Westminster University Workshop

Re-Fabricate were invited to run a circular economy makers workshop for Westminster University First Year Group F Studio run by Jean Wang and Ross Perkin. The studio asked students to design a playhouse on a site in Peckham and, as part of the technical design element, Re-Fabricate were invited to give students an introduction to circular construction.

The workshop ran during lockdown in early 2021 and with students working from home. The digital workshop started with a presentation from Re-Fabricate on circular economy and precedent examples of how this had been incorporated into existing buildings. This was followed by a week-long workshop which asked students to make aggregates using ingredients from around the home such as used coffee grounds, flaxseed and chickpea water. Students were asked to record their testing methodically on a communal miroboard, assessing the material properties and appearance of each test over the week. The workshop encouraged students to use waste materials as much as possible and consider the long term supply chain whilst testing.

To close the workshop, each student presented their tests and learning from the week and how the process would inform their design work going forwards.