Designing with Reuse to Minimise Waste and Maximise Impact

Completed in 2019, the Eco-Visionaries exhibition prioritised reuse and low-impact design, minimising new fabrication and material waste. Existing plinths and furniture were borrowed or salvaged from other exhibitions, while caption ledges were made from recycled wood and board offcuts. These were designed for disassembly and reuse beyond the show. Partition screens were constructed from repurposed promotional banners, developed in collaboration with a textile designer and upcycling specialist. The result was a modular, lightweight system with minimal environmental footprint. Sustainable materials such as plywood, paper, and card were used throughout, avoiding single-use plastics entirely.

Joanna led the design and delivery, focusing on an efficient, minimal-intervention approach that allowed the exhibition content to take centre stage. The project demonstrates how creative thinking and technical collaboration can reduce the environmental impact of temporary exhibitions while still achieving a strong visual and spatial identity.