Project description:

The theme of the rEvolve show was cause and effect, and each work included was an unique proposal to harness the power of a stationary bicycle in order to effect change.

I chose to design a portable living unit out of recycled materials from Habitat for Humanity. ‘POD PAD’ is built on wheels and is towable by a bicycle. The bicycle also serves as a generator of electrical power and is set up inside the living unit while on exhibit. When engaged by a viewer, it generates power for a reading lamp and a small radio/mp3 player. The radio plays a looped sound-collage sampled from three different sources that interrupt and overlap one another. The sources are: 1. sections from Hakim Bay’s TAZ or Temporary Autonomous Zone (read by him) 2. a mp3/tape loop by Richard Foreman from the Ontological Hysteric Theater, and 3. police dispatch-radio activity.

The structure is composed of uniform white building units that can be disassembled and stacked for storage. The project is a hybrid of modernist idealism and contemporary practicality, and an absurd plan for living off the grid. It is an impossible proposal that reflects the ideologies of its references; but the questions I hope it prompts about freedom, agency and self-sufficient living are timely.