About the project
What:
Cardboardlab is a creative project by badala that transforms cardboard waste into functional and aesthetic design objects. Using simple tools and sustainable materials, we create design objects, furniture, toys, and other everyday items.
Why:
Our goal is to inspire people to use resources responsibly and to find creative solutions for upcycling.
How:
Through workshops and DIY projects aimed at everyone aged 12 and above, we teach how to use cardboard in an eco-friendly and creative way.
Who:
The project is run by Barbara and Jochen Höller, who specialize in sustainable design and upcycling through badala.
When:
Cardboardlab is always active, regularly offering online tutorials, workshops, and resources for creative work with cardboard.
Where:
Cardboardlab is a start-up project in Vienna and is part of badala’s commitment to sustainable education and design.
About the Project’s Approach
Our project at badala and Cardboardlab follows an open, collaborative, and regenerative approach. We focus on the creative transformation of cardboard waste into functional design objects, reducing waste while restoring the value of seemingly useless materials. Through tutorials, workshops, and DIY projects, we provide the community with the opportunity to create sustainable design solutions themselves, while also fostering collaboration among people of all ages and backgrounds.
The principles of the circular economy, which are central to our project, are reflected in our methodology: We encourage the reuse of materials, sharing knowledge, and developing solutions that are both ecological and creative. Our goal is to create a self-regenerating ecosystem that has an impact both locally and globally, thus contributing to the promotion of sustainable production methods and a responsible consumption culture.
About the founders
Barbara Höller is a designer and founder of badala, a company specializing in sustainable design and upcycling. With her deep commitment to environmental awareness and creative solutions, she focuses on reusing materials, especially cardboard, to create functional and aesthetic design objects. Barbara founded the Cardboardlab project to introduce sustainable design methods to people of all ages. Her focus is on fostering creativity and creating added value from cardboard scraps. She aims to bring about positive change in society through design.
Jochen Höller is an artist and sculptor who addresses societal, technical, and cultural issues. He uses books as material for his artwork, creating impressive sculptures and three-dimensional objects. These works convey new layers of meaning and often deal with socio-critical aspects. As part of the badala team, Jochen is responsible for prototyping and, together with Barbara Höller, initiated the Cardboardlab project, which promotes creative upcycling and advances sustainable design.