Bridging creativity and consciousness: The new wave of student design projects
Changing the design landscape, three student-driven projects are embracing ecology and reshaping aesthetics.
Design 09 mins. read
The world of architecture and design has always been a reflection of society’s shifting paradigms. In the past, the focus was often on aesthetics and functionality. However, the advent of a new generation has brought forth a wave of budding designers who are discontented with the status quo. These young minds are not only challenging conventional norms but are also redefining realities and addressing pressing issues head-on whilst embracing sustainability and ecological responsibility. In this feature, STIR focuses on three student design projects that capture the essence of change. From Freddy Marbic’s exploration of self-identity in the plastic age to the ambitious rewilding of running shoes and the inspired use of London Underground waste for tiles, these projects embody the trends that define our times, where facts and realities are increasingly malleable.
Hanne Arends' marble sculpture challenges perceptions Image: Courtesy of Hanne Arends
Challenging perceptions in a plastic world with Hanne Arend’s ‘Freddy Marbic’
In a time when subjective viewpoints frequently blur the line between fact and opinion, Hanne Arends, a soon-to-graduate student at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam, has adeptly channeled the force of her convictions to craft an unconventional masterpiece using solid marble. Her sculpture challenges the boundaries of reality, proving the profound impact of perception on our understanding of the world around us. Arend's Freddy Marbic is a creation that defies traditional conventions. The sculpture boldly asserts that it is made of plastic, firmly adhering to the belief that shapes its truth. Freddy Marbic is not a plastic inflatable chair as it may appear at first glance; rather, it is a substantial 600 kg sculpture that is carved from pristine white Carrara marble.
Solid marble sculpture in the form of an inflatable chair Image: Courtesy of Hanne Arends
The heart of this artwork lies in Freddy’s unwavering conviction that he is composed of plastic, even when confronted with the fact of his marble composition. It is a testament to the power of belief, echoing the broader societal context where opinions are embraced as facts.
Arend’s motivation for creating this sculpture art springs from her fascination with paradoxes and contrasts. She sought to convey a message that appears to represent one thing on the surface but, in reality, signifies its complete opposite. This fascination deepened through her experiences, where she discovered that initial appearances often obscure the deeper truths within.
Material Paradox: Freddy Marbic’s fusion of plastic and marble Image: Courtesy of Hanne Arends
The central paradox within Freddy Marbic revolves around the choice of materials. Plastic with its affordability, lightweight comfort, and ease of manipulation, stands in contrast to the preciousness, enduring nature, and immense weight of marble. The sculpture artist merges these opposing materials into a recognisable design that challenges preconceptions.
A rough outline of Arend’s design Image: Courtesy of Hanne Arends
The manufacturing process behind this chair design amalgamates cutting-edge technology with traditional marble craftsmanship. A CNC machine meticulously shaped the rough outline from a solid block of Carrara marble, adhering to Arends’ design. The subsequent stages relied on skilled artisanal handwork, particularly the challenging task of polishing the sculpture to achieve a plastic-like sheen.
Hanne Arends with a block of Carrara marble Image: Courtesy of Hanne Arends
"Looking ahead over the next decade, I aspire to explore new themes, techniques, and materials to continually expand my ability to weave emotions and concepts into my artworks. One of my dreams is to exhibit my work on a global scale. Moreover, I aim to utilise my art to address societal issues and cultivate awareness around significant themes like Freddy,” says Arends on how she envisions her future.
Hanne Arend’s Freddy Marbic sculpture stands as a testament to the transformative power of belief. It reminds us that, in an era where perception often takes precedence over fact, our understanding is more malleable than we may realise.
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