Exhibition:

Installation in the "Couched Constructions" exhibition [March 2 - April 19] at the Herron School of Art and Design.  The exhibit was curated by Wes Janz to explore the untapped potential in the items we discard after we no longer need them for their original intended use. 

The abundance of couches left on the streets, many with only surface damage, provides a vast field of strong and durable materials that could be revived in numerous forms.

Mobile Refuge:

"Mobile Refuge," a collaboration with Charmalee Gunaratne (Kansas City, MO) and Kate Lengacher (Ft. Wayne, IN), is a manifestation of the abundance of couches and the fluctuating need for temporary shelter.  From disaster relief efforts to emergency shelter overflow to homeless individuals living on the street, the Mobile Refuge provides a covered place to sleep, storage for personal belongings, and the ability to be relocated easily by one person. 

Process:

The design and construction aimed to use basic components from the couch, common hand tools, and additional parts found at any hardware store (screws, hinges, casters, and staples).  This would allow others to recreate multiple pieces with a set of basic instructions and found couches.

Our process is a part of the Eco Abet blog

http://www.ecoabet.org/search/label/Couched%20Constructions

http://www.herron.iupui.edu/galleries/exhibitions/couched-constructions