URBI et ORBI turns industrial concrete waste into circular design objects

Athens-based studio URBI et ORBI, founded in 2012, transforms industrial concrete waste into contemporary design objects through its Zero Waste Project, launched in 2020. The initiative captures 100% of internal workshop waste: heavy rubble is crushed to replace traditional aggregates, and airborne dust from sawing and grinding becomes fine filler. Final objects contain 20% to 80% recycled components. Collaborating with designers like Sotiris Lazou, CTRLZAK Studio, Sara Ricciardi, Valentino Marengo, and Gian Paolo Venier, the studio produces pieces such as the Saroma side table (embedding straw broom fibers), Legante table (incorporating marble and ceramic scraps), and Oikos side table (zero-waste terrazzo). The concrete is designed to endure yet biodegrade at end of life, reflecting a Mediterranean craft ethos.