Architecture News

Gomi, a Brighton-based design collective, has partnered with the iconic Barbie brand to unveil a groundbreaking collection of consumer electronics. This innovative series, aptly named 'Childhood Memories,' features Bluetooth speakers and power banks ingeniously fabricated from discarded Barbie and Ken dolls, alongside other non-recyclable plastic waste. Each item in this limited-edition range showcases unique marbled patterns, a visual testament to the upcycled materials, including the distinctive pinks and vibrant hues from the original toys, giving each product an individual aesthetic and narrative. This collaboration embodies a significant leap towards circular design, transforming nostalgic playthings into contemporary, eco-conscious technology.

The essence of this collection lies in its commitment to sustainability, extending beyond material reuse to encompass product longevity. Gomi's design philosophy ensures that these devices are not merely aesthetically pleasing but also built for endurance and repairability. Utilizing repurposed e-bike batteries and an assembly method that favors screws over adhesives, each component can be easily accessed, replaced, or upgraded. This forward-thinking approach dramatically reduces waste by preventing products from ending up in landfills after a single life cycle, promoting a true circular economy where resources are valued and perpetually re-integrated.

From Playtime to Purpose: Repurposing Childhood Treasures

The initiative sees pre-loved Barbie and Ken dolls, once relegated to dusty closets, find a new existence as components in modern electronics. Gomi actively encourages individuals to contribute their old toys, which are then meticulously processed at their Brighton workshop. This salvaged plastic is combined with discarded plastic bags, a common waste material often excluded from standard household recycling, to form the unique enclosures for the speakers and power banks. The inherent variation in each batch of reclaimed materials ensures that every product possesses a distinct color blend and swirl, making each item truly one-of-a-kind. This process not only diverts significant plastic waste from landfills but also imbues each piece with a charming narrative of transformation.

The visual characteristics of the upcycled materials are not concealed but celebrated, becoming an integral part of the collection's identity. Vivid pink flecks, soft blues, and a spectrum of other colors intertwine, creating intricate marbled designs that are immediately recognizable as Gomi's signature aesthetic. This deliberate embrace of the recycled material's natural appearance offers a refreshing alternative to conventional manufacturing, where uniformity often overshadows uniqueness. By allowing the traces of a Barbie doll's past life to remain visible, Gomi fosters a deeper connection between the product and its origin, making the act of recycling both tangible and stylish, and offering consumers a piece of their childhood memories revitalized into a functional art piece.

Crafting the Future: Sustainable Design and Longevity

Gomi's commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in the construction of each item. Beyond the innovative use of recycled plastics, the internal mechanics of the speakers and power banks further underscore this dedication. By integrating repurposed e-bike batteries, the brand addresses another critical aspect of electronic waste: battery disposal. The decision to assemble products with screws instead of glue is a deliberate move to facilitate easy disassembly, repair, and component replacement, significantly extending the lifespan of each device. This modular design philosophy stands in stark contrast to the planned obsolescence often seen in the tech industry, offering a refreshing model for responsible consumption.

The collection also champions a manufacturing model that values craftsmanship and individuality. Rather than mass production, the 'Childhood Memories Collection' is released through monthly limited drops, with each piece individually handcrafted. This ensures that every speaker and power bank is a unique creation, influenced by the specific blend of recycled materials available at the time of its production. This bespoke approach means that while two items may share a similar form, their surface patterns and color compositions will always differ, offering consumers a truly personal product. This fusion of sustainable materials, repairable design, and artisanal production establishes a new benchmark for eco-conscious consumer electronics, proving that responsible manufacturing can indeed be both innovative and desirable.

"Revolving Voices," a collaborative public art project by The Urban Conga and poet Tamra Cosby, has been unveiled as a permanent landmark and communal gathering spot within the Astoria Houses, a public housing development in Queens, New York City. Positioned along the Astoria waterfront near the ferry dock, this innovative installation interweaves local narratives, personal recollections, poetic expressions, and visual elements into a sculptural and interactive environment. Designed to foster connection and shared experiences, the artwork stands as a testament to the community's rich cultural heritage and collective identity.

This initiative emerged from extensive community engagement sessions with Cosby, as part of the “From Roots to Arts: Celebrating NYCHA’s Cultural Heritage” artist-in-residence program, orchestrated by the Public Housing Community Fund and NYCHA. Through these sessions, residents openly shared their life stories, experiences, and perspectives, which significantly influenced both the physical form of the artwork and the embedded imagery and text. This deep level of community participation ensured that "Revolving Voices" genuinely reflects the spirit and history of the Astoria Houses neighborhood.

The installation, shaped like a megaphone, features four large octagonal structures that progressively diminish in size, arranged along the curve of a performance area. Each of these components can be manually rotated, allowing for dynamic reorientation and altering the vistas they encompass. This rotational capability enables the structures to either face the waterfront or turn towards the Astoria Houses, thus creating varying dialogues between the artwork, its surroundings, and the community. The perforated metal exteriors showcase figures, activities, and tales from the Astoria Houses community, while the interiors are adorned with etched messages, memories, and poetry contributed by Cosby and other residents. These rotating forms also serve as adaptable portals, comfortable seating, and versatile gathering spaces for diverse community activities.

Conceived for both daily use and special community gatherings, "Revolving Voices" invites a range of activities such as sitting, climbing, exploration, performances, poetry readings, musical events, conversations, and moments of quiet contemplation. By merging interactive structures with community-generated visuals and narratives, this project transforms a public waterfront area into a vibrant setting for collective assembly and storytelling. Ryan Swanson, Principal of Urban Conga, emphasized that by centering the voices, memories, and ongoing involvement of residents, the artwork cultivates a sense of belonging and encourages people to connect. Artist Tamra Cosby added, "This piece reflects the idea that our voices may change over time, but they remain connected."

Lisa Bova-Hiatt, NYCHA Chief Executive Officer, noted that the "Connected Communities" program places residents at the heart of the design process, ensuring that art in their developments truly mirrors the people who inhabit them. Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund, highlighted that "Revolving Voices" vividly portrays the stories and lived experiences of Astoria Houses residents, narrating the community's history in an engaging and interactive manner. The words within the artwork are meticulously cut out, creating a tactile experience that allows individuals to literally feel the embedded messages, further deepening their connection to the piece and its communal essence. The installation's unique design fosters an environment where residents can actively shape their surroundings, making the space uniquely their own and adapting it to their evolving needs and desires.