Benchmark works together with a group of students at London Metropolitan University to create a special Aldgate Gold project using the furnituremaker's wood cutoffs and other objects collected from London's streets. What they create from these materials is presented as a part of Clerkenwell Design Week. Each design incorporates objects that are gathered from neighborhoods nearby and created into new items using wooden components.
Designer and course leader Simon Hasan explains the project, "Looking with the eyes of a designer slash creator, we wanted them to unlock the latent potential within the 'old' objects through thoughtfully designed and beautifully crafted appendages. We encouraged the students to scour the streets – avoiding the urge to just pick up anything but to instead really choose an object that they personally felt has latent potential."
Found Objects-Formed Art Collections
LMU Joins Benchmark to Create the Aldgate Gold Project
Trend Themes
1. Upcycled Art Installations - Transforming discarded materials from urban streets into high-value art pieces culturally elevates the dialogue on sustainability and creativity.
2. Community-driven Design Projects - Leveraging local neighborhoods for materials integrates community identity into design, fostering a sense of ownership and relevance.
3. Student-led Collaborative Design - Engaging students in real-world projects offers fresh perspectives and innovative solutions while providing valuable hands-on experience.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Furniture Design - The practice of repurposing wood cutoffs and found objects into new furniture pieces positions sustainability at the forefront of design innovation.
2. Higher Education - Collaboration between universities and industry on creative projects enhances learning and bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application.
3. Urban Art - Incorporating found objects from cityscapes into art projects brings a unique, localized narrative to urban installations.