Introducing Pupa: an exceptional cardboard cavern like no other. This sustainably crafted masterpiece is a testament to innovative design, meticulously constructed from reclaimed cardboard and pallets.

Pupa is a proud contributor to the “Waste Not Want It” initiative, spearheaded by the esteemed financial and media entity, Bloomberg. As part of this groundbreaking program, Pupa serves as a captivating platform for some of the world’s most visionary artists and designers.

Bloomberg’s unwavering commitment to creativity, education, and sustainability aligns seamlessly with the core values of Lazerian, making it a true honor to be entrusted with the creation of a one-of-a-kind installation within their London offices. The primary objective of this initiative is to harness Bloomberg’s own waste materials to fashion an installation that not only repurposes discarded resources but also imbues their workspace with a dynamic, unexpected, and eco-conscious ambiance for their valued employees.

Following visits to Bloomberg’s recycling centre, where they diligently repurpose all of their own waste, the materials for the design were carefully selected. Among the plethora of potential and highly capable materials were cable flex, cardboard boxes, keyboards, and wooden pallets, among others. Many of these materials possess the remarkable ability to be transformed into technically innovative and environmentally responsible creations.

Once the preferred material had been identified, it was transported to the Lazerian workshop. Cardboard and wooden pallets arrived, but the original Bloomberg cardboard, damp and compacted, underwent a remarkable transformation. It was sent to John Hargreaves’ factory in Stalybridge, where century-old machinery, originally installed in 1910, was employed to pulp and reconstitute the recycled cardboard into triangular sections. These sections were ingeniously combined to form the distinctive, cave-like structure that is Pupa.

Pupa, composed of triangular sections, cleverly harnesses the structural and acoustic qualities of cardboard. Advanced computer design techniques were employed to generate its unique shape, and then individual components were extracted from the digital model to create flat layouts. These layouts were meticulously hand-assembled through careful gluing.

The design and aesthetics draw inspiration from the marvels of natural habitats, evoking images of cocoons, beehives, spider’s nests, and weaver bird nests. The ceiling gracefully mimics the essence of shelter, exuding a snug and cave-like feel while also paying homage to the majestic vaulted ceilings found in church naves. The deliberate intent behind crafting a cave-like structure was to fashion a cocoon-like construction, akin to a building within a building, providing a sanctuary-like ambiance.

Pupa serves as a unique sanctuary nestled within the bustling Bloomberg offices, inviting staff to make use of it as they see fit. The primary objective was to offer individuals a respite from their usual work surroundings, providing a secluded space for contemplation and introspection. Additionally, the carefully crafted cardboard cave-like structure serves a dual purpose by acting as an effective sound barrier, effectively minimizing the disruptions from the bustling office environment.

The gracefully curved design envelops a 14-seat table, its surface adorned with tessellated cardboard, seamlessly merging functionality with aesthetics. For sustainability and resourcefulness, the table’s legs and the chairs surrounding it were skillfully constructed from disassembled timber pallets. To enhance comfort, the chair seats were adorned with upholstery crafted from leather off-cuts, further exemplifying the project’s commitment to eco-conscious design.

1,981 units build the table and pillar. Coincidentally 1981 is the year that Bloomberg was founded

1,800 wooden slats salvaged de-nailed, dried, planed, laminated, sawn and turned

5,040 wooden components achieved from pallets

12,960 nails removed from wooden pallets

3,510 kg of cardboard pulped and recycled

3,972 triangular components for the exoskeleton providing the cover

3,972 triangular cardboard inserts for the structure

180 wooden pallets taken apart for chair frame and legs

252 leather offcuts from make up the chair seats

825 kg in return, reducing carbon omissions