I kind of have a fantasy of going around with my computer and a digital camera and helping homeless people create social netwroking profiles on myspace...friendster...etc. After all, Rupert Murdoch does have the public's interest in mind by purchassing MySpace, right?
ha,
that project is a great example of how misguided most designers are when tackling real problems.....what happened to clearly stating the problem before coming up with solutions.......this is where good intentions get just a little orwellian and end up making a mockery of the situation they're trying to help.
...transmit radio frequencies to a receiver, triggering audio samples of the person's name, age and place of origin.
Despite the honorable intent, the optics of this device are pretty negative. It seems patronizing and vaguely Orwellian. Streeter ingenuity being what it is I'm not so sure this semi-portable unit would be welcome or even necessary.
The materials seem problematic as well. Out-gassing PBDEs in the waterproofing and the questionable robustness of the electronics are obvious factors.
It's the whole freedom of choice question that makes me uneasy though. I'd much prefer to give my 35$ to Cameron.
What are your thoughts about it Orhan?
Every time I see a cardboard shelter I recall an article I read in grad school in which the possibility of being set on fire while sleeping was quoted as a common fear of the homeless. Makes rhat cardboard tent look dangerous to me.
It appears to me that part of the rationale behind this project is to offer a crude bridge to "the grid" for those that want it. The idea of re-enfranchising through technology, if the liberty to opt-in/out is an explicit aim, merits further exploration and support beyond this project.
The DIY subculture that this project could have emerged from reflects a low-tech utilitarian imperative that celebrates scrappy ingenuity and serious fun, in many cases for its own sake. It’s this same bootstrapping ethos, rather than complex ideation, which made this beleaguered project available where it’s arguably needed the most—St. Francis of Assisi Church in NYC.
Shellhouse has been soundly pilloried just about everywhere I’ve come across it. I just hope the lessons that emerge from this are worth it for the designer.
Nice words! and while you abuse of the suffix ¨ly¨, there´s still many people who don´t care about your words, your thoughts, or mine. Their issues day by day are basics.
Many projects had been done in this regards, not 1 successful, because if we really give a damn, homelessness wouldn´t exist still.
Maybe, we don´t need designers to deal with this anymore, BUT ONLY GOOD INTENTIONS.
Jun 2, 07 11:08 am ·
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I kind of have a fantasy of going around with my computer and a digital camera and helping homeless people create social netwroking profiles on myspace...friendster...etc. After all, Rupert Murdoch does have the public's interest in mind by purchassing MySpace, right?
ha,
that project is a great example of how misguided most designers are when tackling real problems.....what happened to clearly stating the problem before coming up with solutions.......this is where good intentions get just a little orwellian and end up making a mockery of the situation they're trying to help.
Absurd. I'd love to meet the homeless person who spends $35 on this nonsense instead of making their own...
You can buy a tent for $34.93 that's waterproof and portable at REI. link
...transmit radio frequencies to a receiver, triggering audio samples of the person's name, age and place of origin.
Despite the honorable intent, the optics of this device are pretty negative. It seems patronizing and vaguely Orwellian. Streeter ingenuity being what it is I'm not so sure this semi-portable unit would be welcome or even necessary.
The materials seem problematic as well. Out-gassing PBDEs in the waterproofing and the questionable robustness of the electronics are obvious factors.
It's the whole freedom of choice question that makes me uneasy though. I'd much prefer to give my 35$ to Cameron.
What are your thoughts about it Orhan?
like, i want to do design for the homeless market too.
maybe get some ad sponsors on the 'cardy' homes or something...
got milk?
Every time I see a cardboard shelter I recall an article I read in grad school in which the possibility of being set on fire while sleeping was quoted as a common fear of the homeless. Makes rhat cardboard tent look dangerous to me.
i can finally afford a home! praise jesus!
It appears to me that part of the rationale behind this project is to offer a crude bridge to "the grid" for those that want it. The idea of re-enfranchising through technology, if the liberty to opt-in/out is an explicit aim, merits further exploration and support beyond this project.
The DIY subculture that this project could have emerged from reflects a low-tech utilitarian imperative that celebrates scrappy ingenuity and serious fun, in many cases for its own sake. It’s this same bootstrapping ethos, rather than complex ideation, which made this beleaguered project available where it’s arguably needed the most—St. Francis of Assisi Church in NYC.
Shellhouse has been soundly pilloried just about everywhere I’ve come across it. I just hope the lessons that emerge from this are worth it for the designer.
Nice words! and while you abuse of the suffix ¨ly¨, there´s still many people who don´t care about your words, your thoughts, or mine. Their issues day by day are basics.
Many projects had been done in this regards, not 1 successful, because if we really give a damn, homelessness wouldn´t exist still.
Maybe, we don´t need designers to deal with this anymore, BUT ONLY GOOD INTENTIONS.
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