Innovative Furniture Made from Recycled Aluminium Formwork

FDT Bureau

Design studio Niceworkshop collaborated with recycling brand Format to create furniture made from aluminium formwork, typically used in pouring concrete for large-scale buildings. Displayed during the Milan design week’s Capsule showcase at Corso Como 10, the collection comprised chairs, benches and tables constructed from slabs of aluminium joined by industrial bolts. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT). Format, the design and recycling division of Korean construction company Sungji Alfex, sought to repurpose the metal panels used in concrete pouring. Format co-founder Phillip Lee’s family has been making formwork in Korea for more than 50 years, and instead of discarding it, Lee thought they should repurpose it. With Format’s lack of design expertise, they turned to Hyunseog Oh of Niceworkshop to transform the industrial materials into collectible design pieces. The installation showcased two collections, namely, the Aged Form Line and the New Form Line, both with similar forms but differing in material and finish. The Aged Form Line featured furniture crafted from reused formwork, retaining the enduring texture of concrete with slight imperfections, resulting in a darker hue. In contrast, the New Form Line incorporated recycled aluminium, boasting a lustrous finish and smoother surfaces. Both collections include chairs, benches and tables, designed with identical aesthetics. Original rivet holes from the formwork served as connection points between furniture pieces. The New Form Line pieces were displayed together to simulate a furnished space, while the Aged Form Line was presented individually on aluminium plinths. The installation also included a demonstration of the material’s origin, with examples of formwork used in construction, complete with rebar. Image credit: T-Space at 10 Corso Como