About the project
About Axel Lundgren
As part of the Distributed Design Residency 2024 at Maker V-10, Axel Lundgren explored the potential of recycled plastic as a material for functional, beautiful everyday objects. With a multidisciplinary background spanning architecture, woodworking, and ceramics, Axel’s work is driven by material exploration and the transformative potential of design. His practice focuses on bridging disciplines, revealing new opportunities through experimentation, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
Reimagining plastic through craft and precision
Drawing inspiration from ceramics, Japanese lacquer boxes, and traditional serving trays, Axel approached recycled plastic with the same care and precision as handcrafted materials. During the residency he experimented with CNC milling and casting techniques, pushing the boundaries of stackable, interlocking forms that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The project resulted in multifunctional home objects – including storage boxes, tea trays, and stackable cups/bowls – designed to store, collect, and display while elevating waste materials into refined, everyday pieces.
By utilizing mixed-color plastics to create marbled, unique patterns, Axel’s work highlights how discarded materials can gain new life through thoughtful design. His exploration aligns with the core values of Distributed Design, which advocates for local production, resource efficiency, and sustainable material innovation.
Designing for a circular future
Showcased alongside fellow Distributed Design Residents at Kulturnatten 2024, Axel’s project demonstrates how recycled plastic can move beyond industrial waste to become a material of craftsmanship and beauty. His work challenges conventional perceptions of waste, proving that sustainable materials can be both practical and poetic.
Through this residency, Axel has redefined plastic as a medium, embracing collaborative making and digital fabrication to create objects that are locally produced, thoughtfully designed, and built for longevity. His project serves as an inspiration for designers looking to rethink materials, embrace circularity, and transform discarded resources into valuable, meaningful objects.
