Tiny houses tend to be highly functional and efficient. The shelters at an exhibition in Amsterdam, however, focus less on functionality and more on artistic license. UrbanCampsite Amsterdam features a host of "extraordinary sleeping accommodations" in an "exciting landscape."
The exhibition is based on the artificial island of Centrumeiland in the IJburg city district of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The location is described as an otherwise barren stretch of land and the exhibition is aimed in part at changing attitudes towards the area.
The sandy plain of Centrumeiland has been transformed into a community of rentable shelters with all the facilities of a regular campsite. It is flanked by the IJ lake, and an embankment around the site offers protection from the elements.
All of the shelters are pretty unusual, some more so than others. Some use recyclable materials to create functional sleeping spaces, whilst others are said to "focus more on the interaction between object and surroundings."
"Upside down you turn me," designed by Rob Sweere, looks like a spare part for a white plastic device of some sort. Residents enter via a ladder at one end and the pod is supported with some disparity by two thin poles at the other. Inside there is a room for sleeping and a room for resting. There is also a space for sitting below the capsule.
Another raised shelter is "The Attic," by Arjen Boerstra. It is based on the attic from Boerstra's youth, and is built entirely from wood. It is reminiscent of a child's climbing frame and has no little charm about it.
Boomhuttenfest's "Solid Family" has two of its ground-based pods connected by a tunnel or corridor. It can sleep up to four people, with a queen-sized bed in each pod.
"Val Ross," designed by Mud Projects, is one of the smallest shelters in the exhibition. It is a curved, tilted pod that is reminiscent of a cocoon. Residents enter through an opening at the top, which closes behind them. Up to two people can sleep in it.
Other structures have also been created to provide different facilities. Kwiezien provides a space for residents to meet and cook. There is also a reception, a raised block of toilets called the Tribal Toilet Tower, and space to work provided by KantoorKaravaan as well.
UrbanCampsite Amsterdam opened in June and runs through to August. It's possible to stay in the shelters via Airbnb.
The video below provides an introduction to UrbanCampsite Amsterdam. Most of the speech is in Dutch, but the images give a good insight.
Source: UrbanCampsite Amsterdam
