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REEDY-MADE

This project seeks to utilize the necessary process of controlling the abundant population of reeds and repurposing the waste. Considering the context of traditional applications of reeds in architecture, most rely on "bundling" the reeds where the geometry is very limited. How can we rethink this geometry to better support the inherent qualities of reeds? Do the material properties afford more creative forms?

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Advisor: Jonathan Grinham

Group: Ben Kazer, Charissa Shang


2024 Fall

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P. Australis, the "common reed", is a perennial reed grass found in wetlands throughout the world. Due to its quick growth and rapid proliferation, it is necessary to monitor and maintain reed habitats, often requiring removal of large amounts of material. As a building material, reeds by nature are lightweight, load bearing, insulating, and light filtering.

PHRAGMITE AUSTRALIS
 

Salt marshes and wetland habitats constitute a significant portion of the landscape in the northeastern regions of the United States. In Massachusetts alone, there are approximately 21,000 hectares of salt marsh, encompassing both private and public lands along the coastal areas.

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Wetlands and salt marshes are biodiversity hotspots, home to a variety of flora and fauna. One prominent species is Phragmites australis, also known as the common reed. Due to its invasive nature and resilience, phragmites have thrived in these ecosystems for centuries. They outcompete native species and smother much of the local biodiversity in the wetland habitat. Additionally, its hardiness enables it to invade urban areas, commonly spotted off of roadways. 

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Despite its invasive characteristics, phragmites play essential ecological roles through its ability to mitigate rising sea levels, strengthen the soil and habitats of certain native species, and filter toxic runoff from urban environments. Thus, phragmites are instrumental in maintaining the delicate equilibrium of the wetland ecosystem.
 

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In the U.S. alone, an estimation of 12 million tons of furnitures are thrown away each year. While most of the disposed furnitures are less than fifteen years old, 80% of them goes to the landfill, showcasing a significant increase of concern for landfill waste and increase amount of carbon emission.

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The initiative seeks to address the growing issue of fast furniture waste while promoting the health of wetlands where diverse species coexist in balance. Recognizing the current incentives that encourage the destruction of phragmites, the goal is to establish new motivations for managing these plants responsibly. This approach involves both fostering their regrowth and utilizing them as part of an innovative solution to a complex waste stream. Additionally, it presents an opportunity to develop a localized system for furniture production, significantly reducing the environmental impact of shipping fast furniture across the globe.

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“Reed-y Made” features reusable joinery units that can be used to create simple custom furniture designs. Reeds are tied with modular bonds which form a standardized bundle, allowing further assembly.

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