Inspiration: The Recycled Designs of Aki Kotkas

There's something satisfying when designers re-appropriate used or trash-bound items, transforming them into wholly new purposeful objects...an inspiration for any DIY'er who believes in ecological-ideological handicraft. Finnish designer Aki Kotkas transforms thrown out items like washing machine drums and used bottles into new household items that retain the beauty of the original material while offering a whole new utility; photos of Kotkas work under the jump...

I design mainly from recycled materials, but new materials are also in my interest. I design functional objects with a personal touch. Important for me is quality - I want to design durable things, tomorrows antique, which respects nature as well as man. Some designs I make myshelve, some are in Seccos production. I also give lessons about recycling materials in design.

Aki Kotkas items are sold via SeccoShop.

Comments (5)

Not sure why this designer keeps being featured. Everything looks like it came from a kids craft camp and poorly executed.

posted by hdtex on June 6th 2008 at 3:46pm
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Hdtex, you don't love paying a lot of money for something "derelicte"? ;-)

posted by rhiana on June 6th 2008 at 5:23pm
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i didn't make these kinds of things at camp...
i like what he did with the records and the salt & pepper shaker. and i wouldn't mind getting lessons in recycling materials in design. i have always been a fan of that concept and seeing people actually put it into practice. too bad i'm all the way on the east coast though.

posted by little flower on June 6th 2008 at 6:55pm
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My grandma has a neighbor who made a backyard fire ring from a washer machine drum. I imagine it gets really hot.

posted by pussycow! on June 6th 2008 at 9:46pm
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I think there can be a stage when trying to be economic, functional , minimalist and whatever else can go abit too far.
Amy

venicefestival.blogspot.com

posted by amyfielder on June 7th 2008 at 8:41am
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