I want to share Thomas Thwaites’ “The Toaster Project”

“The project is a reaction to the idea that it’s possible or desirable to be self-sufficient, but also to the view that having more stuff, more cheaply is better.” -Dezeen

(Photo via Dezeen)

Obviously this is a departure from couch cushion architecture. Prima facie, it’s no less absurd. Thwaites wanted to replicate a toaster that he bought for about ten dollars, starting with refining the raw materials. Thwaites writes, “The contrast in scale between between consumer products we use in the home and the industry that produces them is I think absurd…”

It’s a great research project, though. It’s honest, it’s thoughtful, and he’s done his holy homework… including smelting iron in a microwave. (Yes, really.) There’s more information and videos on his process on his website. Check it out.