Elana Castle catches up with Andrew Simpson, industrial designer and supercycler.
Andrew Simpson is the principal of Vert Design, a design studio and workshop based in Redfern, Sydney. Simpson, an industrial designer, is known for his environmentally-responsible design and dedication to developing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
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His portfolio of work includes glassware, ceramics and other home-wares as well as a number of environmentally-based projects. Simpson is one of a handful of designers involved with Sydney-based Supercyclers, “an international collective of designers who are focussed on building a sustainable future.”
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“Being involved with Supercyclers means working with like-minded people,” says Simpson. “I feel that the best way to achieve reach sustainability targets, is to collaborate with people who have the same, genuine agenda.”
Simpson recently exhibited his Solar Vase at the Supercycler’s Supercycle our Souls exhibition in Milan.
The vase, a slim and elegant design, is made from post- industrial solar glass sheeting.
“The solar sheeting is a very fine, clear glass, made from white sand mined off the west coast of Tasmania,” explains Simpson.
“However, to compensate for its lack of workability, we added a set of chemicals which made the design possible.”
The piece generated a great deal of interest at the show, particularly from designers investigating similar methods.
“It’s also important to note that people appreciated the vase as a formal piece of design, as opposed to a particularly environmentally-friendly one,” he adds.
“I feel strongly about the fact that using waste and recycled products doesn’t have to translate into bland design. It’s possible to create pieces that can stand on their own as beautiful objects.”
Simpson’s work will also be on show in Sydney at the Supa Centa, Moore Park, as part of Supercycler’s Supercycle our Souls exhibition from June 15 – July 15.
Andrew Simpson
andrewsimpson.net
Vert Design
vertdesign.com.au
Supercyclers
supercyclers.com
