Egemen Kemal Vurusan · CLIENT: Egemen Kemal Vurusan
Original by Nature is an art installation that turns discarded glass bottles into flowing sculptural forms. The bottles are reshaped by heat and molds through advanced upcycling methods. Each glass form holds a hydroponic system, so plants grow inside the installation. Sensor-controlled irrigation supplies water to every module, and violet ultraviolet lights at the back support plant growth. The main modular unit measures 5000 mm in width, 2000 mm in depth and 3500 mm in height. The work joins art, nature and technology to make sustainability visible.
Press Kit
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Press releases are available in 1 languages.