Someday, I would love to be able to design my own pieces of furniture, or at least work with something modular so I can customize it to my tastes and my needs. But of course I’m not a designer nor a builder so I will have to be satisfied with ready-made stuff that I can buy from the department store or online. But for you who are very much into modular furniture and eco-friendly ones at that, you might be interested in this furniture system from Argentina that has been able to transform recycled plastic waste into a structural and aesthetic element in functional, adaptable furniture.
COSMOPLAST is a modular furniture system built on the principles of circular design—reuse, modularity, and flexibility. The system comprises geometric plates—circles, semicircles, rectangles, and squares—in two sizes. These plates connect via aluminum tubes of varying heights (4.5 to 72 cm) and 5 cm-diameter connector pieces made from recycled plastic. This configuration supports vertical and horizontal expansion, enabling multiple configurations such as tables, seats, and shelves.
Designer: Marcela Coppari
Assembly is user-friendly, employing a press-fit system that simplifies construction and disassembly using a rubber mallet. The plates are perforated on their faces and edges to support multidirectional assembly, allowing for adaptable solutions to varied functional needs.
Each COSMOPLAST kit includes a plate module, aluminum tubes, and connectors, packaged in a compact, portable format using a textile bag and flat cardboard box. The materials used are R-PEAD recycled plastic and aluminum, both fully recyclable. The plastic components are CNC-machined, and aluminum parts are laser-cut and finished with epoxy paint.
All components are handcrafted in Argentina, with plastic plate manufacturing by Necológica in Necochea. The modular nature allows for the creation of various furniture pieces, including tables, seats, and shelves, adapting to different needs and spaces. Aluminum tubes of varying heights provide structural flexibility. The design uses press-fit connections, simplifying assembly without the need for mechanical fasteners.
This innovative approach by Marcela Coppari demonstrates a powerful convergence of design thinking and environmental responsibility. Cosmoplast not only offers a stylish and adaptable furniture solution but also provides a tangible way to participate in the circular economy.
By transforming discarded plastic into functional and aesthetically pleasing objects, Coppari’s work inspires us to reconsider our relationship with waste and envision a future where sustainability and good design go hand in hand. Perhaps one day, such accessible and eco-conscious modular systems will empower everyone to curate their living spaces with a clear conscience and a personalized touch, moving us closer to a world where innovative solutions tackle our environmental challenges.
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