Avery Guerin
The Alter Series: Re-Engineered Denim Excess Furniture
How can textile waste be re-engineered into composite building materials?
For this project I explored design intervention through the re-engineering of material excess produced in the apparel industry, an industry that is actively contributing to immense environmental pressures. I utilized my skill set and knowledge as an industrial designer to apply an industrial process with excess denim material. This process created composite paneling material that was utilized as furniture seating components. I knew that in order to continue forward with developing solutions for excess reduction, physical items are necessary in order to reinforce adaptability by providing tangible offerings.
Insight
Realizing the amount of pressure that is put on the environment as a direct result from over-production and meaningless consumption, I recognized missed opportunities with this excess material. I began to explore the intersection between traditional methods of design manufacturing and production, and how that could influence ‘waste’. We must explore inventive solutions and strategic thinking. By developing a unique process that crafted a proprietary material, I was able to successfully create a product that effectively diverts material excess from the waste stream while ensuring it would not be any more toxic than the original fabric.
Idea
After understanding the similarities in composition of denim and plywood, I employed similar processing techniques that are used in producing bent lamination furniture. Denim, when combined with a binding adhesive and compression, transforms into a durable and resilient sheet material. Through multiple forms of experimentation and prototyping, I had developed small panels that were utilized as seating components. Because they behave like denim, allowing for a similar “wearing-in” process, furniture provided the most amount of familiarity for the user for approaching this new material.
Impact
The consequence of this process and material is far more extensive than the context it has been presented in. Taking a recognizable material that seemingly had a singular use, and transforming it into something new was a challenge, and ultimately the most rewarding aspect of my thesis. Though this process is unique to this particular context and material, this category of investigation can be utilized to uncover future solutions for society as we move towards our decrease in harvesting virgin materials. Design possesses a responsibility to solve problems in response to current societal issues.
Biography
With a narrowed focus on object and product design, Avery provides a diverse range of hands-on skills within a variety of mediums that allow for powerful communication and visualization. Avery also brings along with him extensive retail experience, lending a depth of knowledge in fabrication, manufacturing and branding. Avery’s unique approach to design is rooted in empathy, quality and tactility.