Personal land ownership is virtually non-existent in China, even in urban areas. All land is owned by the state or run by collective economic organisations meaning inhabitants are essentially temporary tenants renting the land. As a means of exploring ways in which people can claim ownsership of their residence, the People’s Architecture Office (PAO) and the People’s Industrial Design Office (PIDO) in China a mobile dwelling unit with attached garden plot, both of which are mounted on three wheeler bicycles.
Created as part of Beijing’s Get It Louder 2012 exhibition, which showcases works from China’s up-and-coming artists and designers, the so-called Tricycle House allows for off-the-grid living in an accordion-shaped dome made from CNC-scored, translucent polypropylene plastic and is kitted out with a collapsible sink, stove, bathtub and water tank while other furniture can be used as a bed, bench or dining table.
The translucent shell of the unit allows for sunlight to provide a lighting source while the accompanying Tricycle Garden offers portable home owners a little slice of personal greenery even in the big smoke.
Courtesy People’s Architecture Office & People’s Industrial Design OfficeAuthor: Anna Rees/ RESET editorial
