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Original by Nature Уметничка инсталација by Egemen Kemal Vurusan

Original by Nature Уметничка инсталација by Egemen Kemal Vurusan is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Железна награда A' Design Award in Ликовна уметност и уметнички инсталации Competition Category.


ЖелезнаЛиковна уметност· 2025

Original by Nature Уметничка инсталација

by Egemen Kemal Vurusan

Client: Egemen Kemal Vurusan

Железна награда A' Design Award Winner in Ликовна уметност Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #170341

Colors

The Design

About Original by Nature Уметничка инсталација

„Original by Nature“ е уметничка инсталација која претворa фрлени стаклени шишиња во течни скулптурални форми. Шишињата се преобликуваат со топлина и калапи преку напредни методи на надоградливо рециклирање (upcycling). Секоја стаклена форма содржи хидропоничен систем, така што растенијата растат внатре во инсталацијата. Наводнувањето контролирано со сензори снабдува вода до секој модул, а виолетовите ултравиолетови светла позади поддржуваат раст на растенијата. Главната модуларна единица мери 5000 мм во ширина, 2000 мм во длабочина и 3500 мм во висина. Делото ги поврзува уметноста, природата и технологијата за да ја направи одржливоста видлива.

The Recognition

About the Железна награда A' Design Award

Original by Nature Уметничка инсталација е добитник на Железната награда A' Design Award, престижно признание што се доделува на добри дизајни што ги исполнуваат професионалните и индустриските барања очекувани од добро дизајнирани творби. Железните добитници ја покажуваат големата вештина, високата специјализација, стручното разбирање и креативниот капацитет на нивните творци. Се очекува Original by Nature Уметничка инсталација да биде високо ценета, восхитувана и сакана творба што е практична и иновативна. Овој дизајн со Железна награда ги интегрира најдобрите индустриски практики и има компетентни технички карактеристики поврзани со знаење и талент. Original by Nature Уметничка инсталација е почитуван за својата темелност и е дизајниран да го подобри квалитетот на животот и да помогне светот да стане подобро место.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
This design redefines the potential of glass by transforming discarded bottles into fluid, amorphous forms through advanced upcycling techniques. Inspired by the continuous movement of water, the installation merges sustainability with artistic expression, turning glass into both a functional and aesthetic element. Presented in the exhibition, this project highlights the cyclical nature of transformation, where waste glass is reborn as a medium for urban agriculture and digital art.
Dimensions & Packaging
Physical Installation Details:
Main Modular Unit: 5000 mm (W) x 2000 mm (D) x 3500mm (H)
The glass components are upcycled via high-temperature annealing (approx. 850°C) to achieve amorphous forms. The integrated hydroponic system features sensor-controlled irrigation delivering 0.5 L/min per module. Additionally, purple UV lights positioned at the back of the installation enhance photosynthesis, supporting optimal plant growth.
Tags
urban agriculture, glass upcycling, hydroponics, sustainable design, digital art integration, interactive installation, eco-friendly innovation, cyclic transformation
Production Technology
This project utilizes advanced glass blowing upcycling techniques, including thermal deformation and mold-based reshaping, to transform discarded bottles into amorphous sculptural forms. The integration of hydroponic systems within these glass structures enables sustainable urban agriculture. Digital art, design principles, and plant growing were employed to achieve seamless structural integrity, ensuring both aesthetic fluidity and functional resilience.
Design Challenge
The biggest challenge was transforming discarded glass into organic, fluid forms without compromising structural integrity. Balancing artistic expression with hydroponic functionality required extensive material experimentation. Limited access to specialized recycling technologies and shaping techniques added complexity. Socially, raising awareness of glass upcycling’s potential was crucial. Overcoming these obstacles led to an innovative fusion of sustainability, art, and urban agriculture.
Research
This research explores sustainable design through glass upcycling and urban agriculture. The objective was to repurpose discarded glass into functional, aesthetic forms supporting hydroponic growth. Using experimental prototyping, material analysis, and user interaction studies, data was collected through iterative testing and observational feedback. The findings highlight glass’s adaptability, demonstrating its potential in eco-conscious design. This research contributes to sustainable production methods, influencing both environmental awareness and future urban agriculture initiatives.
Inspiration
This project, centered on an urban agriculture system driven by the advanced upcycling of used bottles, represents the completion of a life cycle. Discarded bottles are repurposed into artistic, amorphous forms, while simultaneously serving as vessels for hydroponic plant cultivation. Inspired by the purity and continuity of natural spring waters, the Original By Nature project is, at its core, a sustainability initiative, aiming to harmonize art, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Project Duration
This project took place from March 1-22, 2022 at Akaretler Sıraevler in Besiktas, Istanbul
Operation Flow
This installation transforms discarded glass bottles into fluid, sculptural forms that serve as vessels for hydroponic plant growth. Visitors engage with the piece by observing how water and plants interact within the glass structures, highlighting the beauty of sustainable transformation. The seamless fusion of art, nature, and technology creates an immersive experience, making sustainability tangible while demonstrating the potential of upcycled materials in urban agriculture.
Image Credits
Main image 1: Photographer, Numan Alkan, Celal Burak Özgül, 2022
Optional image 1: Photographer, Numan Alkan, Celal Burak Özgül, 2022
Optional image 2: Photographer, Numan Alkan, Celal Burak Özgül, 2022
Optional image 3: Photographer, Numan Alkan, Celal Burak Özgül, 2022
Optional image 4: Photographer, Numan Alkan, Celal Burak Özgül, 2022

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