I'll huff and I'll puff...

Wired News reported last week that engineers in London have created an "instant building" that can be carried in a bag to wherever it is needed and then assembled by just adding water and air.

The structure is intended to improve upon two current methods of providing emergency shelter: tents, which provide only poor protection, or prefabricated, portable buildings that are expensive and difficult to transport. Dubbed the Concrete Canvas, the shelter incorporates the best aspects of both forms. It is almost as easy to transport as a tent, but is as durable and secure as a portable building.

The 172 square-foot structure can be set up by a single person in 40 minutes, can be ready for use in 12 hours, and is sterile and clean enough to serve as a hospital operating room. A pocket-sized team of surgeons and nurses are available as an add-on and also expand when added to water.

The engineers are currently working on the even more daunting challenge of creating an instant building permit from the city.