GIANT HOGWEED

I want to envision a alternative narrative about the infamous Giant Hogweed by transforming the invasive plant into a series of new material applications.

The natural material offers a replacement for various traditional materials; like foam, veneer and cardboard. With these new applications i want to change the weedy plant into a potentional new crop. The plant spreads quickly on unused sites, requires no maintenance, and is extremely light. Invasive plants like this shape the material source of the future.

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The Giant Hogweed is known for its rapid spread and poisonous juice. The plant is labelled as an invasive species and is forbidden within the EU. I want to show the positive side of the plant, by transforming wasted plant material into a natural interior product. Each wall tile is locally harvested and carefully handcrafted.

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The Giant hogweed is native to the Caucasus (modern day Georgia) and imported during the Victorian era. The plant was proudly kept in botanical gardens until it escaped into the wild. Today it is considered an invasive plant within EU. The plants are locally harvested during autumn. This timing allows the plant to get fully dried out. The deep texture in the stems is a direct result of this drying process.

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Created by Atelier Schaft