Concreate
Concreate represents a harmonious blend of industrial robustness and artisanal craftsmanship, challenging the conventional perceptions of concrete as a rigid, inflexible medium. This innovative endeavour reimagines concrete as a malleable material, introducing a product that allows users to mould and shape it with their hands, akin to kneading dough.
Designers: Valerie Ng, Claira
Design Discipline: Material Exploration
2022
Concreate emerged from the idea that the act of creation should be tactile and personal. The project began with a thorough exploration of various concrete mixtures, aiming to develop a formula that possessed both the durability of traditional concrete and the pliability required for hand moulding. This exploration led to the development of a unique concrete composite, one that retains its form once cured, yet is supple enough to be worked by hand when fresh.
The design process involved iterative experimentation, not just with the concrete mixture, but also with the creation of accompanying tools and moulds that assist users in shaping and detailing their concrete creations. From simple, ergonomic moulds for beginners to more intricate systems for advanced users, Concreate provides a platform for a wide range of artistic expressions.
This project transcends the boundaries between industrial manufacturing and individual artistry. It invites people to engage with a typically industrial material in a personal and intimate manner, democratising the act of design and enabling users to craft bespoke items that bear the imprint of their imagination and effort.
