Craft for humanity

The result of our design process was a series of workshops for Restore – Habitat for humanity – non-profit foundation. Restore is a special sales space for furniture acquired from donations. The foundation activity is based on raising funds from donations in the form of home appliances, which they are selling in the Restore. During analyzing the process that the acquired items go through, we noticed that the part of them can be sold and used again, but another part must be disposed of because they cannot be sold due to damage and permanent stains. Usually it is upholstered, bulky furniture such as armchairs or sofas, which are not recycled. As a result, we designed the entire workshop in the upcycling which take place in the Lab space of Restore. Our main goal was to upcycle upholstery and foam – usually, they can’t be recycled and landing on the garbage dump. The purpose of workshops is education and expanding public awareness about upcycling. Workshops are divided into two days. The course of the workshop is included in the manual for the person conducting the workshop. Additionally, participants are supported by simple instructions which they receive during the workshop. The volunteers of Restore dismantle the first parts. Metal parts are going to be recycled. Wood, textile, and foam going to be used in the workshop. Workshop participants cut upholstery into strips and dye them with natural vegetable and spice dyes. They build the loom using wooden frame elements. The next step is plotting the fabrics from which carpets are made and the pet pillows with the use of filling foam. As a result, unwanted furniture gets a new life, while reducing non-recyclable waste. Project made in cooperation with Julia Juzyk, Zuzanna Spaltabaka and Kuba Michałkiewicz