Old to New: A New Take on Recycling & Reusing

Posted by Katie on January 15 at 6:07 PM Recycled products aren't new, but it isn't often that we see remnants of the old product within the new. Architects Pugh + Scarpa decided to find a new use for those old beer and soda cans. Instead of throwing them away, they used them for building blocks for the Broadway housing project in Santa Monica. The image below shows how the cans were used for the facade of the building. 

 
Photo: Marvin Rand / Courtesy Pugh + Scarpa  - Architect's Newspaper

 
Close up of the facade - Interior Design, January P. 192

Architects aren't the only ones reusing products to make something new. Metropolis featured Zurich based design firm, Shagal|Interdisciplinary Office for Design, Architecture & Arts who reuse collected collateral material to make their company business cards. The end result - a one of a kind business card that is friendly to the environment. Read more about them on page 38 of the January issue. 



Lastly, who says recycled packaging waste can't be turned into something useful? London based design firm, Cohda Design does just that to produce these bright and unique looking stacking chairs. Learn more about their process and company at http://www.cohda.com/Pages-Mainframe.html


These products challenge all of us to think creatively. What you are throwing away today could be your next piece of furniture tomorrow. The possibilities are endless ... 

Topics: architecture and design, green        SHARE: