Fragments to Form
Design Declassified
website
Designers Jared Seifert and Lauren Copping challenge conventional approaches to materiality, transforming plastic waste into valuable resources through experimental design. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, their work is rooted in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and innovative repurposing. Seifert's practice, shaped by years of working with excess industrial waste, sees discarded materials as opportunities—navigating constraints to create meaningful, functional objects. Copping's experiences abroad, particularly her time in Bali, deepened her appreciation for global craftsmanship and the power of community-driven sustainability efforts. Together, their work reflects a commitment to responsible design that balances aesthetics, function, and environmental impact. Fragments to Form is a three-part exhibition exploring the creative potential of recycled plastics in design and manufacturing. The first section examines the challenges of modern plastics recycling and introduces a hands-on process where collected plastics are shredded, melted, and transformed into unique, marbled surfaces. The second section showcases collaborations with artists and designers, demonstrating the adaptability of 100% recycled plastics in various applications. The final interactive space invites visitors to engage directly with sustainable materials, sketch new concepts, and contribute to a growing dialogue on responsible design. By turning waste into opportunity, Design Declassified reframes sustainability as an active, creative pursuit where material innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.