GEN:TÆNK
2024

The GEN:TÆNK project has, through a range of internal and external activities, created a framework for designers, craftsmen, creatives, and others to work practically with plastic recycling in an accessible workshop in Copenhagen. The project involved establishing and equipping a plastic workshop, training staff in plastic working techniques, facilitating both internal and public workshops aimed at children, youth, and professionals, as well as a residency program for selected designers to promote the exploration and use of plastic waste as a resource.

Additionally, we held four masterclasses with companies that approach plastic innovation in unique ways. Since 2022, we have focused on fostering diversity in both activities and content creators. GEN:TÆNK achieved a gender balance of 50/50 women and men and featured a program that included participants across different ages, nationalities, professional disciplines, and technologies.

GEN:TÆNK has made a significant impact among experienced entrepreneurs and the next generation of creators. The project has enhanced the skills of the Maker team and established long-lasting relationships and competencies beyond our community.

Maker residency

This year, Maker expanded its residency program from one to four months, focusing on plastic recycling in collaboration with Distributed Design. Participants gained new skills through workshops, masterclasses with industry experts, and collaborative projects, helping them develop and test prototypes.

  • Spor10 Festival:
    Children and families created keychains from recycled plastic in a workshop focused on plastic’s lifecycle, highlighting its potential as both a resource and an environmental challenge.

    Ungdommens Folkemøde 2024:
    Young participants explored plastic recycling through a custom injection mold for carabiners, learning design, molding techniques, and how to turn recycled materials into functional products.

  • October 2024 Exhibition & Kulturnatten:
    A two-day exhibition showcased projects by our residents, focusing on creative processes and material use. Visitors explored how to work with recycled plastic and sustainable design, regardless of technical background. The event attracted a diverse audience and coincided with Kulturnatten, an international conference, and design talks, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.

  • Masterclasses
    As part of our residency program at Maker V-10/Spor10, four masterclasses offered valuable insights into innovative plastic work and fostered community connections:

    • Material Innovation by Morten Risom (A:GAIN) explored upcycling techniques for large-scale production.

    • Circular Design with Andreas Zacho showcased creating interiors and art from Danish recycled plastic.

    • Circular Strategies by Danish Design Center introduced the "Circular Strategies Wheel" and practical workshops.

    • Plastic Pollution & Impact with Signe Simonsen (Race for Oceans) highlighted global plastic issues through personal stories and action calls.

    These sessions provided participants with fresh perspectives on sustainable design and plastic’s potential for innovation.