urban shopping cart merry-go-round by nuno pimenta
image © nuno pimenta
all images courtesy of nuno pimenta
subverting one of the most well known symbols of a consumerist society, the ‘merry-go-round’ installation by portuguese architect nuno pimenta re-purposes a shopping cart into an urban carousel. the interactive artwork features in the municipal theater square of ponta delgada, açores, portugal where the piece aims to subconsciously attract people to the fun device.
‘by counteracting the freedom of movement that normally characterizes these carts (ironically moving in circles) we are reminded that consumerism does not take us anywhere… or in the best case scenario to the starting point.’ says nuno pimenta.
the steel structure utilizes prefabricated shopping carts through its parasitic approach to urban infrastructures. the turning object consists of a kit of adjustable parts with adjustable metal clamps, that can be assembled on site. the public lights illuminate the installation, which is able to be attached to any lamp pole. the merry-go-round was one of the selected projects as part of the 3rd edition of walk & talk public art festival.
‘merry-go-round (2013)’
video courtesy of nuno pimenta + joana quelhas lima
the merry-go-round was installed in the municipal theater square of ponta delgada, açores, portugal
image © nuno pimenta
the prefabricated shopping carts and metal structure are transformed into a public carousel
image © rui soares
the public art installation consists of a kit of adjustable parts that can be assembled on site
image © nuno pimenta
the merry-go-round uses public lights to illuminate the installation
image © nuno pimenta
the device can be attached to any public lamp pole
image © nuno pimenta
the merry-go-round transforms a square into a social and self-reflection space
image © nuno pimenta
parasitic approach to common urban infrastructures
image © nuno pimenta
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
NUNO PIMENTA (6)
Jun 09, 2021
Dec 20, 2017
Nov 01, 2016
Dec 05, 2015
Oct 09, 2014SHOPPING CARTS (10)
Sep 29, 2014
May 30, 2012
Jul 28, 2011
May 04, 2011
Dec 21, 2010PRODUCT LIBRARY
Sep 13, 2021
Sep 06, 2021
Sep 03, 2021
Aug 29, 2021
“the merry-go-round is an urban carousel that subverts one of the greatest symbols of consumerism into a place of joy and fun.”
There is nothing joyous or fun about that dreary plaza. No wonder they couldn’t get any kids to play for the picture.