ABSTRACT
The Useless 3 team conducted a workshop focussed on exploring discarded materials that are commonly considered waste. They aimed to raise awareness and encourage filtering of these materials. Through artistic mapping, the students learned how to visually represent and track their observations. By walking through their neighborhood, they became more attuned to the presence of discarded items and developed an understanding of their ubiquity in various spaces. The team introduced different techniques to make use of found materials, such as ring weaving, where items like old bicycle tubes or beverage packaging could be transformed into interconnected structures. Another method involved examining excavated earth, typically seen as waste during construction, to determine its potential as a building material. The students collected soil samples and created a map of their findings. Despite the workshop being conducted digitally, the students were able to experiment hands-on with the materials, honing their craftsmanship and even transporting a piece of furniture throughout the city. The journey was documented through moving images and resulted in a video showcasing the transformation of useless materials into useful resources, highlighting the potential value of the discarded.
