REINVENTING THE WHEEL
This project was part of a one-day activation in 2024, emerging from a collaboration between the Institute for Art in Context and the Radical Playgrounds Exhibition at Gropius Bau Berlin, organized by Raumlabor. The event focused on the playful exploration of waste materials and leftover wood from the construction of pavilions, aiming to draw attention to these materials and their potential.
Participants engaged in creative interactions with the space by constructing rolling devices without clear functions or prescribed ways of use. This approach was intended to challenge the radicality of the space and the limits of play, encouraging open-ended forms that inspire new methods of interaction. By doing so, the project fostered an environment where both children and adults could join in and build, blurring the lines between structured activity and spontaneous creation.
The activation began with a performative act in which a sculptural pile of material was pulled through the space to the designated workshop area. This initial act of moving and then dismantling the pile set the tone for the event, emphasizing the themes of transformation and reimagination. Participants were invited to tear apart the pile and repurpose the materials, engaging in a hands-on, collaborative process that highlighted the fluidity and potential of discarded resources.
The playful exploration extended beyond mere construction, as participants were encouraged to question the radicality of the space itself. By engaging with the leftover materials, they were prompted to consider the boundaries of play and the possibilities for new forms of interaction. This reflective process aimed to shed light on how waste materials could be seen not just as remnants, but as catalysts for creativity and learning.
The open form of the project was central to its success, allowing for diverse interpretations and interactions. Without predefined functions or uses, the rolling devices and other creations became symbols of experimentation and imagination. This participatory format provided a platform for both children and grown-ups to engage in a shared creative experience, breaking down barriers between different age groups and fostering a sense of community.
Foto taken by Jana Kiesser
