Roaming Cart-Ographies

“This project stood out in its consideration of scale as well as in its temporary nature. In community spaces, the use of color/elements that are reflective of where they are situated is not as common as it should be. It feels clear that this project was created with the community and not for the community.”
— Claire Weisz, FAIA

Location Houston
Client Connect Community
Architect Associates UltraBarrio
Design Team Amna Ansari, AIA, Marcus Martinez, Assoc. AIA, Kaede Polkinghorne
CNC Milling Rootlab

The epicenter of cultural diversity in Houston, the Gulfton neighborhood struggles to provide spatial equity in a natural environment largely covered in asphalt. Aiming to help the neighborhood evolve in a habitable way while maintaining its authenticity, the architects joined forces with locals to design a set of mobile carts and chairs adorned with colorful patterns derived from the textile art of residents’ countries. The “kit of parts” is being deployed to host community events for gathering feedback on living conditions; afterward, carts and seating will be distributed to craftsmen and organizations to support education in the community, and to local entrepreneurs.