The general concept for this Chicago AIA Recycling Competition entry is one of waste bin modularity and adaptation, creating a node for public communication while promoting sustainable habits.

The information kiosk anchors the recycling area and offers a recognizable and easily spotted landmark. Based on the needs of the community, specific information or literature to promote related environmental awareness would be provided here or posted on the side of the kiosk.

Attached to the kiosk are a series of site-specific modular bins, designed for its users’ accessibility, and on the opposite side, the bins facilitate efficient material pickup. These modular components can be made to react to the needs of the site; depending on the location and amount of users, more bins and kiosks can be added to create entire recycling areas. Materials relate to the mission of the station and help to provide visual clues to the users. The allocation of glass, metal, paper and plastic is clearly displayed in the form of signage created from these components and utilizes each material’s inherent properties. Topped with a small solar collection to power the unit’s main graphic at night, the kiosk, made from prefinished cement fiberboard panels, is at once urban and polished.