I’m a Vienna-based designer and researcher. I work across visual communication, illustration and design research, asking how spaces, systems, and materials can work better for people and places. Alongside my design work, I occasionally write.

Design Research

Vienna Urban Clay

Year: 2021

Project Partner: Michalina Zadykowicz

Science Partner: BOKU University Vienna

Print Support: VL Mag. Flora Zimmeter, Mag. art. Ute Huber-Leierer

3rd prize at Łódź Design Festival

What if I told you that this plate was made from dirt that used to be in place of the nearest subway station?

In this project we discuss the possibility of Vienna as a mine for geogenic resources. Our investigation into Vienna’s clay deposits revealed that vast amounts of clay are excavated during construction works, especially those related to the new subway routes. Most of which find their destiny on disposal sites.

The map, partially printed with clay as a pigment, illustrates extensive clay deposits under Vienna and overlays them with planned construction work, in order to track the urban mining which is bound to happen in the upcoming years.

We tested the properties and suitability of these urban clays, resulting in a series of ceramic objects and glaze recipes.

We believe that a deeper research of the raw materials present in contemporary cities will lead to the development of improved systems for their management.