Loneliness is defined as an “involuntary isolation.” It frequently occurs in heavily populated cities like Vancouver that host a rich mosaic of cultures. People experience a loss of identifiable community resulting in a sense of being utterly alone and cut off.

This piece of interaction design takes advantage of the time commuters have while waiting for the bus. While this is often a solitary activity, the “tree” structure offers people the option to take a load off by hanging their umbrella in its branches while they wait. In doing so they open their body language to others and put something of themselves into an identifiable symbol of community. When several people do this they create their own communal shelter, giving the chance to connect on a deeper level, and hopefully begin the process of becoming friends in an environment that would not have ordinarily facilitated such a meeting.