The project's aim is to reveal and promote alternative practices of transformation and re-circulation of materials through workshops, events and dialogues
Workshop Massi Erratici, GAMec Bergamo
Recovered materials were transformed into new material for the creation of the collection of modular surfaces and volumes designed by Studio Ossidiana to accommodate and organise a range of activities in the museum.
Photo Riccardo De Vecchi
Photo Riccardo De Vecchi
Taking inspiration from cooperation practices present in the wine and oil sectors, Frantoio Sociale aims to make demolition an activity accessible to all, transforming it into a social practice open to participation and sharing. Unlike the mass production model that often characterizes demolition operations, Frantoio Sociale is based on the idea of participatory and collaborative planning, in which the contribution of each individual counts and is valued.
Concentrico, cantiere aperto, materials collecting
Photo Riccardo De Vecchi
For ALCOVA 2023 Frantoio Sociale presented itself to the public as a meeting space to discuss circularity, material flows, waste, raw materials, and much more. A cooperative working environment in which to explore different techniques for transforming and recovering materials found on the ALCOVA worksite to create objects, prototypes, and new materials.
Dropcity performance/presentation created as part of the Fuorisalone 2022 with inert materials recovered from the central station construction site.
This approach to demolition not only helps reduce the environmental impact of extracting new raw materials, but also offers a unique opportunity for building stronger social and community bonds. Oil mills and agricultural cooperatives are open and welcoming spaces, where people gather to work together, share ideas and experiences and support each other.
During Milan Design Week 2022 Frantoio Sociale became a travelling project structured into workshops, exhibitions, talks and performances. Five days, five events open to the public to talk about demolition as a circular process and one to be valorised.
The machine "Crunchy Crusher", is a specialized piece of equipment used for the demolition and crushing of building materials. This machine is designed to work on various types of materials, including reinforced concrete, brick, poroton, asphalt, stone and more. The construction crusher is made up of a robust and resistant structure, capable of withstanding the load and efforts generated during the demolition operation.
Workshop for Non-Extractive Architecture, Venice, June 2021
VAC Venezia, photo by Marco Cappelletti
Careof, Milano Design Week, June 2022
Frantoio Sociale aims to transform the demolition site into a place of exchange and collaboration, where the different actors involved - from architecture and engineering professionals to local communities - can contribute their unique skills and perspectives. In this way, demolition is no longer seen as simple destruction, but becomes an opportunity to build new connections, collective growth and valorise existing resources.
A portrait of our demolition machine ready for new adventures
To learn more about this project: the website frantoiosociale.xyz, an interview "toward circular design"
Studio GISTO e Hund Studio