From October 17th to 28th, 2019, we traveled to Eindhoven, Netherlands, for Dutch Design Week at the invitation of the Precious Plastic team. It was an intense day filled with ideas, contacts, and learning. We were accommodated in houses provided by the Precious Plastic community in exchange for voluntary work in machine painting, exhibition assembly, kitchen duties, cleaning, and other activities.
Ten intense days of learning and experiences.
Upon arrival, we were provided with bicycles that needed maintenance (which was promptly done) to serve as transportation during our stay. We looked like characters from the "Stranger Things" series!
Various exhibitions from DDW19 were scattered throughout the city at different locations. Many of these places had gourmet dinners throughout the event, and to our surprise, after volunteering in the cafeteria at lunchtime, we were invited to be chefs during the gourmet dinner held at the Precious Plastic space for 30 customers with a sustainability theme. We served Vegan Portuguese tomato soup, crafted the entire menu, and designed the presentation of the service.
One of the highlights of our stay was the visit to the largest skatepark in Europe, where we saw the exhibition of 3D-printed concrete skate ramps inspired by wave forms.
We also had the opportunity to get a firsthand look at version 4 of the Precious Plastic machines, which were officially launched on January 7, 2020.
Experiencing the dynamics of the Precious Plastic team and the warmth with which they welcomed us was incredible; they made us feel like family. Future collaborations will undoubtedly arise from this colorful experience.