The “Tumbler” is a prototype structure that can be transformed to accommodate different uses by rotating the open armature three-dimensionally. The unique cross-disciplinary design concept can be applied and scaled for exterior or interior installations.
The genesis of the “Tumbler” concept began in 2016, when EC3 was asked by the Dallas-based health food company Green House Market to develop a custom vehicle design for food delivery service – the client’s prime business operation. Inspired by Green House Market’s iconic logo, and its resemblance to the “Open Cube” drawings of conceptual artist Sol Lewitt, EC3 developed the vehicle design based on the axonometric projection of a cube.
In support of Green House Market’s commitment to reduce fossil fuel consumption, the design team decided to configure the delivery vehicle on a Polaris “GEM” electric cart platform. The light weight (1,585 lb.) compact dimensions (4’6” x 6’ x 12’), extra battery range (50-60 miles per charge) and zero-emission classification offer the benefit and flexibility of being able to operate the "Green Cart" in Dallas’s Central Business and Arts Districts to provide food delivery at both curbside as well as to the interiors of large-scale commercial complexes.
Configured as a “mobile sculpture” clad in translucent polycarbonate panels, the “Green Cart’s” infrastructural frame is designed to transport a variety of food and beverage containers for hot and cool meals.
Under new management in 2017, Green House Market decided to re-focus their business model on brick-and-mortar restaurant operation. Consequently, the development of the “Green Cart” concept was put on hold.
Recognizing the spatial possibilities presented by the “Green Cart’s” unique geometry, EC3 adapted the design by enlarging the structure 5 times to provide a space large enough for commercial and cultural programming.
To be fabricated with extruded Titanium tubes, the light-weight structure could be rotated three-dimensionally without mechanical means to provide different spatial enclosures. In combination with a kit-of-part of seating and display components, the enlarged open structure could be deployed to become a:
- Forum
- Pop-up
- Café
- Art / Exhibition
- Stage
Animation simulating the structure's transformation from Café to Art / Exhibition.
Animation simulating the structure's transformation from Art / Exhibition to Pop-Up.
Animation simulating the structure's transformation from Pop-Art to Stage.
Animation simulating the structure's transformation from Stage to Forum.
A storyboard of images of the “Tumbler” in motion captures the dynamic quality and light-footedness of the design concept, reminiscent of a gymnast’s tumbling pass.
