tianhua + tongji university stack helmets into marginal house
image © designboom

 

 

 

shanghai-based tianhua architects and tongji university have built a simple pitched roof structure using bright yellow helmets as part of the ‘marginal living’ project. currently installed at the ‘border warehouse’ for the bi-city biennale of urbanism\architecture in shenzhen, the ‘helmet house’ is connected to two identically shaped volumes, each made using different materials. the structures represent three types of lifestyles of those existing on the fringe or edge of mainstream society. in response to the millions of people in china who are unable to inhabit conventional buildings, the main idea was to demonstrate these living conditions through visual, acoustic and tactile experiences in an attempt to help bridge this gap. the subversive use of typical safety hardware – usually adorned during the process of constructing a building – becomes in this case the main component. stacked on top of one another the pieces are thread through a metal framework, which is concealed from the exterior. visitors are invited to wander into the house and learn more about the ‘marginal living’ project through video projections displayed on the interior.

 

 

tianhua + tongji university shape marginal house from helmets
the installation explores the idea of living on the ‘edge’ of mainstream society
image © designboom

 

 

tianhua + tongji university shape marginal house from helmets
the commonly adorned safety hardware becomes the main component of the building
image © designboom

 

 

tianhua + tongji university shape marginal house from helmets
helmets are stacked on top of one another to form the structure
image © designboom

 

 

tianhua + tongji university shape marginal house from helmets
installation view of the three dwellings
image © designboom

 

tianhua + tongji university shape marginal house from helmets
the structure is connected to three similar volumes as part of the ‘marginal living’ project
image © designboom

 

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tianhua + tongji university helmet house for marginal living
 
tianhua + tongji university helmet house for marginal living
 
tianhua + tongji university helmet house for marginal living
 
tianhua + tongji university helmet house for marginal living
 
tianhua + tongji university helmet house for marginal living
 
tianhua + tongji university helmet house for marginal living
 
tianhua + tongji university helmet house for marginal living
 
tianhua + tongji university helmet house for marginal living