The purpose of this project was to study and learn about the homeless community and focus on one of the many demographics and their needs. My chosen demographic was homeless people with dogs. The goal is to design a kiosk that becomes an innovative solution for this chosen demographic that relates to concepts in nature.
Research
3.5 million Americans are homeless.
1 in 4 are dog owners.
A dog costs $7.50 a day.
Dogs have gone into homelessness with their owners in most cases.
Dog food is hard to come by and the homeless usually panhandle to get money to buy food for themselves and dog.
Homeless are scared to take their dog to a vet because they are afraid that the vet will take their dog and never return it.
If their dogs do not have licenses, animal control officers seize the dogs and turn them over to local animal shelters.
A human/animal bond has been created and no one should separate them. Pet ownership has been proven to be a huge benefit to the mental and physical health of humans. Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer warmth and comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty and protection.
Diagram
I began to find inspiration in nature that could connect to the relationship between a dog and its human. One relationship I found was called symbiosis and is shared in different ways between many organisms in nature.
Concept
Inspired by symbiotic relationships, I intended to mimic the mutualistic connections between different organisms in nature by using their habitats as inspiration for form, color, pattern, and functionality.
Process
One symbiotic relationship I found the most inspiration from was the clownish and the sea anemone. From here, I developed an abstract pattern based of the forms of the sea anemone’s habitat that evolved into the pattern in the form of my design.
A template I developed on AutoCAD (right) allowed this organic pattern to be correctly spaced and proportioned throughout the form of my design.
I developed my form by creating a tunnel with my pattern cascading down the sides. I altered my plan and elevations by providing room for shelter on the ends of the space.
Final Design
My final design consists of a kiosk screen, bath station, food and water station, and a door to access storage. This kiosk will relieve the stress and anxiety of the homeless who cannot provide for their dog by providing them necessary resources.
See a more detailed view with the 3D model of the kiosk design
The pattern design functions as a food and water access. The food amount supplied daily is measured according to the dog’s weight and the water is unlimited. The kiosk system works by creating an account for each dog with a personal 4 digit code engraved on the back of the dog’s license. A drop-down table allows vets to hold checkups a few hours a day.
Plan and Section
1/2" = 1' - 0"
Elevations
1/2" = 1' - 0"
Location
I decided to place my kiosk at Point State Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania because it is a central area in the city and an accessible area for the dogs.
Materials
Inspired by the cafe located at the park, my design is constructed with recyclable stainless steel and clear and frosted plexiglass for the windows of my pattern.
Presentation Boards
