Rebloom: Transforming Decommissioned Components into Modularized Outdoor FramesExtending Lifespan and Maximizing Sustainability
While on a visit to a utility company's waste stockpiles, Victor Wu, the designer behind Rebloom, was struck by the prevalence of square head bolts, which are rarely seen in daily life. Wu wondered if making the format more accessible would give these discarded parts a chance to be reborn. This led to the creation of Rebloom, a modular and adaptable design that extends the lifespan of various decommissioned components.
Rebloom stands out by transforming decommissioned utility crossarm components into sturdy and weather-resistant outdoor frames with minimal processing or additional parts. In Taiwan, where humidity, typhoons, and earthquakes pose challenges to power distribution, crossarm components are regularly exchanged every decade. Rebloom offers a solution by repurposing these components, reducing waste, and saving on costs.
The modular design of Rebloom allows for easy adaptation, extension, and part replacement, maximizing the lifespan of the components before recycling. The design incorporates the inherent dimensions and features of the decommissioned utility crossarm components, reducing the need for additional processing and material consumption. By utilizing standardized dimensions and holes, Rebloom simplifies the combination of decommissioned components into new forms, such as fences or furniture structures.
The realization of Rebloom involves utilizing hollow, hot-dip galvanized steel beams for the crossarm components. These beams have standardized dimensions and holes, punched via mass-production CNC machines. Little further processing is required beyond welding, bolt shortening, and assembly. The modular design also allows for easy incorporation of Rebloom during initial crossarm production, adding a few new holes to accommodate the design.
One of the unique aspects of Rebloom is the inclusion of an 'n'-shaped piece that functions as both a wrench for the square head bolts during installation and a lock between each Rebloom frame segment. This design makes it easy for anyone to build Rebloom, even without specialized tools.
Rebloom was developed in Tainan, Taiwan, starting in September 2020 and finishing in January 2021. It has since been showcased in physical exhibitions and presentations in Taipei and Kaohsiung. The design has received praise from the utility company and has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects, and Green Design category in 2023.
With Rebloom, Victor Wu demonstrates how innovative design can contribute to a circular economy, prolonging the lifespan of materials and reducing waste. By repurposing decommissioned utility components, Rebloom offers a sustainable solution for creating durable and weather-resistant outdoor frames. It exemplifies the potential of design to address environmental challenges and promote a more sustainable future.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Victor Wu
Image Credits: Image #1: Craig Bossley, Scenario, 2021.
Image #2: Victor Wu, Prototyping, 2020.
Image #3: Craig Bossley, Joint Closeup, 2021.
Image #4: Willy Chao, Setup, 2021.
Image #5: Victor Wu, Scenario Closeup, 2021.
Project Team Members: Victor Wu
Project Name: Rebloom
Project Client: Victor Wu