new weave

to create without waste can be difficult for a product designer. the materials we order are generally oversized, leading to offcuts being produced or surplus materials at the end of a project. as designers, we need to be conscious about the waste we produce; how can this be limited, what interventions can be made or what can be redesigned to minimise waste developed through production.

new weave is an exploration into revaluing materials from within the design industry. if a material is no longer suited to an existing project how can it be redesigned or reinterpreted to respect its raw value? led and wire offcuts were sourced from within the lighting industry and interventions were made to rebuild structure and redefine aesthetic. 

new weave was developed for craft victoria’s new product series, by/product, where a selected group of australian makers and designers were asked to join the challenge of repurposing/reusing discarded materials to produce a new line of handmade products. the exhibition was part of melbourne design week 2022.

the aim of the series is to highlight the value of raw materials and to recognise the threat of material scarcity on designers, artists and makers, and associated impacts on their artistic and commercial outcomes. through this process, designers and makers work to rebuild structure, redefine aesthetic appeal and reinstate value in otherwise discarded materials. 

materials: reclaimed electrical wire, reconditioned led drivers and led lighting offcuts.