The recyclable sneakers from Disassembly Lab are a conceptual study.
Imagine sneakers with 3D-knitted parts that are designed to be repairable, restorable, replaceable, and recyclable. This lab delves into a conceptual and formal exploration of ensuring sneakers remain sustainable and have a longer lifespan. The Disassembly Lab proposes a method for sneaker manufacturers to create shoe designs that are easily disassembled for repair, restoration, replacement, and recycling.
Consider the soles, for instance. With the assistance of Emma Casella, product designer Robin Luginbühl created this study project for ECAL that includes sneakers with detachable TPU soles from the 3D-knitted uppers. This allows for easy cleaning, restoration, or replacement without discarding the entire pair of sneakers.
images courtesy of Robin Luginbühl and ECAL
Sneakers with 3D-knitted parts that are repairable and replaceable
The images show the sneakers from the disassembly lab, which feature 3D-knitted parts that are repairable, replaceable, and recyclable and can be produced in various ways. The TPU soles and upper parts can be secured either by using an elastic thread or by being glued together with recycled rubber. The sneakers are designed to be modular, allowing the upper parts to be made from disposable or discarded materials, such as excess fabric from the fashion industry. Robin Luginbühl discusses various concepts in shoe making and develops three sneakers throughout the research process. The shoes are designed with TPU soles and 3D knitted uppers, focusing on simplicity for easy assembly in factories and recyclability.
the Disassembly Lab imagines sneakers with 3D-knitted parts that are repairable, restorable, and recyclable
Robin Luginbühl’s diploma project for ECAL
In 2023, while a student at L’école cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL), product designer Robin Luginbühl created The Disassembly Lab as part of his Diploma Project. This piece discusses Robin Luginbühl’s visual exploration, showcasing examples like Zellerfeld’s washable 3D-printed shoes, Noa Zaidman’s recyclable modular shoes, and Diogo Pimenta’s three-part, modular sneakers. The Disassembly Lab proposes the idea of creating shoes with repairable, replaceable, and recyclable parts using 3D-knitted or printed technology. Industry leaders could consider incorporating this system into their production instead of focusing solely on new shoe designs.
the Disassembly Lab suggests shoe designs that can be taken apart so they can be repaired, restored, and recycled
the Disassembly Lab is product designer Robin Luginbühl’s Diploma Project in 2023 for ECAL
so far, the Disassembly Lab is a conceptual and formal study that looks into recyclable sneakers
Robin Luginbühl’s Disassembly Lab of recyclable sneakers with 3D-knitted parts
Robin Luginbühl’s Disassembly Lab of recyclable sneakers with 3D-knitted parts for ECAL
Project info:
name: Disassembly Lab
design: Robin Luginbühl
institution: L’école cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL)
