Quiubox

On first glance the plywood structure situated on the roundabout was pretty unassuming and even plain. I didn't notice it at first, as there was so much to take in as by this point we were in the heart of Milan.  However, once I started to look closer I became more and more fascinated with it, its simplicity and its unusual geometric shape. Stepping in to the small scale building I realised that it was an information point but also that the structure itself was a project named Quiubox, designed  by architects Boano Prismontas.  

Quiubox is a project designed for the Afro-Colombian communities in the coastal areas surrounding Cartagena. The concept behind the project is tackling inequality between professionals and ethnic communities in the Caribbean. Vast areas of the coastline are at risk of flooding in the Caribbean due to rising sea levels. The Afro-Colombian communities who live on these coastlines are often disadvantaged and lack the funds to face this challenge. Quiubox is a workshop provided to these people that teaches them the building and making skills to tackle this issue whilst strengthening the sense of community.

Quiubox itself is a real feat of engineering. Designed as a floating platform, it can travel from island to island, consequently reaching as many people as possible and eliminating the need to build several stationary workshops.  The structure is very consciously designed to be multipurpose and environmentally sound, with the following features:

·         The plywood is CNC-machine cut to ensure there is no material wastage.

·         It is built using dry joints which slot together without any need for additional fixing.

·         The roof features photovoltaic panels which can be used to power the power tools in the workshop.

·         Water collection systems are integrated in to the structures design to help the communities it visits.

Quiubox is a true example of how creative, innovative design can really be used to help those in need. This piece of small scale architecture will act as a tool for people to gain new skills and be a part of creating their own communities future for many years to come.