Make do and mend: Contest inspires ingenuity

Throughout the first six months of 2011, artists, musicians and other creative talents are being encouraged to submit work that transforms everyday objects into something more special. The competition is inspired by the people of Havana, who are said to ‘pride themselves on their ability to create what they need from what they have’.

For inspiration, graphic design studio Intercity has commissioned three artists to create their own response to the brief. Footwear customiser Nash created a set of fully functional Sneaker Speakers using Nike Air Force 1’s, while product designer Cemal Okten took a more lo-fi approach, creating a set of headphones using string, cork, a coat hanger and a tin can.

LS:N Global will further explore how designers are responding to restricted resources in our forthcoming Anarconomy Decade report, as part of the Spring Trend Briefing.