ATOPIAResearch_DELTA_D.I.Y

DELTA_D.I.Y.a project by ATOPIA_Research 2009: Jan-June

ATOPIA_RESEARCH IncPrinceton, New Jerseyt +1 609 921 1418info @ atopia-research.org

DELTA_D.I.Y addresses the urgent need in America for effective

community-integrated rebuilding strategies following environmental catastrophes

and subsequent economic disasters. DELTA_D.I.Y exploits the logics of retail and

brand culture to leverage CSR programs of major Home Improvement Retailers

and National Logistics and Courier Companies, to address a community’s

access to building materials, tools and expertise, essential to their rebuilding

efforts.

DELTA_D.I.Y is a portable, off-grid, place-making pavillion that can be

erected quickly in a residential area and serve as a community attic (storage) and

on site meeting place for groups involved in the reconstruction effort. The design

of the pavilion establishes its ‘brand’ identity that is based on borrowing and

scrambling the deliberately recognizable signs of the corporate sponsors.

This minature building is 16’ x 16’ and is composed of a secure attic

space for storing tools, made available to the local community in DELTA_D.I.Y.

toolboxes, a covered seating area for group meetings, lessons and discussion (a

circular seating area, 24’ diameter) and a fenced yard for storing building materials

that can be sized according to site dimensions and local community needs. It can

be temporary or permanent, fixed in place or mobile. It can be sited on a vacant

lot or situated in relation to an existing institution (for instance, on the grounds of

a local church, school) or parking lot.

DeltaD.I.Y.isauseablebillboard.

100%supergraphics.

0%architecture.

100%utility.

ATOPIA_Research is a Princeton based non-profit

design organisation founded in 2005 by Jane

Harrison and David Turnbull. The organisation

works internationally, conducting research and

developing architecturally integrated responses

for communities experiencing systemic

environmental and social crises. Responses

aim to be demonstably catalytic, fostering

the development of local entrepreneurship

and supporting self determination. ATOPIA_

Research is also working on projects in

Sichuan, China, Sub-Saharan Africa and Sri

Lanka.