Muovin tarina - roskasta tuotteeksi
Espoo, FinlandClient
City of Espoo,2021
Work
Material researchFurniture & product design
Prototyping
From waste to object
Exploring the potential of mixed plastic waste through material research and public furniture design.
The project examined how mixed plastic waste can be transformed into durable products for public environments. Developed in collaboration with material engineers and researchers, the work explored the entire process from waste stream to finished object, including material processing, testing, and large-scale robotic 3D printing.
The recycled plastic was sorted, cleaned, compounded, and granulated before undergoing material and safety testing. The resulting material properties informed the design process and highlighted both the opportunities and limitations of working with mixed recycled plastics.
The furniture was designed specifically for outdoor public use, embracing the visual character of the material and additive manufacturing process. Simple geometric forms and layered structures allow the roughness and variation of the recycled plastic to become an integral part of the objects rather than something to conceal.
The outcome included a series of prototypes produced with robotic 3D printing and installed in the Kera area of Espoo, demonstrating how locally sourced waste materials can be reimagined as functional public furniture.
Kukkapenkki — Urban refuge
Kukkapenkki combines seating and planting into a single sculptural object. Its enclosing form introduces a fragment of nature into the urban environment, creating both a visual landmark and a small space for pause and retreat.
Tip — Modular planters
Tip is a series of drop-shaped planters designed for flexible use in public spaces. The planters can function individually or as a larger composition, allowing different planting arrangements and spatial configurations.
