urban shopping cart merry-go-round by nuno pimenta

urban shopping cart merry-go-round by nuno pimenta
image © nuno pimenta
all images courtesy of nuno pimenta

subverting one of the most well known symbols of a consumerist society, the ‘merry-go-round’ installation by portuguese architect nuno pimenta re-purposes a shopping cart into an urban carousel. the interactive artwork features in the municipal theater square of ponta delgada, açores, portugal where the piece aims to subconsciously attract people to the fun device.

‘by counteracting the freedom of movement that normally characterizes these carts (ironically moving in circles) we are reminded that consumerism does not take us anywhere… or in the best case scenario to the starting point.’ says nuno pimenta.

the steel structure utilizes prefabricated shopping carts through its parasitic approach to urban infrastructures. the turning object consists of a kit of adjustable parts with adjustable metal clamps, that can be assembled on site. the public lights illuminate the installation, which is able to be attached to any lamp pole. the merry-go-round was one of the selected projects as part of the 3rd edition of walk & talk public art festival.

the merry-go-round was installed in the municipal theater square of ponta delgada, açores, portugal
image © nuno pimenta

the prefabricated shopping carts and metal structure are transformed into a public carousel
image © rui soares

the public art installation consists of a kit of adjustable parts that can be assembled on site
image © nuno pimenta

the merry-go-round uses public lights to illuminate the installation
image © nuno pimenta

the device can be attached to any public lamp pole
image © nuno pimenta

the merry-go-round transforms a square into a social and self-reflection space
image © nuno pimenta

parasitic approach to common urban infrastructures
image © nuno pimenta

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