Manifesto Architecture’s Wall Climbing Bicycle Rack: Seoul 2010 Cycle Design Competition

July 28 2011

Manifesto Architecture’s entry to the Seoul 2010 Cycle Design Competition for a rotating vertical bicycle hanger has generated a lot of conversation about form vs. functionality. In many cities bicycles clog up all available sidewalk space and overrun traditional bicycle racks. The Bike Hanger attempts to solve these problems with an innovative new approach.

The design attempts to free up space on the ground by using the under-utilized space on the sides of buildings. In theory, the bicycle hanger takes unwieldy and cluttered bike racks that would be placed on the ground and shifts it to the side of the building. The hanger, composed of recycled steel and plastic, is a rotating rack that hoists the bicycles off the ground and into the air. There is space for around thirty bicycles and the entire assembly is powered by a stationary bicycle operated at the base of the mechanism.

From a purely functional perspective the bike hanger doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The 100,000-dollar estimated cost of one of these racks is exponentially more expensive than a normal bicycle carrel. The mechanism for powering the device, pedaling a stationary bike, promises to be slow and difficult. There are other examples of stacking bicycle racks that do the same job more efficiently and using less energy. Furthermore, what space you would have gained on the ground would be taken up by lines of irascible commuters lining up for their turn to retrieve their cycles.

However I still like the project. While the idea is destined to remain a quirky design, it is still a visually appealing and interesting concept. As envisioned, installed on a building, the bicycle hanger is reminiscent of the kinetic sculptures of Alexander Calder and others. The moving installation brings attention to both the structure it adorns and to the burgeoning cycling and environmental movement.

What do you think is more important in design, form or function?

Jordan Meerdink

Jordan Meerdink, a former GSP blogger, is a graduate of the The Ohio State University. He holds a B.S. in Architecture with a minor in studio art. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Jordan inherited an early interest in mechanics and construction from his grandfather, a developer who was one of the early practitioners of prefabricated housing, and his father who is a retired store owner and highly capable D.I.Yer. Currently living in New York City, he continues to produce art and furniture with a focus on smart, ecologically responsible design. Jordan has a special concern for design that serves people outside the traditional clientele of architects, with an interest in architecture that deviates from the beaten path, ranging from Baroque churches to dismantled bomb shelters.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 28th, 2011 at 5:18 pm and is filed under Architecture, Engineering, Environmental Design, Urban Planning and Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

3 Responses to “Manifesto Architecture’s Wall Climbing Bicycle Rack: Seoul 2010 Cycle Design Competition”

Mantrain Says:
July 28th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Great write up Jordan! Really interesting take on form vs. function. Can’t wait to read more of your stuff!
manifesto architecture Says:
January 30th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
manifesto will bring the bike hanger to london in february 2012. for more information, please contact info@mfarch.com
Jordan Says:
February 1st, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Excellent,
I hope the article accurately represents your project and you enjoyed commentary from an interested observer.