notes

Treehugger had a design competition for shelters made from carts..... I was browsing the comments when I came across this one:

"What a waste of time and energy. We would be better off trying to address the root problems that create homelessness, than to design better ways for them to continue to be homeless."

Indeed. But I would add that while the need for long-term solutions designed to combat the root causes of homelessness are desperately needed, so too are the short-term solutions that keep a person alive day to day until the long-term solutions are put into effect. Furthermore, many of the preventative efforts will not have an impact on those who are already homeless. Therefore, short-term solutions addressing critical essential-needs requirements are desperately needed. Recognize too that this competition, although providing some truly innovative shelters, was done primarily to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness on our nation's streets. There's no doubt in my mind that filling Public transport Stations with a variety of rickshaw-to-home shelters would definitely raise awareness.

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need of more seating in the rickshaw can be addressed.. ??? more people. more he earns and as it will be powered by solar-panel generated energy, he can afford to do that.

discussion with Elliot on Oct 11

1. the rickshaw should be able to convert into a basic shelter during the unavailability of the plug-in station immediately in emergency needs and just not rely on the plug-in to transform.
2. what else can the product do? increased functionality with aesthetics.
3. observe evolution of various products over time according to needs and beauty.

Extras:
use bamboo for top and stuff to make it lighter and its sturdy.
bamboo's lightweight, hollow structure and strength lend itself well to the bike.