Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos · CLIENT: Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos
This litter bin design subtly refers to the form of an ancient Greek jar. The design approach is abstract and simple. Fiber reinforced concrete and stainless steel are the two materials used for the construction of this object. To replace the bin bag, at first, one has to open the stainless steel lid. A shutter of the waste hole prevents rainwater from entering the bin.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This litter bin design is based on the form of an ancient Greek terracotta jar. By attributing to the ancient form appropriate and contemporary functionality, the new object becomes vivid, while it triggers memory recollection. The design approach is minimalist. Few interventions were made to the original form. A single casting material is used as the main material which is ideal for enhanced replication.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 660mmx660mmx931mm, stainless steel, fiber reinforced concrete
- Tags
- Trash can, litter bin, terracotta jar, ancient, Greek, fiber reinforced mortar, cement, public furniture, street furniture, pithos
- Production Technology
- The use of a high-durability casting material was necessary for the construction of this form. Fiber reinforced cementitious mortar was chosen as the main material, which provides high mechanical and aesthetic performance in small thicknesses. The manufacturing process requires the use of a mold which makes this material ideal for enhanced replication. The opening lid is made from stainless steel.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge was the research itself, to find an appropriate vernacular form for a contemporary bin. Another challenge, concerning the design process, was to reference the original form only to the point of triggering a memory recollection and not literally replicate it in an obvious way.
- Project Duration
- This design is part of an ongoing project that started in accordance with a Pan-Hellenic Street Furniture Competition for the Dodecanese
islands(2018), but carried on and became a series of street furniture designs. - Operation Flow
- The bin bag is attached to an iron ring. To replace it, at first, one has to open the stainless steel lid. A second shutter seals the waste hole and prevents rainwater from entering the bin.
- Research
- Vernacular forms from Dodecanese islands, but also forms from a broader spectrum of Greek history were looked into before concluding to the ancient jar as an appropriate form for a contemporary bin.
- Inspiration
- What inspired this project is a desire to explore a traditional form, an ancient Greek terracotta jar in this case, and to reuse it in accordance with its properties. An ancient terracotta jar was used for storing food or other things, while a trash can is also a temporary storage space for litter. Drawing analogies between an ancient form and a new use for it could result as such to expressive and historically vibrant objects.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Image #2: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Image #3: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Image #4: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Image #5: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
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