RETROUVIUS recently partnered with the Royal College of Art (RCA) on an explorative project for their MA Interior Design students.

The project focused on the concept of Amending and the re-designation of existing materials. Through this theme, students were encouraged to view the act of amending as a powerful approach to design: a way to release environments and objects from perceived deficiencies and give them renewed purpose. Rather than discarding what appears outdated or imperfect, the project demonstrated that thoughtful adaptation and repair can restore materials back into valuable use.

RETROUVIUS provided a diverse range of salvaged materials and components for students to clean, maintain, repair, and adapt, exploring how to give them new life.

The aim was to dispel the notion that creativity is solely about inventing something entirely new or unique, and instead, to see value in contributing to the lifecycle of existing materials, designs and ideas. In this way, the project carried a powerful narrative of sustainability in future design — a reminder that creativity and environmental responsibility can, and should, go hand in hand.

Seeing the students embrace this approach, watching their creative processes unfold, and admiring the results was a hugely inspirational experience. A huge well-done to the RCA students for their hard work and innovative solutions!

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