PlasticsInTheCommunity

urbell Plastics, Inc. is excited to be part of “Acrylic Pixel,” an engineered modular system of panels made from reformed and reimagined scrap acrylic. The art was constructed from heat slumped scrap acrylic donated by Curbell Plastics, Inc. It is constructed of 24 clear acrylic tiles that are 1/8″ thick and 15″ by 15″.

The creators include Edward Segal, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor of Engineering at Hofstra University; Albert Chao, Adjunct Instructor of Architecture at the University of Buffalo; Lisa Ramsburg, former Master of Architecture Student at Princeton University; and Powell Draper, Principal at Entuitive.

Segal said that once the COVID pandemic struck, protective barriers made from polycarbonate and acrylic was everywhere. “There’s been a drastic increase in plastics use since the pandemic started,” he said. “We want to see how we can reuse the materials…. [and] be ‘less practical’, distorting them into different shapes and art forms.”

From July 6 to 8, 2022, Segal and the group exhibited prototypes as part of “Critical Practices” at the 5th International Conference on Structures and Architecture (ICSA) in Aalborg, Denmark. On July 6, Segal presented a conference paper on the project titled, “Reuse and Misuse with Heat Formed Acrylic.”

The original aim of the project — to source COVID barrier acrylic scrap — proved difficult as many organizations were still holding onto them. To obtain the needed materials, Segal connected with Curbell Regional Director Jeff Burke, who donated the materials to make the modular system.

“Acrylic Pixel,” which made its premier in Denmark, is currently in storage awaiting its permanent home, according to Segal. www.curbellplastics.com.