"I should have personal connection with the object. When I'm looking for an object, I will find something that has aesthetic appeal. I have to get excited about it." 

 

Interview:

Rachel Deas, upcycle designer


Rachel Deas is a fresh new upcycle designer that concentrates in producing innovative lighting design from old objects. She studied Jewellery and Metal Design course at Duncan of Jordanstone school of Art.


Why are you interested in doing upcycling?

"I do upcycling because I want to preserve the design, to protect the design before completely forgotten... I take objects that I find attractive, but has lost its value."


How is the market response?

"Upcycling is very fashionable right now. It is about saving environment and people know that it is what needs to be done right now. At the moment upcycling definitely is a prime thing and there is a market for it. In the future maybe will be mass produced but I will still keep my bespoke piece."

What is the downside of upcycling?

"Resources. A lot of time spent to find the right object and time is money."

Study Models:

I am exploring how curve planar interact with each other in forming spaces. I apply twist, repetition and thick to thin cutting. In overall layout, I try to emerge the transitional characteristic of the cell. The color gradation can be seen by the intensity of the curves inside which denoting specific areas in the space.

 

Design Inspirations:

Beautiful pattern that mimics the profile of cells.

Architect: Oscar Niemeyer

The simple curves interact with each other creating subtle harmonious movement.

Architect: Zaha Hadid

Project: Chamber Music Hall

 Curves and dramatic flow between ceiling and flooring. The spaces look fluid and graceful.

Concept:

STEM CELL

The concept of my space is taken from the innate ability of stem cell to regenerate itself, adapting to the broken cell to help heal the disorder. My proposed program is as well similar to this notion whereby old furnitures are given new lease of life, to be able to regain its beauty.

Stem cell has an irregular organic shape that I can adapt and explore. Through microscopic lens, there is an apparent gradation of colors that inspired me in design my space. There is a transitional quality in the feature of this cell which is potential to be further developed.

Custard Factory Site Study

Custard factory is the chosen site for this project because of its vibrant and creative energy that the shops offer.

Since my targeted groups are young adults of mid 20s and 30s, this location is really approachable and great to build social networking as well.

The specific unit that i am interested in occupying is the circular space behind the circular pond. These units are special in terms of its distinct character out of the geometrical shape of the overall building.

Case Study

The Upcycle Exchange:

A retail shop that accepts secondhand textiles, fabrics and handcraft materials. People can also purchase the items in a very low price. Moreover, if you donate items to them, they will also pay you back according to the value per basket. Besides being the bridge of old items for new consumers, they also become the supporter of upcycler community who wish to supply their products here. Their activities are extremely benefitting creative communities and teaching public how to be more appreciative over old possessions.

Rebuilding Exchange:

A market that collects rebuilding materials. Their mission is to divert and reuse landfill waste to create something unique and fashionable. Above is the clock that is made of leftover wood veneers. Such activities really are beneficial in reducing waste and managing it for creative purposes. 

Ikea Hackers:

An online community that share creative ways in 'hacking' ikea products by creating something completely out of the original technique. The response of public is very good. It is exciting to know other people's mind-blowing creations. 

REVAMP!

COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION FEAT UPCYCLE

There are so many unwanted items staying in our garage, left with no touch because our space just can't accommodate or they simply lost their charm. One man's trash may be another man's treasure. 

10M items of furniture is thrown away each year in UK

By 2018 UK landfill is expected to run out

90 Tons of landfill waste is saved by furniture reused

Definitely have to do something about this number.

Revamp! is my proposed space where people can barter their furnitures. They bring in their old items and in return they will get points. The points may be use to get new items that are displayed at the showroom whether the items are in original condition or had been upcycled. Those products worth certain points as well. If you don't have enough points to be bartered, you can use money to pay or donate more things to get more points.