Burg Halle Students Innovate Sustainable Seating with Recycled Mattress Materials
April 9, 2025
In April 2025, during Milan Design Week, Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle (BURG) unveiled an innovative project titled “T.o.y.s.” (Thinking of Your Seat). This exhibition, hosted within the Alcova design platform, showcased seating objects crafted by interior design students from recycled mattress materials. The project not only highlighted BURG’s commitment to sustainable design but also emphasized the fusion of functionality and playful aesthetics in contemporary furniture design.
Genesis of the “T.o.y.s.” Project
The “T.o.y.s.” initiative was conceived to challenge students to create functional seating solutions within a constrained timeframe and with specific materials. Under the guidance of Philipp Witte, artistic assistant to the Dean of Design at BURG, students were given three days to design and produce upholstered objects suitable for four or more people. The primary materials provided were fibers from recycled mattress covers—comprising wool, cotton, and polyester—for stuffing, and durable cotton fabric, typically used as underlay in upholstery, for the covers. These materials were generously sponsored by BAUR Vliesstoffe.
Design Process and Techniques
Working in pairs, students employed various upholstery techniques to transform the provided materials into unique seating solutions. The design process emphasized a rapid yet thoughtful engagement with the properties of the materials, focusing on aspects such as statics, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. To shape their creations, participants were permitted to use ropes and select an additional material of their choice, allowing for personalized design elements. This approach encouraged students to explore the boundaries of traditional upholstery and to experiment with form and function.
Sustainability and Material Reuse
A core aspect of the “T.o.y.s.” project was its emphasis on sustainability. After the Milan exhibition, the seating objects were transported back to Halle, where students dismantled them to facilitate the reuse of materials in subsequent projects, such as the “Soft Seating – Upholstery without Foam” initiative. This approach not only minimized waste but also encouraged students to consider the lifecycle of their designs and the potential for materials to be repurposed in future creations.
Exhibition and Public Interaction
The “T.o.y.s.” exhibition invited visitors to engage directly with the seating objects by sitting, lying down, and relaxing on them. This interactive component highlighted the functionality and comfort of the designs, bridging the gap between conceptual art and practical utility. The exhibition’s setting within the Alcova platform provided a fitting backdrop, emphasizing experimental and sustainable design practices. Visitors’ interactions with the pieces offered valuable feedback to the students, informing their future design endeavors.
Participating Students
The project featured contributions from a diverse group of interior design students, including Lucie Berthold, Jim Brose, Caroline Fischer, Katharina Gruber, Charlotte Hartung, Karla Konermann, Luna Orellano, Miko Samuel, Cora Schmidt, Johannes-Elias Schönherr, and Paul vom Stein. Their collaborative efforts resulted in a range of seating solutions that reflected individual creativity and collective innovation. Each piece told a unique story, showcasing the students’ ability to translate conceptual ideas into tangible, functional designs.
BURG’s Educational Philosophy
BURG’s participation in Milan Design Week through the “T.o.y.s.” project underscores the institution’s dedication to providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world design challenges. By integrating sustainability into the curriculum and encouraging hands-on experimentation, BURG fosters a learning environment where students can develop practical skills alongside conceptual understanding. This educational philosophy prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of contemporary design landscapes, emphasizing adaptability, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Impression
The “T.o.y.s.” project at Milan Design Week 2025 exemplified how recycled materials can be transformed into functional and aesthetically pleasing seating. Through innovative design and sustainable practices, BURG’s students demonstrated the potential of repurposed materials in contemporary interior design. This initiative not only highlighted the students’ creativity but also reinforced the importance of sustainability in the evolving landscape of design education. As the design industry continues to grapple with environmental challenges, projects like “T.o.y.s.” serve as beacons of responsible innovation, inspiring future designers to prioritize sustainability without compromising on creativity or functionality.
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