The Opposite of Patchwork Aesthetic

While the patchwork aesthetic of my Upcycle Project relies on organic, plant-based shapes and materials, the aesthetic of Industrial Minimalism relies on neatness, geometry, and hard materials like metal, concrete, and brick. Not only is this opposite aesthetic a ‘trendy’ vibe, but it is known for being sleek and sturdy in home spaces. It is also considered to be an affordable aesthetic, thanks to the wide availability of ‘industrial’ materials and the lack of complexity in minimalist forms.

My Take on Opposite Aesthetics

Personally, I find this aesthetic to be a bit cold and boring unless there are other textures involved, such as brick or reclaimed wood. Other drawbacks of this aesthetic include a tendency to make interior spaces feel dark and dim and a lack of value in the making process. My patchwork aesthetic is beyond a solution to upcycling; it is a functional piece of craftsmanship that tells a story in it’s imperfections and organic shape. Similar to what we learned in class about the Arts & Crafts era, my project prioritizes creating something beautiful over simplicity or cheap materials. Alas, when it comes to tableware specifically, the Industrial Minimalist aesthetic could translate to easily manufacturable and affordable dishes, though they certainly wouldn’t bring expressive colors or shapes to the table.

Applied Opposite Aesthetics

If I were to enact the Industrial Minimalism aesthetic with the overall function and materials that I already have, I would first explore the use of my silicone molds to pour concrete into usable tableware – similar to the Dudson Urban collection above. While I do not have concrete on-hand, I would look to visit construction sites or shops where leftover concrete may be available. I would also try to explore pressing metal into a dish or platter shape and/or turning it on the lathe, though would need to source metal material and ensure I have the right tools. As a prototyping option for metal dishware, I could experiment with different shapes and shaping methods using some foil from my kitchen.

A look at what this aesthetic would look like if incorporated into my Upcycling Project:

Image Sources:

• https://www.rubigodesign.de/metall/industrial-coffeetable-circle-rg37h?srsltid=AfmBOooKE2r-zh9psSdsFm5tvOuEBzKYPGoRADK9yy8D3F-ne0X8f2cjFZs&gQT=1
• https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdp/stone-by-mercer-project-hekonda-debossed-16-piece-dinnerware-set-stoneware-soln1128.html?piid=88300099

7 Industrial-Minimalist Dinnerware Collections for Sleek Tabletops