Rem Koolhaas's research organisation AMO has partnered with car manufacturer Volkswagen to develop an electric tractor based on the companies' "shared interest in the countryside".
The concept for the e-tractor forms part of the Countryside, The Future exhibition curated by Koolhaas and AMO that is currently showing at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in New York. As part of the exhibition, Koolhaas placed a tractor in front of the museum on Fifth Avenue.
AMO and Volkswagen are designing an electric tractor
Although few details of the concept have been revealed, AMO and Volkswagen stated that the electric tractor was being developed for use in sub-Saharan Africa.
It is being designed to increase the productivity of small-scale subsistence farmers, the organisations said. The vehicle will not be sold to individuals but will instead be rented to villages so it can be shared by farmers. "When I saw the study of the e-tractor for the first time, I realised it was a really fundamental moment," said Koolhaas. "This machine can change a lot."
The tractors would be charged from a solar tree
"The e-tractor project is a great example of how we can link creativity and technology," said Benita von Maltzahn, director of cultural engagement at Volkswagen.
"Volkswagen is committed to develop sustainable mobility concepts for generations to come and for establishing new levels of equality. Responding to the radical changes in the countryside i...