Expanding on Ctrl+R Collective’s Regenerative Concept

Expanding on Ctrl+R Collective’s Regenerative Concept with Creators Who Harness Good Design for Environmental Restoration

While design and creativity aim to meet human needs, it’s undeniable that every creation exacts a kind of toll on nature and the environment. How can we find a balance that is good for both people and planet?

The Ctrl+R Collective is a diverse group of creative professionals that invites you to explore this question. With a shared interest in Regenerative Design, their focus is on restoring the balance between people and planet in every way, fostering mutual support through great design that offers new possibilities for lifestyles that are both sustainable and pleasant.

Ms. Anya “Yel” Muangkote, a designer with a focus on circular design principles and an expertise in bio-based materials, explained, “The Ctrl+R Collective emerged from a project I did with my friends involving mycelium (mushroom) fibers. The idea was presented at Bangkok Design Week, sparking interest and collaboration. Ms. Klyduan “Ib” Sukhahuta and Mr. Nu “Toh” Nimsomboon, the co-founders of Slowcombo, expressed an interest in the project, which led to them providing an exhibition space on the third floor so vast that it couldn’t be limited to a single showcase.

“As a result, I invited like-minded individuals to join the collective, which has since grown beyond my expectations, attracting partners like GroundControl, MY MAYO, and Pineapple Print Press Studio.”

An month-long exhibition for every dimension of Design × Environment!

Mr. Dharath “Tot” Hoonchamlong, co-founder of Wasteland and an advocate for driving change in the food and beverage industry, is a key figure in the Regenerative Commodities – Exhibition & Experiences project. He said, “The founding members of Ctrl+R Collective, a total of 8 individuals, come together with the primary goal of creating a strong community to drive environmental initiatives. We are determined to showcase everyday materials that people are familiar with but often overlooked from an environmental perspective.

“We took over all three floors of Slowcombo for a full month, from January 27th to February 25th, 2024. The first floor focused on creating experiences, featuring workshops and stages for discussions, and showcasing cases from partners and sponsors. For instance, the Sivatel Hotel brought plants from their sky garden for a workshop on blending tea and shared their decade of experience in managing food waste. On the second floor, there was a zone dedicated to the Conscious Fashion Mini Market, featuring eco-conscious fashion products. Soho House held the Regenerative Community Corner, while Central Department Store held the ‘The Future of Shopping Bag’ exhibition.

“On the third floor is the showcase by us, Ctrl+R Collective. We intend to keep pursuing this work after this event ends; not just assembling during festival periods. I’m not a designer; I research food literacy to bring attention to this topic and to foster understanding about how the food production process is linked to the environment, society, art, and culture — going beyond whether something is good to eat or not.”

Join in design works that are good for the Earth

Ms. Hutsama “Farsai” Juntaratana, a designer whose interests lie in positive environmental and social impact, volunteered to guide us on a walking tour of the “Regenerative Commodities” exhibition on the third floor. During the tour, she explained the design concepts of the display pieces, which lent importance to environmental impact, saying, “We and our friends experimented with several materials and production methods. For example, ‘Mycelium Unites!’ is a work by Ms. Yel and Mr. Makhawee “Gino” Sukawatano done in collaboration with Mush Composites. At this exhibit, one can see the steps to grow mycelium from leftover farm produce. We showcase the process of fungal germination and the resulting low-weight, fire-resistant composite material that can be used for interior decoration, furniture, and home decor.

“As for Ms. Irene “Eye” Purasachit, she used waste from the floral industry and turned it into flower containers using several kinds of production methods. A workshop was also organized with Pica on making stationery from natural materials. My own work involved an installation piece that illustrates the process of recovering materials. We bring discarded construction materials — gravel, bricks, soil, sand and cement — and turn them into biomaterials to stimulate discussion about current perspectives on construction materials and how we might create new options for making use of these materials.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Tot shared the work of Kamonnart “Ung” Ongwandee, a fashion designer who is advancing “slow fashion” via her role as coordinator for the Fashion Revolution network. According to Mr. Tot, “This project involved Ms. Ung’s survey of natural fibers dyed with colors extracted from rocks and earth from river basins in northern Thailand. The various cultures of communities and ethnic tribes permeate this work, where colors and designs were selected to reinforce mindfulness. There is also a workshop on how to extract colors from natural materials.”

Another work of interest is “EXTRUDE” by furniture brand MORE, which seeks to use leftover materials to create new options for people who prioritize sustainability. Ms. Apisara “An” Hophaisarn, a Ctrl+R Collective member and the brand’s design director, explained, “We process polymer and recycled plastics to make people more interested in using them. Plastic water bottles, which are everyday items used by the general public, are sorted by color and then experimented with to mold them into cylinders that can serve many functions. For example, they can be assembled into storage shelves, lamps, room dividers, and stools.”

These make up just a part of Regenerative Commodities – Exhibition & Experiences. If you’d like to encounter new experiences about designs that propel change-making innovations or if you’d like to know more about Ctrl+R Collective, follow the group on www.facebook.com/ctrlr.collective.