Project Name: THE DOME BAG PROJECT

Project Type:
industrial/product design

Project Mission/Goal:
increase awareness of the environment and/or address climate change

Project Description:
Before the final demolition of the RCA/Hoosier Dome, People for Urban Progress (PUP), an Indianapolis non-profit, arranged for the salvage, storage, and repurposing of nearly 90% (13 acres, 250 tons) of the white roof material of the former stadium. Our intention in saving the material was not only to set a new standard for urban sustainability and responsibility, but also to gift the material back to the public in the form of shade structures, transit pavilions, and public art.

In order to achieve these objectives, we created THE DOME BAG PROJECT. Through this initiative, PUP partnered with 7 local artists to create 1000 hand-crafted wallets, clutches, and messenger bags made from this former roof material. These 1000 items generated over $35,000, which will help fund the creation of 12-15 shade structures made from the same fabric and installed in city parks.

We, People for Urban Progress, believe THE DOME BAG PROJECT sets a new model and a new standard for reducing urban waste, reusing an existing resource, and recycling the component parts of a demolished building. As we are inundated with information and criticism about what the government is (or is not) doing for the people, we feel that this project exemplifies what the people are doing for the people. It merges community development, environmental awareness, and urban responsibility in a way that reflects many of the principles essential for a sustainable future.

More simply: 2 people + 6 organizations + 13 acres of dome fabric salvaged + 7 local artists & designers + 1/10 of an acre for 1000 wallets clutches and messenger bags + 3 local retailers + $35,000 raised from sale of bags + local designer & local fabricator = 12-15 shade structures designed and installed throughout urban parks.

Text from: http://www.peopleup.org

Links and Captions:
http://www.peopleup.org
http://vimeo.com/15133679
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peopleforurbanprogress/sets/721576219718892...
http://www.peopleup.org/design/5

Project Details:

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Concept/Lead Architect(s)/Designer(s): Michael Bricker & Maryanne O'Malley, People for Urban Progress
Project Architect(s):
Year (s): 2008 to 2010
Client:
User Client: the Indianapolis public, the Indianapolis Parks Department
Number of beneficiaries/users: the city of Indianapolis
Project Phase: Mid-construction
Major Funding: grassroots
Cost/Cost per unit: $40/Wallet, $80/Clutch, $160/Messenger bag
Area (if applicable):
Structural Engineers:
Electrical/Mechanical Engineers:
Contractor/Manufacturer: Wil Marquez of w/PURPOSE, Brian McCutcheon and Randy Domeck of iFAB
Additional Consultants: Artist/designers: Jessica Bricker, Bobbie Vance, Annie Dimit Buckely, Carrie Sample Booth, Liz Roney, Michael Bricker & Cheryl Harnishfeger. Sabre Demolition
Other:

Location