A&D ANNUAL 2022

Tom Beresford

The process of adaptive reuse and transformative repair are well-established spaces within design communities and are an established component of hegemonic design. The work: ‘A Geezer’s Chandelier’ reconstructs the desire for ornate representation when working within these design spheres; to convey a more approachable narrative around the conflicting topics involved in sustainable design. The pieces have been formed using a methodology that combines laser-cut forms to create these geometric fixtures. Such forms utilise waste materials from a small-scale local upholster and the off-cuts of jigs used in a high-school timber workshop. The work speculates on the potential for this design methodology to generate more positive perceptions around topics of sustainability, notably the development of a definitive answer to humanity's cries for authentic sustainable development. I invite you to critique this design and its implications, and ask if you could look at all designed items in the same light to determine their real value in contributing to positive sustainable change.