he CREATIVE RESOURCE invites you to explore their extensive database of ’sustainable’ materials at Rematerialise. The database itself represents the culmination of over a decades intensive research which has spanned the globe to pull together a diverse array of material information. The research project was initiated in 1994 by Jakki Dehn, a reader in Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University. Together with Mark Ballance and Peter Perstel, their vision is to compile and maintain a versatile collection of ‘Eco-Smart’ materials, which by their very nature provide a range of environmentally responsible alternatives to other resource hungry materials. By tapping into both post-consumer and post-industrial waste streams, scrap and refuse otherwise destined for landfill is recycled and reused which reduces waste and maybe more importantly saves natural resources. Their search ’streams’ are divided into four different paths: Type (glass, metal, plastic, etc.), Process (cast, extruded, injection molded, etc.), Character (bendy, colorful, opaque, etc.) and Application (decking, insulation, textiles, etc.). It’s a great database to browse but make sure your browser allows pop-ups as the information and videos need that to be on to work and click the icons with each listing. The CREATIVE RESOURCE research project was initiated in 1994 by Jakki Dehn, a reader in Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University and the CREATIVE RESOURCE Project Director. Her research initially set out to explore the global availability and readiness of new materials made from waste and how they might be utilised in products, furniture and interior spaces. The expansion of Jakki’s Research has lead to the creation of the physical and digital CREATIVE RESOURCE Library, which is one of the most thorough Sustainable Materials databases globally and forms the backbone of this online resource. The Resource is also visualised in the form of a travelling exhibition called The CREATIVE RESOURCE Exhibition which is currently on display at the Building Centre in London. j.dehn@kingston.ac.uk Mark Ballance has been involved in Sustainable Design Research since early 2006. He joined the CREATIVE RESOURCE team as an assistant researcher in 2007. Before joining the team Mark completed a successful MRes in Sustainable Design and Development, a project carried out over 5 months between the UK and Southern Africa. m.ballance@kingston.ac.uk Peter Perstel joined the project in April 2007 after finishing his MA degree in Product and Spacial Design. In his final master project he carried out research into waste management and investigated applications for bio polymers and biodegradable plastics. p.perstel@kingston.ac.uk Together Mark Ballance and Peter Perstel form part of the team that is responsible for material research, promotion and data management of the CREATIVE RESOURCE. They have played a large part in evolution of the CREATIVE RESOURCE into a solid Sustainable Materials Library through sourcing materials, updating current files and delivering more information on each material than was seen on the previous database. They have also guided a major update of the Rematerialise website. Alongside their continual work at the Creative Resource, Mark and Peter also have established Credo Design, a sustainable design consultancy that focuses on the development and promotion sustainable products. www.credodesign.co.uk
www.kingston.ac.uk/~kx19789/rematerialise/html_and_flash/searchwelcome.htm
