olafur k explores productive potential of giant cane

arundo donax, or giant cane, is a species of reed common in much of the mediterranean basin, asia, and a majority of the southern united states — though present in countless more ecosystems. in many places, the species is considered invasive; rapid growth out competes native plants, and dense patches contribute to higher frequency and intensity of forest fires.

processes: grind, mix, shape, compress with rice bio-resin two
images © olafur k 
top: grind, mix, shape, compress with corn bio-resin one

common, and with few productive uses, arundo donax was an ideal candidate for material experimentation and development, an effort undertaken as a thesis product design project by olafur k. utilizing trial-and-error methods, processes and applications were attempted with consideration of environmental and (local) economic concerns. 

processes: scratch, mix, shape, compress with rice bio-resin three

findings suggest a wide range of capabilities. of all, samples containing cane dust/shavings, mixed with rice and corn bio-resins were most successful. strong, malleable, easy and cheap to produce, this composition was applied to several objects to test realistic potential. the material development project was completed by olafur k at ESDi in barcelona, spain. 

precesses: scratch, mix, shape, compress with rice bio-resin four

processes: grind, mix, shape, compress with rice bio-resin four

sample overview 

samples, continued 

material experiments

materialization in form

objects express the realistic potential of the developed material

structural experiments

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom