Homelessness is a major civic problem around the world; though in a developed country, the problem exaggerates itself and marks a more gloomy threat to the society which prides itself in the trappings of economic privilege and financial success. In a world increasingly under duress by a weakened economy, homelessness can be a major indicator of social and governmental failure. Being forced to live on the streets is an exceptionally traumatic experience and the homeless have to struggle with not only fighting the elements and finding food, but also finding the strength in themselves to redeem their self esteem. With the number of recorded homeless people growing in number in the Australian capital by the year, Melbourne-based designer Jessica Cassar decided to come up with a way to help the socially destitute without scuffing up their self-esteem further.
Since asking for help, food, or information in a disheveled state can be a traumatic experience, the Scope Information Kiosk could be the perfect transitional source of information for the homeless who can use the kiosk to not only use a clean toilet, but also get information regarding nearby help centers, shelters, the schedule of food vans for an areas, etc.
Since most homeless people are prone to social withdrawal, the Scope Information Kiosk can provide them with the security of being able to access public information without having to encounter staff at a public library or an internet café. The Scope Information Kiosk thus becomes a safe haven for homeless people with low self esteem and they can begin the process of regaining control of their lives by procuring information about places and agencies that can help them make a fresh start.
The Scope Information Kiosk’s primary goal is to offer the homeless with a free-of-cost and sanitary toilet so that they don’t have to feel the humiliation of facing the staff at a public restroom. The secondary goal of the kiosk is to offer the homeless with a free self-help center that contains information about food vans so that they don’t have to worry about there their next meal is coming from. But most importantly, the Scope Information Kiosk serves as a private sanctuary for the homeless where they can access information about aid agencies, rehab centers and support networks. Since most people living on the streets have a natural suspicion of others, the kiosk provides them with a sense of safety since they are not required to interact with others in real-time.
Made from recycled shipping containers, the Scope Information Kiosk comes with a small bathroom lined with recycled tiles with cork flooring that requires minimum maintenance. Double glazed reinforced glass and metal grating ensures that the computers and furnishings inside the kiosk are not stolen and the bijou floor space ensures that the homeless do not end up using the shelters as a living space.