In an inspiring display of circular economy principles, the Rotterdam-based design firm, The New Raw, has successfully transformed marine debris into an array of aesthetically pleasing and functional public seating. Their innovative "Buoy" project, which garnered a nomination for the esteemed 2026 Dezeen Award in sustainable design, showcases a revolutionary approach to repurposing discarded harbor ropes into 3D-printed stools. This initiative not only addresses the issue of plastic waste but also enriches the urban landscape of Rotterdam's waterfront.

Rotterdam's Waterfront Embraces Sustainable Innovation with 'Buoy' Seating

The visionary design studio, The New Raw, under the guidance of its founder, Foteini Setaki, embarked on a remarkable journey to collect an assortment of plastic ropes from the bustling Rotterdam harbor. These ropes, destined for landfill after years of service managing vessels, were given a new lease on life through a meticulous recycling process. Transported to Maastricht in the southern Netherlands, the ropes underwent thorough cleaning, shredding, and mechanical conversion into reusable plastic pellets. Back in The New Raw's Rotterdam workshop, these pellets were then melted and precisely 3D-printed, layer by layer, to form the distinctive "Buoy" stools. Setaki emphasized that this binder-free process allows the material to fuse seamlessly as it's deposited. She also highlighted the complex nature of marine rope recycling, noting the need for careful selection to identify ropes with high polypropylene content, ensuring their suitability for transformation. While the stools are predominantly crafted from recycled plastic, a minimal amount of additives, including UV protection, is incorporated to guarantee their longevity and resilience in outdoor environments. Crucially, these additives are fully compatible with future recycling efforts, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability. Each stool boasts a subtly distinct hue, a direct reflection of the original rope's color, foregoing any additional pigments or coatings. A whimsical touch is added by the stools' spinning top-like pointed bases, designed to impart a gentle rocking motion, reminiscent of buoys gracefully swaying on the water. Setaki explained that this deliberate design choice aimed to forge a tangible link between the seating and its maritime origins, inviting users to experience the harbor's essence through a playful interaction. To further personalize each piece, every unique stool is meticulously engraved with its batch and production number before being strategically placed along Rotterdam's vibrant harbor.

This initiative by The New Raw serves as a powerful testament to the potential of local, surplus resources in shaping contemporary design practices. It demonstrates how designers can deeply integrate their work with the unique character of their surroundings. As Setaki articulates, utilizing local waste streams like those found in Rotterdam's harbor not only strengthens the bond between the city and its maritime identity but also makes this relationship palpable through the material's journey and the experience of interacting with the seating. This adaptable approach could readily be adopted by other harbor cities, encouraging them to leverage their own discarded materials and local networks to foster similar sustainable and community-driven design solutions.