PRIMA embodies an investigation and experimental design approach focused on the exploration and transformation of “waste” materials into new desirable objects. This convergence of design and science aims to reimagine our approach to using and reusing materials in a sustainable manner.

RETHINKING THE WAY WE USE AND REUSE MATERIALS IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY.

PRIMA is a research and experimental design project with the approach to explore and transform the material residues of ceramics, cork, paper and plastic into new desirable objects. Combining design and science rethinking the way we use and reuse materials in a sustainable way. During the first research period the main residues are ceramic, cork, paper, and plastic residues. Currently working on material experiments, recycling on a small scale and transforming of the selected residues into material sample tiles and than designing new objects:

→ Ceramic waste material from local workshops to large industry production
→ cork fabrication leftovers from CNC milling fabrication
→ paper from household waste
→ plastic residues from the Atlantic ocean and coast line near Aveiro, laboratory plastic racks from the university and industrial post-production waste

WHAT IF WASTE COULD BE MADE USEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL?

PRIMA took its very first steps in 2022 taking in raw materials frequently used or produced by Aveiro industries, such as cork, ceramics and paper. Encouraging new collaborations for bespoke material tests with product design approach. Involving schools, businesses, craft and design these materials will be explored and transformed into new objects and lead to rethinking what we consider to be a “waste”.

About the creative talent

Irena Übler is a product designer and researcher on sustainable methods for the creation of products. Since graduating in 2010 from the University of Applied Science FH Joanneum in Graz, Austria, with a degree of Industrial Design she is working as an independent designer for various companies. She is the creative director of her studio [irenauebler.com], she founded the label COMO – modular cork furniture [corkmodular.com] and works as designer, maker, plastic researcher and educational trainer in the team of Precious Plastic Portugal. [preciousplasticportugal.com]. Irena as part of her team from “Plastic Replay” won the New European Bauhaus Price 2022 in the Category for “Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking” creating a recycling system of kids toys [plasticreplay.pt] Recently Irena founded on the project PRIMA – Rethinking sustainable materials with a research focus on cork, ceramic, paper and plastic residues. This project was developed in the framework of the candidacy for Aveiro 2027 European Capital of Culture in Portugal.