| cart+, designboom.com mobile cart competition, shortlisted top 3% of 4250 participants. codesigner: eric siu |
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A new cart design alone cannot solve the problems that created the need for shelter carts in the first place. However, a new cart design can make people think, speak to the public, empower its users, promote individuality, creativity and independence, illuminate problems of shelterless individuals who are typically invisible, and simply be used in ways that its designer has never dreamed of.
The CART+ uses cut and pre-punctured pieces of discarded tires as a means for connecting hollow metal square tubing together to create numerous structure configurations. The configurations can be individualized, catering to different types of programs and personalities. The structure is based on creating triangle forms throughout, since the flexible tire pieces provide no tectonic stability on their own. Additional parts can be attached via bolts, using the same recycled-tire method. | |
The above is one of infinite possible configurations. A base unit is used as a starting point and consists of a 2 foot by 3 foot welded steel tube structure, cross bracing and a pair of 16 inch wheels. Predrilled holes on the base unit and at the ends of varying lengths of tubular metal rods are attached to the base unit with precut portions of old rubber tires, using ¼ inch steel bolts, washers and nuts. The flexibility of the tire connections absorbs vibration, thus reducing noise.
Bungee-cord and ball connections can easily be used to attach bags and tarps to the structure, as is commonly found in camping equipment, creating containers as well as vertical and horizontal surfaces for collecting, carrying, displaying, shelter, etc. | |
