Raumlabor’s ‘Big Crunch’ is an Incredible Building Made from Discarded Materials

Like some great magnet for debris "The Big Crunch" by Raumlabor is a recycled building made from a heap of discarded objects. The mound of materials is condensed in a theater plaza from all over the area, seemingly to move like a small wave cresting on the Georg-Büchner-Platz grounds in Darmstadt, Germany. Made from cast away household materials ranging from fridges to windows, furniture, and doors, the installation is a stormy, absurdist habitation.

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The core of the Big Crunch consists of a tubular metal frame that has been wrapped in strips of wood lattice. Various debris are hung from this foundation, and the center of the mound features a small room with openings at both ends. The materials are layered to create a sense of direction and movement that flows from the entrance to the direction of the theater.

Taking discarded items from civilization and combining them in a frenetic mound is a provocative statement — Raumlaborberlin sees it as “a gathering place and forum for conflict and discussions.” Like the eye of a storm, the frenzied chaos is haunting. The structure seems to have been assembled by another force – one that has left behind a trail of debris composed of items that society no longer deems valuable. Whether visitors are amused by the work or other emotions arise, we hope they are up-to-date on their tetanus shots.

+ Raumlaborberlin

7 Comments

beatriz July 3, 2011 at 12:46 am

… some ideas can be uniquely bad and lazy. the interiors are so busy that I chat I would not be able to find my bed there. Besides, a passing breeze would probably blow me away.
AllForTheGreen July 2, 2011 at 12:25 pm

I approve of material reusage to the point where as a construction professional I always abide deconstruction rather than demolition.. With that said, this monstrosity is an eyesore and a liability. One strong wind and who knows how much dangerous debris could be launched from that pile.
onyeka June 30, 2011 at 8:57 pm

I think this is a good installation, its shows the beauty in junk.
eliteqdesign June 30, 2011 at 7:08 am

At first glance I thought this was hit by a hurricane! This is amazingly unique idea!
jac2169 June 29, 2011 at 2:32 pm

Wow! This project makes me not want to buy anything that can be recycled. I imagine this isn’t even just one person’s waste over a life span. It’s important to be aware of all the different ways you can recycle or discard of unwanted items properly. For example if you just dump you old electronics they can end up being shipped off to a developing country and further contaminating our earth. I have found these sites useful for alternative methods of recycling and discarding unwanted materials http://northstarmoving.com/blog/2011/green_moving/
annie@bluerockstation.com June 29, 2011 at 10:46 am

This is a terrific idea to start people re-thinking about consumption and conservation. Check out the plastic bottle green house at http://www.bluerockstation.com. Clean garbage buildings immitate nature and look cool.
lazyreader June 29, 2011 at 7:56 am

Thank goodness the open air debris garden is still intact.