»Materialverteiler« Pilot Projects Kicks off at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

Architecture students in particular tend to work on their design models towards the end of the semester and use a broad range of materials, including wood, cardboard, and foam. These model-building materials don’t get used after the final presentations, meaning that large amounts of waste are produced – most of which isn’t actually waste at all. The new project aims to avoid this.

Existing initiatives such as the material exchange shelf of the »Schrottkomplott« initiative and the scrap wood shelf in the model making workshop have already proven the need for material recycling. This pilot project takes it one step further: The plan is to systematically collect materials such as cardboard, textiles, foam, and composite materials, store them and pass them through a central collection and distribution system.

This will take place at the »Experimentalbau e³« behind the »x.stahl«. Thanks to its central location on the campus, the site is ideally accessible and enables the practical use of a currently unused building. Two student assistants will be responsible for managing the inventory, sorting the materials, and keeping things organised. This will allow the initiative to continue functioning in the long term without having to rely solely on volunteers.

When the project began, a storage space was designated and remains locked for security and insurance purposes, opening at set times. Strict acceptance requirements ensure that only suitable materials enter the cycle. Hazardous materials like paint, varnishes, and adhesives are not accepted for safety reasons.

The »Materialverteiler« helps conserve resources, reduces CO₂ emissions, and sets an example for sustainable work at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. This practical contribution to the circular economy illustrates the importance of reusing materials and actively supports it.

The pilot project will begin by setting up the warehouse. The first materials will be accepted on 12 February. Students and instructors are encouraged to find out more and get involved. The project, which is funded by the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Presidential Board, was initiated by Urbanistik (Urbanism) students Theresa Buchberger and Nikolas Peschel.  

Material Collection Event
Wednesday, 12 February 2025, noon to 3 pm
Courtyard behind the Main Building
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 8, 99423 Weimar