Derailed train converted into mobile cultural center in Ecuador

[Judi Lynn]

Derailed train converted into mobile cultural center in Ecuador

Kimberley Mok
Design / Green Architecture
November 22, 2013



Old trains have been converted into anything from homes, art galleries and even amusement parks. As part of a recovery program to rehabilitate a failed railway, Ecuadorian design firm Al Borde transformed a tired, old train into a mobile cultural center, which they call "Wagon of Knowledge" (Vagon del Saber). This project was chosen by the ministry of culture and heritage to make stops along remote communities, serving as a public space for meetings, theatre shows, training programs and celebrations.





Seen over at Designboom, the train line carrying the renovated Boxcar 1513 is starting up again after a long, twelve-year absence, with a new cultural mission to spread knowledge and enhance local economies, says Al Borde:

The train was renovated to achieve the greatest number of uses with the minimum number of elements. A public square and theater with a capacity of 60-80 people, as well as work spaces for 20 users were incorporated by attaching three extensions to the car: a roof with several deployment options, retractable furniture and two storage spaces – simple systems operated by the cultural promoters turn the cart into their desired requirements. Set [to] travel around the coast, the cultural unit will begin to accumulate and facilitate new stories.

More:
http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/al-borde-van-vagon-del-saber-train-converted-to-cultural-center.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+treehuggersite+%28Treehugger%29

[longship]

1. Wonderful use! Repurpose it!

There's still a railcar diner -- greasy burgers, fries and malts, and breakfasts -- a bit down the road from me. They've expanded it a bit, but the last time I was there, the old rail car original was still there and serving.