Students in a “research by making” thematic design studio at Rotterdam’s Piet Zwart Institute rolled out projects in which they investigated low-tech appliances and gadgets and then re-imagined them to offer an alternative use. During the exhibition, entitled Altered Appliances, the students presented the kitchen-based designs and showed the process of making.
With the kitchen being the most tech and equipment filled room in the home, the students were asked to research hand powered tools and devices and to gain knowledge of one in particular. This led the students to investigate a new or “altered” design for the kitchen.
Rollware, designed by Joanne Choueiri, Giulia Cosenza, and Povilas Raskevicius, is a set of rolling pins with laser cut shapes in them that lets you roll out and make edible dishware. The baked bread plates can then be eaten instead of being thrown away when you’re done.
Designed by Maddalena Gioglio and Egle Tuleikyte, CONEformation is a device to measure and mix ingredients as you cook. Six ceramic cones sit in a frame and are easily accessible while you’re in the kitchen.
Flip Food, designed by Ilias Markolefas and Nathalia Martinez Saavedra, allows you to store and carry your food in a fun and playful way. The geometric form reinterprets the brown paper bag and lets you have your homemade food on the ready when you’re out.
Students Bo Baalman and Kine Solberg designed Extrudough, an altered meat grinder that becomes a human-powered 3D printer to fabricate biodegradable tableware. Send an easily mixed, malleable dough through the grinder and into various shaped molds to make the containers.
The exhibitions and its live demonstration took place at Ventura Lambrate this year.