Shelter Bus

Dissolving Capsule Tiffany Garber

The idea behind this project was a capsule. Capsule delivering multiple different meanings and definitions depending on the situation or context in which it is phrased. This concept took the meaning of a medicine capsule and all of the features it includes. Pharmaceutical capsules are seen in households all around the world. The intention of their form is to be subscribed by a doctor and swallowed. After entering the human body the pill eventually starts dissolving and then medicates the body in the purpose it was taken. While designing this bus, many of the same characteristics came to mind. When moving, the capsule is smaller and compact, offering specific living needs for the volunteers who are helping the community. When the bus is stationary it expands double the size of the preexisting structure by sliding the top coating off of the capsule and then reforming it to dissolve the medicine and help the community. The act of dissolving and medicating is shown through the structural metamorphosis the bus takes on and the additional areas implemented to aid the community through teaching and medical attention. The bus houses not only four volunteer workers who will be residing in the space, but a number of community members that the volunteers will be helping.
The materials used in the shelter bus were picked according to a number of different credentials. The idea behind the bus was to have an environment that was comforting in a time of disparity; it was to be sustainable but also pertain to the concept of a capsule. The outside of the shelter is made out of aluminum. This material was chosen because it is not only extremely lightweight, spark resistant, but it is also very sustainable and easy to reuse. This material is used on the outside of the shelter, and the interior as well. This idea was produced because it is more sustainable, cost effective, and adds a feeling of reassurance to victims with the cool colors and the relaxing aura throughout the bus. This material is shown through silver coated matte board. Another frequently used material in the model is the plastic covering the windows. This represents glass capsule shaped windows that add an enticing effect through exploration between the inside and the outside world. These windows were shaped so that victims as well as the volunteers can learn to cope with tragic events that had just occurred through the fish bowl effect. They can see the outside and even be a step closer with the expansion of the windows, but they have the choice whether to experience it from visual views only or hands on views. The last material in the model is simply drywall on the inside; this is symbolized with an off white colored paper. This material was chosen to add comfort to the passengers. Drywall is a material that is used quite frequently in homes and a substance that is known as settling in a new environment.
This shelter bus was modeled after practical daily life needs, special needs, and sustainability. It is also a bus emulating prescribed medicine in a capsule, trying to help each community member at a time through dissolving it’s medicine around the victimized area.