Yes We Can!

The elevation is an invitation for the public to partake in the practice of empathy. After cleaning their recyclable, they can deposit it into the skin of the shelter.

Floor Plan

The shelter consists of a public quarter and a private quarter that can potential house plumbing fixture if plumbing is made available on site.

Foundation Plan

The foundation is created out of crates.

Our proposal for Korean Institute of Architects’ Shelter for Soul Competition is called “Yes We Can!” It is a modest shed designed for a single elderly homeless female canner of New York City whose age is at least 60 years old. New York City produced 12,000 tons of trash every day, where many of us may see trash , or refuse, the canner sees opportunity. However, the canning life is physically challenging for even the healthiest individual, and so it would be impossible for the elderly to continue this life-style due to the physical demands. “Yes We Can!” is not just an architectural installation, but an invitation for the public to participate in the exercise of giving; to practice empathy in an effort to see opportunities the way NY canners do; and finally to create a sustainable relationship between city and its refuse. 

The walls are created out of plastic bottle crates. The public can deposit their cans or  bottles after cleaning it. The crates, cans and bottles all create an interior space that lets in a diffused light that re-envisions and repurposes trash as a building material. It is a shelter for the canners, and participatory art installation for the public. After the recyclable goods are deposited, the canners can collect the recyclables and use it to exchange it for income. By creating this type of relationship between recyclable goods, canners and public, the canners no longer need to travel long distances for income. The site for these sheds can be located in public parks in lieu of trash bins. 

The shed makes an effort to redefine relationships between the marginalized and affluent, goods and waste, city and its refuse. 

Together “Yes We Can!”

Site: Siteless

Program: Shelter

Year: 2019

Status: Open Competition