Plastic Repurposed: Explorations for the use of Plastic waste as an Architectural Element

The business model for plastic has become accustomed to a system of consumption and disposal that has failed to develop a way that benefits the environment. Unless the production of plastic ceases to persist, the number of plastic waste will continue to grow and even though it is not fully visible, the effects of this pollution will eventually contaminate the aspects of our lives. Although stopping the production of such a vital factor to the prosperity of the economy is unrealistic, it could also be detrimental to the machinations of society. It is after all a very useful resource. The plans after its initial consumption must be developed and considered as a holistic system of production if the narrative is to be switched from pollution to solution. This thesis aims to create such a system so as to change current practices that are contaminating our natural environment. The project is a material study focused on tectonics to create a new purpose for discarded plastic. Considering the potential of plastic’s inherent properties, there are many ideas that are tied to its use that range from building material to object. The main goal is to merge architectural principles and recycled plastics by experimenting with recycled plastics distilled from existing projects. From there, the design will be a showcase for different methods and configurations to successfully implement the newfound material. The primary course of action will be the identification of viable plastics, experimentation of these plastics, as well as utilizing plastic objects and their variations to create a material for building.