ChangeX '06 -- 'Shelter in a cart' - OPEN DESIGN STUDIO
Kicking off the ChangeX’06 activities list we have the ChangeDesign take on the DesignBoom ‘Shelter in a Cart’ competition…
This Blog is to get this idea worked on in the short amount of time that we have; entries are due this coming Friday, so we have to work very quickly.
To start the workshop we have Col James, Richard Goodwin, Elliat Rich, & Louisa Dawson to talk about their different experiences and interpretations on the ‘homeless’ situation.
the workshop being run by- Hugo & Cas
attended by- Alyx, Phil, Elliat, Louisa, Wendy, Maddy, Cas, Hugo, Anita
Through our pre-workshop chats, everyone is thinking about this project objectively, but we’re still coming at the topic with an outsider’s point of view- how do we find out what the people you’re designing for really need?
We don’t have time to go and try to find people who might want to talk to us about their experiences living on the streets, but as our speakers are working / have worked with homeless people, they are able to give some insights into the issues facing people on the streets, and clear some misconceptions at the same time.
Not having that much time to work on this project, we decided to do a return brief that could be passed on to DesignBoom; trying to negotiate the concept so that the effect that it could have for “the issue of homelessness” might go further than producing a prototype.
We’re thinking of the cart, tools, mobility, security, solitude, community, shelter, resourcefulness, transformation, public perception, community awareness, public & private space, social infrastructure, design ethics, the welfare state.
Main stance taken within the workshop-
“The issue isn’t about being homeless, but the way that people perceive homelessness.”
1. homelessness isn’t usually about choice, it is often a result of circumstances and bad choices that can’t be easily undone.
2. most people just want to blend into the surrounds and don’t want to draw any attention to themselves with a fancy new cart. some people want to be left alone altogether.
3. most of the welfare that is available to homeless people, only comes once they’ve reached the bottom of the downward spiral; it’s not there to prevent a problem, it’s trying to patch it up.
4. the biggest issue in our society & regarding homelessness is the social prejudices that people living on the streets come up against when needing to interact with the “normal” people in society, this is re-enforced by the infrastructure of “normal” society eg. councils putting in park & bus stop furniture that deters people from resting at them (i.e. the cold sloped metal benches at central station, & the park benches that have been sub-divided with arm rests).
5. Homelessness is a way of living differently in society, it challenges materialism, and encourages resourcefulness & sharing; however, the people who usually find themselves living this life-style do not take it knowingly out of a sense of adventure, but out of necessity- what other options are there?
Main needs identified when living on the streets (by the workshop):
i.Security
ii.A permanent address that can act as a postal address & ‘drop in’ point
iii.Access to support networks, i.e. ‘wet’ centres for socialising, food, amenities, counselling, etc.
TWO WAYS OF TACKLING THE PROJECT-
-A promotional campaign trying to raise the social acceptance of homeless people.
-A tool that could be given to people who are homeless.
(apologies that I don’t have time to write up what Col, Elliat, & Louisa talked about, your work is amazing, & sorry to Richard for the slow start- see you next week.)
word gets around. core77 blogs ChangeX:
http://www.core77.com/blog/education/australian_student_design_activism_3498.aspPosted by Anthony H on 03/12 at 12:22 PM(cheers Anthony)
ok, so the deadline went whooshing by- we wont be letting this one go that easily though.
the DesignBoom entries will be posted in April at-http://www.designboom.com/cart_shelter.html
it’s not like the issue has a used by date in any case.
Posted by on 03/28 at 03:32 PMfor some lovely urban images (particularly carts) - see
http://www.endcommercial.com/press/ecmain.html
& the book that accompanies it.
found at the UTS library, if you’re a student/staff member or know a student/staff member there- otherwise you have to pay to get in… you need a swipe card to get in.Posted by on 08/01 at 07:39 PM
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