Radical reuse : from the superfluous to the exquisite

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the systematic possibilities for the intricate architectural reuse and reconfiguration of the radial tire and the PET plastic bottle. Both waste products demonstrate significant structural and phenomenological potential and are abundantly available at the global scale. Through the specific exploration of these systems, reuse will be introduced to America's high-end architectural client base. Work in this well-established field has been typically associated with squatter settlements, ecological housing, and low-income developments. The objective is to demonstrate the elegance and sophistication that this strategy can yield. It is through the attention to the detail and the specific aggregation of waste materials that the exquisite and desirable can be created out of the unwanted, thus demonstrating the possibilities for future reuse in the larger construction market.