dc.description.abstract |
The need to keep up with the latest is now a trending practice, leaving what is ‘old’ or ‘used’ unnoticed. However, with resources gradually depleting, particularly in construction, designers are challenged to consider alternatives other than new and ‘off the shelf’ materials. There is plenty around, it is just a matter of knowing what to find, where to find it. The saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ is applicable to any individual - what is of little value to one person, may in fact be of great value to another person. ‘Trash’ could be litter, solid waste, or unwanted/surplus materials and therefore we must consider the three R’s of our environment; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The first basic rule of reduce looks into how we can minimize the amount of waste we produce in order to help the environment. The second rule reuse is finding ways to repurpose an object multiple ways before throwing it away. Lastly, the third rule recycle is how we create new products out of everyday objects, such as paper bags, drink bottles, and juice cartons. All three R’s affect our daily lives, however, the challenge is finding their application to architecture or building context. In a design that utilizes reclaimed and/or salvaged materials, imperfections and irregularity are given importance. Materials such as old weatherboards, weathered road signs, shipping crates are amongst those we overlook as reusable materials. Utilizing them not only minimizes waste footprint, but unique characteristics are reborn by embracing their imperfections and irregularity. As they are not ‘off the shelf’ materials, there will be variation in sizes, colours, availability and accessibility. There is an opportunity to utilize these limitations as a key driver for interesting playful design that can inevitably challenge conventional architecture that utilizes mass produced products. The use of reclaimed materials preserves their history and memory. When they are used to craft new objects with fresh meanings and functions, a dimension of ownership is reactivated due to our familiarity to the material used. Now the question is, how can we, today’s designers, turn the pile of ‘trash’ into life-changing masterpieces?Critical Question: How can we incorporate the use of salvaged and reclaimed materials in building to promote recycling? |
en |