Sustainable Design

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Nienke Hoogvliet www.nienkehoogvliet.nl

Mourn

By 23-12-2017

Studio Nienke Hoogvliet and the Dutch Water Authorities joined forces again and presented the results during the Dutch Design Week (21-29 Oct.). The Dutch Water Authorities can reclaim a sustainable bioplastic (PHA) from waste water that completely degrades when placed in nature. Studio Nienke Hoogvliet used this special quality of the material to create a concept for a new type of urn that slowly dissolves and prevents soil-and groundwater pollution.

In the project ‘Mourn’ Studio Nienke Hoogvliet redefines the concept of the urn as a storage device for cremation ashes. It’s no longer a vessel. By mixing PHA with cremation ashes, an object is formed that can be given back to nature as a whole. Since the bioplastic will degrade slowly, the ashes will be released slowly as well. This way, the release of nutrients and toxins in the ashes can be regulated by the shape of the urn (a solid shape will take longer to degrade than a slender shape).

The shape of the urn is also adjusted to the type of soil. This way local soil, flora and fauna can process the substances in the ashes at their own pace. So you can give yourself or your loved one back to nature in a responsible way.

More Nienke Hoogvliet > 20.12.2014