecture student, designed her structure -- called the "Cuddler" -- to fit inside an alto saxophone case.

The case opens and a brown tarp large enough to hold a 5-foot 4-inch person unfolds.

"I designed it for a teenage girl," Soto said.

She said the music case could have straps attached, making it easier to carry. And the case itself could be purchased at a Sam Ash music store for $10, she said.

For many of the students, the project was a break from designing permanent structures as well as a more personal experience.

A.J. Taaca, a second-year architecture student, said he wanted to create "something beautiful" for the homeless.

Taaca's structure, although it wasn't designed to be portable, allowed the person inside to pull a string, lowering four petal-shaped flaps to let in air.

"I'm basically following the kinetic energy of a lotus (flower)," he said. "I don't want to give them (the homeless) a negative feeling."

Ed Hoag, associate director of the School of Architecture, said the project was unique for architects because it's rare that architects build anything on a one-to-one scale.

"It really stretches creativity," Hoag said. "Architects are aware of the social aspect. It isn't about sitting down in front of a computer and drawing a building."

The students tested their structures during the daytime and at night -- both during high winds -- outside the architecture building Friday.

"We had to chase several of them," Stissi said.

Many students tweaked their designs after sleeping in them for several hours Friday, but second-year architecture student Chris Boehme said he didn't change anything, and he wanted to keep his project for his personal use.

Boehme created an elaborate wood-and-PVC pipe structure in the shape of a wheeled dolly. The 60-pound structure folded up and could be wheeled away.

"I love engineering. That's why I designed it this way," Boehme said.

Stissi said the students planned on donating the projects to a yet-to-be determined organization.

"I was afraid that we would get mostly cardboard boxes and tents," Stissi said. "The one thing they told me they learned and they loved was that it was a hands-on project."