HTML Document The Art of Recycling

Released 21/07/2008
Contributor cupceant

A furniture design-contest for schools in Copenhagen


The increasing production of waste in modern society is an environmental problem that touches upon the lives of everyone. At the same time it is one of the environmental problems that we can all affect through our daily practice.

The Art of Recycling is an annual event that focuses on the limitation of waste production in households. For the last three years, the Art of Recycling contest has been an annual event in the City of Copenhagen (since 2002) and most of Scania, Sweeden (since 2004).

The Art of Recycling is sponsored by the major waste management company R98.

The contest is open for contributions from school classes (age group 4th to 6th grade).

For the last four years almost 2000 pupils a year have signed up for the contest.

[Dansk information]

Project Outline


Step one: In the household
The Student has to collect and bring artefacts from the family’s garbage to the classroom. In many cases we foresee that the pupil will involve other members of the family in the search of waste and recyclable materials.

Step two: In the class room
The task is to design a piece of furniture, max. Size 1,5x1,5x1,5 meters. The furniture will be judged on the creative outlet, the aesthetical presentation, and on the innovative reflections and visual expression of the classes’ visions on future sustainable waste management. The class might divide into groups or work together. Nevertheless the class has to choose only one piece of furniture to enter the contest.

Step three: In the public space
Local exhibitions will be organized. A local jury chooses the local winners and finally all the local winners are joined at one big exhibition.

The 2004 Finals
For more information, please contact our office:
  • Telephone: +45 28 57 98 11
  • Mail: sidselfaurholt@hotmail.com

    The Art of Recycling is sponsored by the waste organization R98.

    Winners, 2004


    First Prize: SS Bertil

    The jury said: "The First Prize goes to a piece of furniture –a chair -, which is beautiful in both proportion and colour. But what makes this chair really special is the symbolic value put into it. This chair is not only built in sole waste materials. It also proposes a new way of waste management, which could make this practise easier in the future. The chair has a built-in function, which makes it possible to sort cans from bottles while you are relaxing or concentrating on other things.

    SS Bertil presents a genius conceptualisation of The Art of Recycling!"
    SS Bertil by 5.b, Jonstorpskolan (S),
    Winner of The Art of Recycling 2004
    The Jury's Special Prize: "Hon Diskade en Sommar"

    The Jury said: "The class has designed a piece of furniture, which we have never seen before. Material wise, it is modern, but it’s concept is romantic. It is a piece of furniture that can teach people to enjoy themselves while doing the dishes – at home or in natural surroundings among flowers, trees and animals. The Special Prize goes to “Hon diskade en Sommar” (Summer Dish Wash), a poetic piece of furniture that is able to inspire children and adults."

    "Hon Diskade en Sommar" by 6b, Östratornskolan (S)
    Winner of the audience Prize 2004: "Wheeler"
    Every single school pupil present at the opening of the finale-exhibition was encouraged to vote for their favourite piece of furniture. “Wheeler” an installation consisting of one table and two chairs made out of old tiers, won the pupils heart – and a 1000 dkr.
    Wheeler, 6v, Valby skole