Sustainable scenography

How to reuse elements recovered on site

Establishment: Lycée Toulouse Lautrec – Bordeaux, France

Presentation of sustainable scenography

Environmental and educational issues

  • Give a second life to materials from old exhibitions or campaigns.
  • Raise students’ awareness of the life cycle analysis of objects and structures.
  • Foster a circular approach to creation and design.
  • Encourage collaborative work, . the search for technical solutions and creative adaptability.

Definition

Sustainable scenography consists of designing exhibition, presentation or event spaces by integrating eco-design principles: sobriety, reuse and valorization of local resources.
The objective is twofold: reducing the environmental impact of scenography while stimulating student creativity through concrete constraints of recycling, diversion and reuse.

Environmental and educational issues

  • Give a second life to materials from old exhibitions or campaigns.
  • Raise students’ awareness of the life cycle analysis of objects and structures.
  • Foster a circular approach to creation and design.
  • Encourage collaborative work, . the search for technical solutions and creative adaptability.

Definition

Sustainable scenography consists of designing exhibition, presentation or event spaces by integrating eco-design principles: sobriety, reuse, modularity and valorization of local resources.
The objective is twofold: reducing the environmental impact of scenography while stimulating student creativity through concrete constraints of recycling, diversion and reuse.

Skills worked

Needs analysis

Search for technical solutions

Plans and models

Reuse of materials

Assembly and finishes

Visual communication of the project

Sustainable scenography means learning to do things differently, with what you have — without giving up aesthetic quality or functionality.

Our Projects

Reuse of physical communication elements in furniture

Partnership

Nouvelle-Aquitaine region

Recycling of the Skills Olympics – Alcôves-CDI Project – Ériona

To avoid waste and extend the lifespan of event materials, the students recovered various elements: wooden structures (cubes, benches) and obsolete canvases/tarpaulins from regional trade shows.

Transform these materials into functional and aesthetic furniture, suitable for reception or relaxation spaces during future regional events.

Analysis of available materials and formulation of a reuse diagnosis.
Research boards and creative proposals
Technical plans and prototypes
Implementation (cutting, assembly, filling, finishing)

Space design
Technical design
Eco-design
Teamwork
Finishes
Oral presentation

The new seats will be installed during orientation fairs and among creators in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.

Project visuals

BeforeAfter

Understanding the life cycle of materials
Reuse as a lever for creativity
Complete project approach, from analysis to completion

Document each step to promote pedagogy.
Promote disassembly & modularity
Involve students in the final script

Recycling of textile materials

Darwin

Darwin is a business ecosystem based in Bordeaux, designed as an alternative space dedicated to sustainable development, innovation, social entrepreneurship, and the ecological transition. Its approach is founded on respect for the environment and the adoption of eco-responsible practices.

Within this space, Darwin Woodstock produces furniture and sets by transforming existing materials (wood, metal, etc.) in order to minimize its ecological impact as much as possible. Its motto—recover, enhance, create, and repurpose—illustrates a philosophy of reuse and sustainable creativity.

The partnership between Darwin Woodstock and the vocational high school was born out of a workshop aimed at raising awareness among students training to become upholstery decorators about the ecological transition. Architect Laurent Tardieu supported this initiative through workshops, visits, practice analyses, and discussions, fostering a dialogue between Darwin’s contemporary concerns and those of vocational education

Introduce students to the ecological transition and eco-responsibility in their professional practice.
Set up internship periods within Darwin Woodstock to promote experiential learning.
Enable students to experiment with reclaimed materials and develop creative solutions for sustainable design and space planning.
Organize a shared schedule between the company and the high school to ensure pedagogical and technical follow-up.
Create a collaborative framework that guarantees project quality and gives meaning to the skills acquired in workshops and classes.

Introduce students to the ecological transition and eco-responsibility in their professional practice.
Set up internship periods within Darwin Woodstock to promote experiential learning.
Enable students to experiment with reclaimed materials and develop creative solutions for sustainable design and space planning.
Organize a shared schedule between the company and the high school to ensure pedagogical and technical follow-up.
Create a collaborative framework that guarantees project quality and gives meaning to the skills acquired in workshops and classes.

Project visuals

To go further

Tool sheet:
Design a reusable stand

Practical sheet:
Using recycled and local materials

Case study:
Transformation of an exhibition structure into sustainable furniture