Organized by EUNIC Indonesia Cluster, the Design Matters Lab Exhibition at Erasmus Huis spotlights five groundbreaking projects that challenge conventional perceptions of waste.
Changemakr.Asia – In an era where environmental sustainability is more crucial than ever, ten designers from Indonesia and Europe have joined forces to transform waste into high-value products. From chicken feet repurposed into leather-like material to coffee grounds turned into functional furniture, this cross-cultural collaboration showcases the vast potential of sustainable resource utilization.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Organized by EUNIC Indonesia Cluster, the Design Matters Lab Exhibition at Erasmus Huis spotlights five groundbreaking projects that challenge conventional perceptions of waste. Running from February 27 to May 3, 2025, the exhibition brings together designers, researchers, and industry experts to demonstrate how creative solutions can combat the global waste crisis.
Designing a Sustainable Future: The Process Behind the Innovation
The initiative pairs five Indonesian designers with counterparts from England, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Ireland. The collaboration began with a one-month online bootcamp, followed by a 14-day residency in Bandung in December 2024. Designers were placed in five micro-factories, where they worked closely with local industry experts to experiment with alternative materials and develop prototypes with both aesthetic and functional appeal
Beyond just product development, the program fosters cross-cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing, reinforcing a global commitment to sustainability and circular economies.
Transforming Waste into Valuable Products
The exhibition features a diverse array of projects, each focusing on a different waste material:
- TAC_tas – Created by Chloe Xingyu Tao (England), Fariz Fadhlillah (Indonesia), and Conture Concrete Lab (Indonesia), this project explores inclusive designs for visually impaired individuals.
- Hylume – A collaboration between Leïla Bouyssou (France), Bani Muhammad (Indonesia), and MYCL (Indonesia), utilizing bio-based materials to create functional home goods.
- Lampoep – Designed by Ratna Djuwita (Indonesia), Pim van Baarsen (Netherlands), and Cowka (Indonesia), this project experiments with cow waste as a sustainable resource.
- Cuirkah – Developed by Rininta Isdyani (Indonesia), Alve Lagercrantz (Germany), and Hirka (Indonesia), turning chicken feet into a durable leather substitute.
- ESPRESSO – A furniture collection by Cokorda Gde Bagus (Indonesia), Ciana Martin (Ireland), and Bell Living Lab (Indonesia), crafted from recycled coffee waste.
Summer Xia, Co-President of EUNIC Indonesia Cluster and Country Director of the British Council Indonesia, emphasized the importance of creativity in addressing environmental challenges:
“Design Matters Lab proves that by merging creativity with collaboration, we can create sustainable solutions. By connecting designers from Indonesia and Europe, we are not just exchanging ideas—we are building pathways to tackle waste and climate change.”
Nicolaas de Regt, Director of Erasmus Huis and Head of the Dutch Embassy’s Department of Culture and Communications, reinforced the Netherlands’ commitment to sustainable design:
“Hosting this exhibition aligns with our long-standing mission to explore innovative sustainability solutions. Cross-cultural collaboration, as seen in Design Matters Lab, is essential for fostering impactful design solutions.”
The exhibition is not just about showcasing products; it’s about inspiring a movement. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience interactive displays, view infographics tracing the transformation of raw waste into usable materials, and engage in panel discussions about the role of design in sustainability.
