Pallet for Home

Project Description

Friday, June 11, 2010

Once a mere industrial by-product, the shipping pallet has in recent years been gaining recognition as an exciting building material. Artists, architects, and environmentalists alike are fascinated with the re-purposing of pallets, as evidenced by myriad blogs and web posts dedicated to pallet houses, furniture, and sculpture. Could building with recycled pallets play a key role in conserving natural resources, providing affordable/relief housing, reducing waste, or, simply, pushing the boundaries of contemporary design?

Pallet City explores the burgeoning role of the pallet by juxtaposing different types of popular pallet re-uses. It invites participation and feedback, simultaneously raising questions about both the practicality and aesthetics of pallet use.

The city’s continuous linear structure is entirely built from recycled pallets, whose forms and signage imply different actions that take place within the urban environment. People are also encouraged to discover their own creative uses for the city. Thus the city is described in terms of active, democratic use rather than passive viewing or restricted access. Its fluid, morphing linear “path” also serves as a metaphor for movement, progress, and interconnectedness in a city of the future. The project also aims to spark public dialogue on the notion of city itself and the creation of more democratic, sustainable cities.

Labels: