Pithos: A Contemporary Twist on an Ancient Greek Terracotta JarA Modern Public Trash Can Inspired by History
What inspired this project is a desire to explore a traditional form, an ancient Greek terracotta jar in this case, and to reuse it in accordance with its properties. An ancient terracotta jar was used for storing food or other things, while a trash can is also a temporary storage space for litter. Drawing analogies between an ancient form and a new use for it could result as such to expressive and historically vibrant objects.
This litter bin design, named Pithos, takes inspiration from the form of an ancient Greek terracotta jar. Designed by Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, this innovative approach breathes new life into a traditional object. By attributing contemporary functionality to the ancient form, Pithos becomes a vivid and thought-provoking piece of public furniture.
The design of Pithos is minimalist, with only a few interventions made to the original form. The main material used is a high-durability casting material called fiber reinforced cementitious mortar. This material not only provides excellent mechanical performance but also allows for enhanced replication. The result is a litter bin that captures the essence of the ancient jar while serving a modern purpose.
Measuring 660mmx660mmx931mm, Pithos features a stainless steel lid that opens to reveal the bin bag, which is attached to an iron ring. To replace the bin bag, simply open the lid. Additionally, a shutter seals the waste hole, preventing rainwater from entering the bin and ensuring its functionality in all weather conditions.
This design is part of an ongoing project that started in accordance with a Pan-Hellenic Street Furniture Competition for the Dodecanese islands in 2018. It has since evolved into a series of street furniture designs, each drawing inspiration from Greek history and vernacular forms.
Pithos has been recognized for its ingenuity and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Street and City Furniture Design category in 2019. This prestigious award celebrates designs that showcase technical and creative skills while contributing to quality of life improvements.
With Pithos, Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos has successfully merged the past and the present, creating a design that not only serves a practical purpose but also sparks a sense of history and cultural connection. This innovative approach to public trash cans demonstrates the potential for art, architecture, design, innovation, and technology to enhance our everyday lives.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Nikolaos Baskozos
Image Credits: Image #1: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Image #2: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Image #3: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Image #4: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Image #5: Architect Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos, Pithos, 2019.
Project Team Members: Nikolaos Ikaros Baskozos
Project Name: Pithos
Project Client: Nikolaos Baskozos