DescriptionDiscarded dreams 2 of 3.jpg | The Goal of Discarded Dreams, Need not be Nightmares is to repurpose 1,000,000 discarded mattresses by creating a consumer product. We have outlined a strategy to implement/produce the design. We see this as an amazing opportunity to create a product that not only appeals to consumers, and alleviates landfills of unwanted mattresses, and creates a product that begins to provide solutions to the key societal issues of homeless and unemployment. We aspire to use every portion of a mattress in conjunction with other “unwanted” items to create low cost/sustainable housing solutions. This affords society the opportunity to educate destitute populations about building and construction techniques. Conveniently, it empowers homeless and unemployed persons by providing the basic needs of employment and housing. Mattresses will be collected in localized facilities where they are broken down to constituent parts. The disassembled materials will be evaluated for their structural/ physical qualities, and will go on to processing for new life. Filler from mattresses, and springs/wires will be used as aggregate, and reinforcement in tilt-up concrete walls. Wood slats from box springs will be used as formwork for tilt-up wood panels... whimsically designed and manageably sized panels replicate the shape of mattresses tumbling across the facade of a building. Slats will also become perlins to support recycled tire roof loads. Angle iron, salvaged from bed frames will become roof joists, and bundled groups of columns will support roofs and make structural connections. More than eighty percent of the houses will be extracted from the mattresses, box springs, and frames. Only marginal items such as small amounts of recycled glass, and used tires, and cement will be used addition to the materials derived from the mattresses. It is acknowledged that the above described tasks are a response to much larger societal issues of consumption, sustainability, housing, and unemployment. It is our firm belief that big problem require an innovative new look at existing solutions rather than extravagant solution which tend to create additional unforeseen problems. We assert that this intervention sets a new precedent for housing around the world in developed and underdeveloped areas. If individuals utilized the interventions herein prescribed, it would alleviate both housing and resource management issues the world over. It is acknowledged that this is only a defensive measure and that waste of consumer products must be curbed. It is not feasible to continue consuming and discarding, as is the current trend. |