Diploma project
Industrial Design
Spring 2023
Institute of Design
How can design contribute to the minimisation of clay waste in the city of Oslo?
“Rethinking Clay” aims to offer a contribution that promotes the creation and consumption of locally-sourced products. It intends to transform the perception of blue clay from waste to a valuable resource. The objective of this intervention is to explore innovative ways to utilise blue clay, thereby minimising waste and maximising its potential across various contexts.
Two products were developed as a proof of concept. These products are created locally and sustainably utilising blue clay as the main material and partnering with refugees for its creation, providing refugees with valuable context on the working environment in Oslo. “Rethinking Clay” does not only promote sustainable practices, it also facilitates the integration of refugees into the local community and empowers them with valuable skills for their future endeavours. It promotes the possibility for the creation of a profitable, circular, and sustainable micro-economy.
The partition walls are created with a simple, modular tile design, allowing for a wide range of functional and decorative constructions.
The three-dimensional elements of these tiles create a playful dynamic in the space through their interactions with light, adding aesthetic value to any space where these tiles are used. Besides the aesthetic value, these tiles promote acoustic isolation due to the inherent sound-absorbtion qualities of blue clay.
Romeo Rioverde / romeo.rioverde@gmail.com
Two products were developed as a proof of concept. These products are created locally and sustainably utilising blue clay as the main material and partnering with refugees for its creation, providing refugees with valuable context on the working environment in Oslo. “Rethinking Clay” does not only promote sustainable practices, it also facilitates the integration of refugees into the local community and empowers them with valuable skills for their future endeavours. It promotes the possibility for the creation of a profitable, circular, and sustainable micro-economy.
The partition walls are created with a simple, modular tile design, allowing for a wide range of functional and decorative constructions.
The three-dimensional elements of these tiles create a playful dynamic in the space through their interactions with light, adding aesthetic value to any space where these tiles are used. Besides the aesthetic value, these tiles promote acoustic isolation due to the inherent sound-absorbtion qualities of blue clay.
Romeo Rioverde / romeo.rioverde@gmail.com
