CarInnu
Nordic Transportation
Schefferville, Canada
McGill – Carleton – Technion Collaboration Supported by Azrieli Foundation
In collaboration with Kobi Laham HaCohen
Centered on designing for extreme climates, architecture students from McGill University and Carleton University visited the Dead Sea, and students from the Technion visited Schefferville to propose a conceptual design.
As a group of tourists in Schefferville, our studio discovered a diverse range of natural locations. The local Innu people have a tradition of living in unity with nature. Currently, quarrying is the main occupation of the community, creating potential for technological growth in the area; however, this economic growth not only changes their lifestyle, but also interferes with their relationship to the land.
In order to explore this place in all its aspects, we wanted to experience the nature in the same places the locals grew up. Also, we wanted to be exposed to the working environment that is unique to the town – the quarries. As tourists, we were unable to reach and stay independently in those points of interest.
Thus emerged our initial inspiration for the project; tourists need reliable transportation to these locations, and the young locals were seeking more work opportunities without needing to leave their town and families for the city. Technology becomes a tool that can solve the portability issue and bind tradition to the future.
The design mainly deals with a conceptual arctic vehicle that can be used by researchers and tourists with an Innu guide. The vehicle is planned for self sustainability and the ability to connect with other vehicles to create a commune formation. Charging and maintance of the vehicle occurs in the scattered Docks located at various locations in Schefferville surroundings.
Concept Storyboard
Unit Details
Streamlined body design
Dock Details
Unit Perspex model
Commune formation amidst expedition
Unit leaving docking station
Dock located at Scherfferville iron ore mine