DROSS

DROSS
Credits: Lydia Kallipoliti

The word dross refers to matter that is foreign, worn out and impure, such as the scum formed by oxidation at the surface of molten metals. Based on a perception of material impurity, this research encompasses the generative potential of obsolete objects and spaces, or in other words waste material that is displaced culturally or functionally from its previous identity. The content of this research engages 'obsolete matter' in different scales, or 'techno-excrements' as an emerging city-born condition, derivative of the urban system's internal erosion.

A matrix of objects was created with obsolete objects of different scale, textural and formal complexity. The matrix played the role of a generating device for new material, new images and new concepts. Each obsolete object delivered several by-products that could be directly used in new assemblages.

Since it is impossible to dispose of these objects due to their extremely high-embodied material energy, the premise of this research is the development of post-praxis or 'architectural' reuse design strategies. The intention is to revisit our design and material culture, not by attempting to create new memory, but by recycling meanings of objects and spaces with embedded memory. In parallel, the intent is to go beyond existing techniques, such as reuse through signification and collage of unrelated building parts and to explore the possibilities of cast materials and generative processes of 'moulding' related to computation.
 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.