"Retrofit"
[Homeless] Shelter in a Cart

Brian Pickard, Crystal Peterson, and Ryan Whitacre, 2006

Entry to DesignBoom's International Shelter in a Cart Design Competition

Although only a temporary solution, this kit can provide a homeless individual with both storage space by day and shelter by night. Designed to be fitted to a standerd shopping cart, thse kits could be purchased by community organizations and shelters to be distributed accordingly. The storage bin sits in the main compartment of the cart and helps to protect the remainder of it from its contents. Upon pulling the canopy handle, the compartment is lifted by the pully system and the canopy is stretched to protect the user from the elements. This is then locked into place by the expanding bottom panel, which provedes for adequate sleeping area. The legs supporting the bottom panel lock into place to prevent the cart from moving.