Upcycling: re-use and recreate functional interior space using waste materials
Year: 2013
Editor: John Lawlor, Ger Reilly, Robert Simpson, Michael Ring, Ahmed Kovacevic, Mark McGrath, William Ion, David Tormey, Erik Bohemia, Chris McMahon, Brian Parkinson
Author: Ali, Nawwar Shukriah; Khairuddin, Nuur Farhana; Zainal Abidin, Shahriman
Series: E&PDE
Institution: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia
Section: Sustainability
Page(s): 798-803
ISBN: 978-1-904670-42-1
Abstract
This paper is written to discuss the use of waste materials in recreating a functional interior space. Upcycling was introduced as one of the methods to maintain the environment by creating useful products out of waste and unused materials. The over usage of natural resources and overloading of human made materials, has led to many environmental issues such as landslides, green house effects, flooding and pollution. A distinctive, yet functional interior space, can be created through the process of converting waste materials or useful products into new goods, which also contributes to a higher environmental value. A few case examples are chosen to identify and analyze all the challenges and factors to be considered in designing using upcycled materials. The impacts and effects of upcycling to create new products are discussed, based on chosen case studies. The environmental issues in design are observed as part of understanding the significance of this study. By fully understanding the role and benefits of up-cycling, further recommendations of techniques can be taken into consideration. Thus, it can be applied to ensure better and effective usage of those materials and products, particularly in interior space, in order to conserve and preserve natural sources.
Keywords: Interior space, upcycling, waste materials