This project was an attempt to create a solution for a problem that I see too often in my urban surroundings. With the help of Craig Stokes, I forged the design of a backpack that served as a shelter for homeless people. As the idea developed, we came to see that there is of course no easy solution to such a widespread problem. However, we were determined to keep with it as far as we could...or as far as those we were trying to help would let us go. One of the most difficult obstacles, it turned out, was getting the homeless to accept are product and to use it. Many saw our work as an undermining of their self-worth and pride, and declared they would not use our "backpack-tents" even if we paid them to.

--Ironically, they were still willing to take money from us.

At right is the floorplan for the "Pole-Park" that would be used as the skeletal structure for the "Backpack-tents." Using a simple screw-on design, campers would be able to unpack and set up their tents in a matter of seconds, and with little difficulty.
As found on the Eco-pack page, several findings of this project led to major changes in future work. For one thing, the implications of having all the homeless people of a region "herded" in one area was something that had been overlooked. Another issue that was predicted, but that remains unsolved is how to go about coercing cities and citizens to accept these "Pole-Parks" in and around their own worlds.