The Bloco Cobogó project is a master’s research initiative in Industrial and Product Design, developed at the University of Porto in partnership with TCC Whitestone. The primary goal of the project is to reuse marble waste that would otherwise be discarded in the production process, transforming it into a new product with high replicability potential. Through this approach, the project aims to reintegrate up to 70% of waste into the production line.

The proposal aligns with the principles of a circular economy, demonstrating how industrial waste can be reintegrated into the production cycle to promote sustainability and resource efficiency. The project not only seeks to implement a product in the factory but also serves as a model for creating more sustainable practices, encouraging the industry to adopt innovative and eco-friendly approaches.

About the project’s approach

Bloco Cobogó, viewed through the lens of Distributed Design, brings innovation to circular economy and industrial sustainability. By reusing marble waste discarded by TCC Whitestone, the project shifts responsibility across the production chain, where waste becomes a shared solution rather than one  company’s burden. This approach decentralizes production and opens avenues for other industries to adopt similar adaptable models.

With the aim of reusing up to 70% of waste, Bloco Cobogó reinforces the idea of distributed value, transforming discarded materials into new products and fostering a continuous cycle of production with efficient resource use. By involving diverse stakeholders — from academia to the production sector — the project encourages broader participation in developing a resilient, sustainable system.

In this way, Bloco Cobogó demonstrates how Distributed Design can convert waste into valuable resources, decentralizing positive impacts and increasing replicability potential across multiple industries. This model promotes a balanced approach between production efficiency and environmental responsibility, advocating a shift towards a more sustainable industrial future.

About the designer

I am Adônis Evangelista, born and raised in Bahia, Brazil, where I was able to develop and showcase my art, my greatest passion. My first degree is in Mechanical Engineering, through which I learned various techniques and methods of manufacturing. This background gave me a broad perspective on production processes in the global business environment.

Given the direction I was heading, I chose to pursue a graduate degree in Industrial Design, a field that combines art and mechanical engineering to develop products and manufacturing methods that respect the environment. With this goal in mind, I moved to Portugal to complete a master’s degree in Industrial and Product Design at the University of Porto. For the past two years, I have been conducting research that blends skills from these areas to create products from marble waste. This research is a collaboration between the University of Porto and the company TCC Whitestone, where I currently work as an industrial and product designer.