RESEARCH BY DESIGN

Re—gained is a platform for research by design. Research into the practice of  waste materials from the Dutch manufacturing industry. For high-end reuse to become common pratice, there seem to be two challenges:
  • lack of knowledge, time or money to re-develop existing products and processes into circular alternatives;
  • resistance to the labour-intensive processes to reuse residual materials.
Re—gained sees it as its task to meet these challenges and to develop new forms of production in the manufacturing industry project-by-project. By exploring possibilities as an outsider, defined in time and scope, we offer a clear way to initiate development. By means of targeted research, product design and producing limited editions, we discover new ways for reuse and involve partners and an audience in this transition as well.





KNOWLEDGE
DEVELOPMENT

The design research takes place in collaboration with project partners. In doing so, we develop knowledge for them as well as for Re—gained, with the possible additional outcome of a new circular design. Our definition of design is a broad concept and varies from architecture, fashion, to art and product design.






COLLABORATIVE
NETWORK

The production is carried out in collaboration with a selection of Dutch social production houses. Inclusiveness is an important part of the concept and that is why Re—gained is building / weaving a network of social enterprises, where the design products are produced jointly and risks are shared. The common goal is a Re—gained collection that provides a manageable but continuous form of high-quality social work. The various partnerships create a meaningful community in which every link in the process is of value and a diversity of employees and partners contributes to the quality of the label.





NEW ECONOMY

The aim of this method of product development is to make a concrete, substantial contribution to reducing primary material consumption in production processes. This means: designing with what is at hand, demand-driven production and embracing that the new economy requires a new revenue model based on reducing production and consumption. This starting point places demands on curating the selection of partners and residual flows. In doing so our priority at this time is to secure the highest quality residual flows, which at the same time also contributes to the quality and longevity of our products.


CONTACT         INSTAGRAM