RECYCLED materials and pedal power form part of a fun and futuristic new vehicle, which has been launched at Willoughby’s Emerge Festival, aiming to inspire creative discussions about our urban environment.

Emerge Vehicle (for the future urban nomad) - created by multi-disciplinary artist Zachariah Fenn – will be unveiled tonight at the official opening of the Cities Foretold exhibition at Art Space on The Concourse.

Derived from PVC conduit, recycled metal, zip ties, metallic floor underlay for the canopy and a bicycle frame – the Emerge Vehicle blends art and advocacy by challenging our current approach to metropolitan travel and energy consumption. 

In creating the vehicle, Fenn embraced the task of building a sustainable prototype fit for urban travel in a future free of fossil-fuel powered transport.

Fenn’s work featured in a series of demonstrations including at the Cities Foretold exhibition opening, at the Chatswood StreetFair on 3rd and 24th September.

The audience were invited to follow the Emerge Vehicle as it traversed through The Concourse, including multiple levels and areas of the precinct via lifts and passageways.

Fenn said the concept was about educating and engaging people about what alternative modes of transport might emerge in a net zero emissions future.

“This vehicle is a prototype for what vehicles might be like in the future,” Mr Fenn said.

“I also want to inspire people and have a bit of fun with my artwork … I think it connects well with children and those who are young at heart.”

Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said the Cities Foretold exhibition was about rethinking urban environments in a sustainable way.

“The artists in this exhibition challenge our preconceptions about our city, but also reflect on the beauty that can be found.”

 Cities Foretold features a diversity of artwork examining how cities will look and function in the future including sculpture, printmaking, drawing and video art.