Waste Age – What can design do? – A Visionary Exhibition at the Design Museum.
The Design Museum in London hosted Waste Age: What Can Design Do? (2022), offering a timely exploration of design’s potential to address the global waste crisis. The exhibition brought together visionary designers and thinkers to reimagine how waste can be transformed into valuable resources, creating functional and aesthetically compelling objects while challenging traditional perceptions of materials and consumption. Featured projects included works by Formafantasma, Stella McCartney, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Lacaton & Vassal, Fernando Laposse, Bethany Williams, Phoebe English, and Natsai Audrey Chieza.
One notable example was Fernando Laposse’s Totomoxtle, a veneer material crafted from the husks of heirloom Mexican corn, which not only repurposes agricultural byproducts but also supports biodiversity and cultural heritage. Another highlight was the Bottle-Top Chain, an installation made from 6,600 bottle tops collected by volunteers, illustrating the potential of community-driven recycling efforts.
‘We must face the problem of waste – we can no longer ignore what happens to things when we get rid of them. Instead of thinking of objects as things that have an end life, they can have many lives. This is not just an exhibition it is a campaign, and we all have an active part in our future.’ Gemma Curtin, Curator.
Towards a Circular Future
The exhibition also delved into the concept of a circular economy, where materials are reused and regenerated rather than discarded. It featured materials like sea stone, a concrete-like substance made from crushed seashells, and water-soluble electronic circuit boards made from natural fibers, highlighting the possibilities of sustainable material innovation. These examples demonstrated how design can contribute to a future where waste is minimized, and resources are continually cycled back into use. Beyond showcasing innovative materials, the exhibition emphasized the importance of intentional design processes. It highlighted how designers are considering the entire lifecycle of products, from sourcing materials to end-of-life disposal, to create solutions that are both functional and environmentally responsible. This holistic approach encourages a shift from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model to a more sustainable and regenerative design philosophy.
A Call to Action
Waste Age: What Can Design Do? served as both an exhibition and a call to action, urging visitors to reconsider their relationship with waste and to recognize the potential of design in shaping a more sustainable future. By showcasing the innovative ways in which designers are addressing the waste crisis, the exhibition inspired a rethinking of how we approach consumption, production, and the materials we use in our daily lives.
“A powerful wake-up call” The Guardian (read full review here).
Although the exhibition has concluded, its message remains pertinent as the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges. The ideas and projects presented in Waste Age continue to inspire designers, policymakers, and individuals to explore how design can be a powerful tool in creating a more sustainable and waste-conscious world.
