Hit the wheels
Form follows hubcaps
"Hit the wheels" deals with the upcycling of hubcaps. They can be found on grass verges and on the road. The starting material for the project is not taken from an existing cycle, is easily accessible and can be found regionally. I thermally deformed them and then refined the surface with natural dyes obtained from bluewood, madder root, annatto seeds and black mallow flowers. I either dipped the hubcaps directly into the dye solution or dyed lyocell fibres and stuck them on. Several hubcaps were given the necessary stability using existing steel wires and wire rope clamps.
Company/Institution
Universität der Künste Berlin
The University of the Arts Berlin (UdK), Faculty of Design, combines creative freedom with technical precision and societal impact. Students explore innovative approaches to everyday objects, sustainable products, and digital solutions. Interdisciplinary exchange and strong ties to Berlin’s creative scene foster experimental thinking.
Katharina Matejcek is a Berlin based product designer an carpenter. She is particularly interested in sustainable design, combined with environmentally friendly materials and resource-saving production methods. She moves between design, craftmanship and art.
Country
Germany
Designer(s)
Katharina Matejcek
Katharina Matejcek is a Berlin based product designer and carpenter. She is particularly interested in sustainable design, combined with environmentally friendly materials and resource-saving production methods. She moves between design, craftsmanship and art. After graduating from high school, she trained as a carpenter and worked in the profession for another year. She then decided to pursue her passion for design and successfully completed her product design studies at the Berlin University of the Arts in March 2024.