Image credit: David Cox, Pianola Phoenix (Le Phénix Vermillion).
The Piano Transformation Design Challenge 2023 is an exhibition and transformation archetype that highlights the potential for creating a future circular economy through curiosity, design, and creativity.
Each object on display at the exhibition has been crafted by a local artisan, hobbyist, or student using materials that have been reclaimed from unwanted pianos. This highlights the idea that there are limitless possibilities to save the environment through imagination.
The challenge to design and create something unique and handmade from piano parts has been issued to local makers and maker communities by collaborating with eco-innovation partners in local government, education (such as KIOSC/Swinburne and RMIT Design), industry (including the Australian Furniture Association and Victorian Woodworkers Association), and non-profit sectors (such as Guitars Gathering Dust and the Piano Project).
The exhibition presents information and history for educational purposes. Many resources are available that outline Pianos Recycled's mission to save pianos from landfill and what has been achieved in their first 6 years. Just scan the QR codes on selected information signage.
The project intends to work with interested communities during the design stage and prototype build of a collaborative arts project. The finished project will be a transportable amphitheatre made entirely of piano materials. It will take the form of a circle of seating wedges, which is a symbol of gathering since ancient times. This arts installation is simultaneously diverse and cohesive, embracing multiple ideas to create an eclectic collection of forms, materials, and textures. It will be a contemporary symbol of Victoria’s heritage and multifaceted cultural connections.
The Piano Transformation is presented as part of Melbourne Design Week 2023.
Participants
Anton Gerner is an award-winning furniture designer and maker based in the Melbourne suburb of East Hawthorn. From a showroom and workshop that was once the local dairy, he and his small, dedicated team of highly skilled craftspeople create one-off pieces of furniture for Australian and international clients.
Benjamin Reddan is a passionate designer maker who believes that well made furniture has a soul and that in its making, every component should be treated with respect and care. A strong inspiration for him is Japanese art and design, specifically the practice of Yosegi – the art form of creating timber patterns from different coloured woods that are thinly sliced. Benjamin firmly believes we need to move away from our throwaway society and one way to do this is through the collection and appreciation of heirloom designed pieces.
William Hancock is an international award winning acoustic instrument maker who converts pianos into different musical instruments.
The Port Philip Men’s Shed provides a safe and caring mateship environment. The members hail from all walks of life and from different age groups. Folks from all backgrounds and abilities are very welcome.
A master woodturner, Brian Falkenberg teaches, passes on his knowledge and along the way picks up awards for his works. He is an inspirational creative leader influencing Victorians.
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