Manual for
PUBLIC THINGS
Toulouse 2000. Dispenser, lamp, kitchen, wash basin, shower, toilet, bed, table, chair, foundation, sound
PUBLIC THINGS in Japan 1 / Japan 2 / Austria / UK 1 / UK 2 / UK 3 / Italy / Holland 1 / Holland 2
Introduction:
Public Things enable persons to use public space in various ways. The system consists of a number of functions which are accessible for anybody who wants to use them. It can be placed at different spots in public areas, such as streets, squares, public buildings, parks, roadsides, etc. Anybody may take initiatives to expand Public Things with more functions.
Construction:
The initial system is constructed from polyethylene tanks, which hold most of the functions within a framework of acid resistant, stainless steel struts. All materials are durable and weather proof. The different elements can easily be reconfigured. Foundation tanks filled with water add weight to the construction and prevent easy removal.
Maintenance:
Public Things are maintained by the persons using them.
System components:
Dispenser:
The dispenser is intended for the collection and distribution of different items, for example booklets, posters, food, as well as other types of objects. Anybody can fill the dispenser with items that they would like others to pick up, read or interact with.
Components: Octahedron PE-tank, rubber strips, bakelite knob, elastic cord.
Public address device:
This device enables persons to address each other in public. Speeches, informations, stories, songs etc. are uttered into the end of the transparent hose. The sound is amplified by the funnel.
Components: PE-tank, PE funnel, PVC hose, rubber strips, bolts and nuts.
Lamp:
The lamp uses 12 V and poses no security risk. It can run by 12 V AC or be connected to a solar power system.
Components: PE-tank, 12 V, 9 W bulb, 220-12 V transformer, socket and electric cable.
Kitchen:
The heat source for the kitchen is an alcohol burner surrounded by a triangular rest to hold pots and kettles. In order to cook one must bring water, alcohol and food stuffs. Rubber cups to protect the knees are attached to the frame.
Components: alcohol burner, stainless acid resistant steel plates, rubber knee protectors, pots.
Wash basin:
The wash basin can be connected to a water source through the hose which is mounted in the top. It is emptied by opening the bottom tap.
Components: Tetrahedron PE-tank, water hose and fittings.
Shower:
The shower consists of a black plastic tank. The hose in the top can be connected to a water source. By turning on the water supply, the tank will be filled with water. The tank can also be filled through the top hole. The water stays in the tank to heat in the sun, until the desired temperature is reached.
Components: Black PE-tank, lid with bakelite knob and elastic cord, water hoses, fittings.
Bathtub:
The bathtub is equipped with a manual pump. The water is pumped from the water source (e.g. lake or sea) directly into the bathtub. The water may then be left to heat up in the sun before bathing in it. The tank is emptied by swapping the tubes attached to the pump, or by tilting the tank.
Components: 60 cm cubic PE- tank, manual bilge pump, water hoses.
Toilet:
A plastic bag is used to catch urine and faeces. Afterwards, the bag can be buried, composted or burnt. The end product of either one of these processes can be used as fertilizer.
Components: PE-tank, PE-bag, rubber fixtures.
