School of Architecture
Plugged In, Thrown Out
Unmaking doesn't stop at the device level; it also extends in to user behavior. For my project, I chose to use CD / DVD drives as my discarded device and attempt to repurpose it as a 3D printer. I intend to show people that this process is indeed possible and can be replicated by themselves. Fostering a culture of unmaking and tinkering are integral aspects of this transformative initiative. It's an effort to redefine our relationship with technology. This unmaking of current methods isn't a rejection of progress; it's a call for progress with a conscience. It challenges us to think beyond the urge towards constant upgrades and towards a future where innovation coexists with environmental consciousness.
Timeline
12 weeks
Role
Installation Designer
For
Exhibition
With
ASOS: Data Dump
Context
In our fast-paced technological landscape, our devices continually strive to embody the innovation: high performance, compactness, and lightweight design. This perpetual goal for advancement results in the incessant creation and release of new devices, forming a societal paradigm where the constant pursuit of the 'next best thing' becomes the norm. This phenomenon not only caters to consumer desires but also serves as a lucrative strategy for companies interested in capitalizing on the ever-evolving demands of the market.
From smartphones to laptops and tablets, these devices entice us with their impressive capabilities, only to find themselves prematurely relegated to the status of technological 'orphans' when the subsequent upgrade becomes available. Consequently, this cyclical pattern contributes significantly to the generation of massive amounts of electronic waste, with discarded devices contributing to the growing environmental issue.
The disposal of e-waste, containing hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and more, poses a severe threat to the environment. As these substances find their way into the soil and water, they have the potential to disrupt entire ecosystems, endanger wildlife, and compromise human health. The environmental repercussions of our tech-driven consumption habits are undeniable and demand innovative solutions to mitigate the adverse effects.
Problem Framing
In my exploration into the concept of unmaking, I envision a paradigm shift where we reverse the current methods of underground material extraction by shifting attention to the mountains of e-waste. There is an unused and plentiful stockpile of raw materials waiting to be reused or salvaged. Instead of allowing discarded electronics to contribute to environmental degradation, why not explore the untapped potential within these stockpiles? The abundance of materials embedded in e-waste presents a unique opportunity to extract value, from reclaiming precious metals to repurposing plastics.
By unmaking the linear approach of production — raw materials are extracted, refined, devices are manufactured, used, and then discarded — we begin to understand how unsustainable this approach is, especially with a finite resource stockpile. And when I say unmaking, I don’t just mean the disassembly of electronic devices, but reimagining an entire life cycle, starting with how materials are sourced. Rather than depleting resources underground, we can look to alternative ways, such as extracting valuable materials from discarded devices, which then can be repurposed.
MARCH
3 Photos
For my project, I chose to use CD / DVD drives as my discarded device and attempt to repurpose it as a 3D printer. I intend to show people that this process is indeed possible and can be replicated by themselves. Fostering a culture of unmaking and tinkering are integral aspects of this transformative initiative. It's an effort to redefine our relationship with technology. This unmaking of current methods isn't a rejection of progress; it's a call for progress with a conscience. It challenges us to think beyond the urge towards constant upgrades and towards a future where innovation coexists with environmental consciousness.
Process + Rationale
