Modular System Turns Recycled Materials into Functional Design
The Plastic Marble Display Shelf is a modular furniture system developed by DLS World Official in collaboration with WOULD YOU LOVE Seoul. The project explores the potential of upcycled industrial waste as a primary design material rather than a secondary substitute. At the core of the system is Plastic Marble, a composite made from recycled industrial byproducts. Each panel displays a distinct marbled pattern, resulting from the specific mix and processing of the reclaimed materials. This approach emphasizes variation as a design feature, positioning recycled matter as a source of visual and structural individuality. The shelf employs a custom clip-joint system that enables tool-free assembly. Components interlock through a precise connection mechanism, eliminating the need for screws or adhesives. This construction method allows users to assemble, disassemble, and reconfigure the structure easily, supporting both flexibility and long-term material reuse.
all images courtesy of DLS World Official and WOULD YOU LOVE Seoul WYL
Plastic Marble Display Shelf is Scalable and Reconfigurable
Functionally, the design operates as an open-ended system. Individual modules can be combined to form small tables, shelving units, or larger storage walls, depending on spatial and practical requirements. The adaptability of the structure reflects an architectural approach to furniture, scalable, reconfigurable, and responsive to change. Through its material and system design, the Plastic Marble Display Shelf, developed by the collaborative team between DLS World Official and studio WOULD YOU LOVE Seoul, demonstrates a model for circular manufacturing and participatory use. It positions upcycling not only as an environmental strategy but as a formal and functional design process, integrating sustainability into the aesthetics and logic of everyday objects.
modular furniture system designed by DLS World Official and WOULD YOU LOVE Seoul
the Plastic Marble Display Shelf explores the potential of upcycled industrial waste
recycled materials are treated as a primary design resource, not a substitute
each unit is composed of panels made from industrial byproducts
the composite material forms a marbled surface with distinct visual character
no two panels are identical, each pattern reflects the material’s origin
modular joints enable quick assembly and disassembly
the structure can be easily reconfigured to suit changing needs
components interlock without screws or adhesives
the shelf uses a custom clip-joint system for precise, tool-free assembly
the shelf exemplifies circular design through material reuse and adaptability
project info:
name: Plastic Marble Display Shelf
designers: DLS World Official | @dls.world_official x WOULD YOU LOVE Seoul | @wouldyoulove.seoul
design team: Lim Sungmook (DLS), Julia (WYL), Adi (WYL)
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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