Mathilde Wittock

Applicants are invited to develop a reproducible object or small-series capsule furniture collection that visibly and clearly integrates the recovered components. The proposal must demonstrate a balance between desirability, feasibility, sustainability, and production potential, reflecting a concrete approach to reuse as a creative driver.  

For this edition, the material provided consists of recovered glass syringes from a former safety stock of GSK. Applicants can consult the product sheet and key specifications in the documentation provided.  

To ensure alignment with the programme objectives, projects must meet the following criteria:

1. Material use  
- The central material must be the recovered glass syringe;  
- Components must remain visible and recognisable;  
- Prototyping waste must not exceed 10%;  
- Assembly must be reversible (no permanent gluing or fusion);  
- A maximum of three complementary materials (excluding technical fasteners), ideally sourced from upcycling channels (e.g., ROTOR, fab labs).  

2. Modularity & reproducibility  
- The object must be suitable for small-series production or a capsule furniture collection;  
- During this first pre-project phase, applicants present the concept and general approach. A maquette and/or prototype will be requested after the first jury review as part of the second phase.  

3. Industrial feasibility  
- Design choices should enable technically viable and reproducible production;  
- Particular attention will be given to anticipation of fabrication, assembly, and scaling constraints.  

4. Values & vision
- Alignment with TRY AGAIN? values: creativity, collaboration, and transparency;  
- Encouragement of co-creation with end users;  
- A social dimension or clearly defined context of use is a plus.  

Jury members for this open call

Mathilde Wittock (President)- Designer  
Clémentine Le Guerec - Designer and representative of the TRY AGAIN? Initiative
Anaïs Sandra Carion - MAD Brussels
Gaston Golstein - Duplex  
Maarten Gielen - Circularity expert

Participation process FOR THE FIRST PHASE

1. Discover the creative brief in the pdf below
2. Submit your proposal with portfolio, moodboard and concept description by Sunday 3rd of May (23:59) through our online form.

The jury will pre-select three profiles (announced on the 22nd of May) that will be invited for phase 2.

PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOR THE SECOND PHASE

Three shortlisted candidates will be asked to present a proposal including:
• a moodboard and design statement ;
• a detailed presentation of the project ;
• sketches or preparatory drawings ;
• visuals of the object (a partial or non-functional prototype is accepted).

COMPENSATIONS & PRIZES

Each of the three finalists will receive €500 (excl. VAT) as compensation for their work.

The final winner will receive €4500 (excl. VAT), including the €500 compensation for Phase 2, covering:

• preparation of technical plans and drawings ;
• exchanges with cultural authorities and jury members to develop a production-ready design
• prototype acquisition ;
• production rights should the object be manufactured by another entity, with production chosen and managed by the designer ;
• royalties in the event that the object is commercially produced.

GET YOUR SAMPLES

To facilitate this phase, stocks of glass containers are available at several locations across Brussels so that candidates can access the source material and integrate it directly into their design process. These materials will notably be accessible at  MAD Brussels, Impact Valley & TAVU offices.

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