DISCARDED INGOTS /

(N°OOO-2) Al₂O₃

Heat_Exchangers_

Due to its peculiar mechanical and thermal properties, most of the manufacturing sector relies on aluminum as a solution for industrial machinery parts. However, machining gets easily replaced by new, specific parts in order to meet the constant changing demand creating a standardized waste. But although it’s almost infinitely recyclable material, a lot of energy is used to sort out, melt and re-cast the aluminum.
By focusing on the repetition of the same discarded aluminum elements, “Discarded Ingots” questions the value of a mass produced waste and introduce an analog solution to an industrial problem.

Baptiste Comte uses the systemic waste to mimic and scale up the geometry of a computer component, the heat sink and highlights its properties to regulate heat in a room. By creating covers for architectural products , the excess of heat is absobed, stored, and released when the temperature cools by incorporating a phase change material that melts above 21ºC, and solidifies below it, releasing heat back into the room.

With a focus on aluminum’s conductivity and its reflectivity, this work is an attempt to revise our perception for industrial resources by redefining its identity; transforming those items being only mechanical to a more evocative level.