The New York based documentary production company Kontentreal produces a series of documentaries with the title e² design. The series covers eight different topics – from sustainable architecture to water culture to alternative energy to organic farming, recycled clothing and more – are each presented in thirty-minute episodes, challenging us to live smarter, live greener and live with the future in mind. e² design is narrated by Brad Pitt.
e² design is broadcasted on the US public TV channel PBS. The Economies of Being Environmentally conscious is an original HD multipart series that explores the living vitality of the environment.
Episode 6 of season 3 is about super use in architecture. The partners of 2012 Architecten in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, are making surplus superfluous, reusing everything from I-beams, wood floors, car tires, washing machines, stainless steel sinks and even windmill blades as building materials in their creations. 2012 Architecten’s work suggests not only a new kind of aesthetic and functionality in sustainable architecture, but also a new approach to design.
2012 Architects views re-use as an integrated design strategy. Working under the name Superuse Architects 2012 is busy creating a knowledge database for the simpler and more efficient use of re-use in the construction industry.
However, ecological considerations are not the prime motivation. Equally important, in their view, is the creative inspiration they draw from the potentialities of recovered objects. The qualities that are inherent in used products and materials offer potential added-value when incorporated in new products and compositions: the ready-made principle of art applied to architecture.
For Architects 2012 the re-use concept applies as well to the material world as to energy, human resources and water. Ultimately leading to very contemporary design integrating all of these aspects. The PBS documentary series e² design has a close look at the idea’s and creations of the three leading architects of 2012 Architects.
For this documentary series Featurez gave advice, did research, booked a camera assistant, a soundman, organised extra grip gear, a Magliner, redid the planning, booked a rental car, did the driving, accompanied the filming.