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PLASTIC IS A MAN MADE MATERIAL THAT DOES NOT BIODEGRADE1
280 MILLION TONS OF PLASTIC ARE PRODUCED EACH YEAR2
5% OF THE PLASTIC THAT IS PRODUCED IS RECYCLED3
8 MILLION TONS OF PLASTIC END UP IN THE OCEAN EACH YEAR4
THE US CONTRIBUTES 25% OF THE WORLDS TRASH5
34% OF US HOUSEHOLDS ARE RECYCLING6
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UPCYCLING PLASTIC POLLUTION INTO 3D PRINTS RECYCLE
PRODUCE
abstract
second floor
The unlikely space and
to loading dock
The RE-LAB is an educational makers environment centered around recycling and 3D printing. Plastic is collected at drop off kiosks around Cincinnati and upcycled into filament for 3D printing. This space creates a form work to allow users of all experience levels to design and print new upcycled objects. combination of a 3D printing makers stemmed from an initial question:
How might we create a new and efficient way to recycle in which people can learn about the process through active participation?
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I challenged myself to think outside of the box with a preliminary question that doesn’t seem to lend itself to interior design. I believe that well designed spaces can have a powerful effect over people. I wanted to create a space that could be a part of a larger solution to end plastic pollution in the ocean. I began by researching different methodologies for teaching, interaction, recycling, creating positive social change. This research can be found in the book RE- Volume 1. My design process for the interior space can be found in the RE-LAB process book Volume 2. The design of the space is rooted in the idea of being a framework to host other means of creation. The main feature of the main feature of this space is an overscaled 3D printed staircase supported by a customized scaffolding system.
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first floor
key focus areas 1
1
hanging installation
5 4
2
entry wayfinding signage
3
scaffolding portal
4
gallery extension
5
gallery
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recycling drop off
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landing overlook
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circulation path
2
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3
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exploded axon
3D printed planar modules
how it works? 1 Drop off kiosks around Cincinnati are available for consumers to recycle their plastic waste
to a processing plant to be made into 3D printing filament
3 Users visit the RE-LAB to 3D print
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3
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kiosk locations
context map
site
public parking
street car
local business
over the rhine
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5
gallery extension
kiosk locations
metal rods with 3D printed connectors
tensile cord within scaffolding structure
new, upcycled objects out of recycled plastic
3D printed steps with wood treads
2 Recovered plastic material is taken