Re-Thread

This project envisions the production and manufacturing of discarded items, the reuse of their byproducts and waste, and the implementation of them into community-based projects, workshops, and educational research. These elements form the foundation for a multi-layered community infrastructure that coexists with manufacturing in Pittsburgh.

Plastics and discarded textiles, as the central material, offer a wide range of environmental benefits and untapped potential. This exploration of materiality mainly takes place at this site(Herrs Island) where we begin to make use of the existing warehouses and railroad to create a lot of parts that operates to collect/store, repurpose, and distribute discarded items as well as make space for research, retail, object exhibitions to illustrate the potential of these items that were once seen as trash.

Our second site (the synagogue) is right in the middle of a vibrant neighborhood, making it a hub for community. This space is designed to house artists/residents from the surrounding area or from around the world. Our programming consists of studio and workshop spaces of different sizes, which will give people the opportunity to learn how to make use of the fabrics that were manufactured at the other site. It also includes a library/Archive that tells the story of each project that has been previously done while also providing books and publications that aid in research and inspiration for the people who use the space

The two sites are connected through a necklace of collection bins that are placed throughout the city at locations where discarded items live, such as thrift stores and dumpsters, as well as places that are hubs in the community, like grocery stores and schools.