Landscape of reused materials creates theme for Department of Design pavilion

From second-hand bicycle seats and scrap wood to used carpet tiles and plastic crates, the entire design implements used materials sourced within Cape Town to bring it to life.

Engaging the community

The temporary hub is for the Department of Design, a R4.5 million initiative of the Dutch government, that brings 60 different Dutch companies, together with South African counterparts, in a programme that address challenges in water, health, energy, food and urban development and how to co-create sustainable solutions. The trade and matchmaking fair will run from 8-26 July in Cape Town.

Titled 'Flow', the space features a playground for kids, a café with hanging plants, house-like structures made from tessellating window and doorframes and soundproofed walls made from egg cartons. The design reflects the shared South African and Dutch practice of introducing life back into used goods, as well as engaging the surrounding community. The forest of scrap materials envelops visitors, inviting them into a new environment to foster discussion, inspire change and exchange of knowledge.

Recycled material

This is further amplified by the design's end-of-life, where all materials will be returned to the environment to re-enter the system, through recycling, re-selling or donating. Old chairs might be returned to the carpenters, or scrap-wood resold to scrap sellers.

"All materials we use are sourced locally and will go back to the source afterwards. The whole process is constantly changing and adapting to what and whom we encounter there," says Eliza Mante, designer at Studio Droog.