DB Schenker Upcycling Hub Lunchroom | Ekphrastics
DB Schenker Upcycling Hub Lunchroom by Carlos Bañon

DB Schenker Upcycling Hub Lunchroom

Golden A' Design Award Winner 2023

A magnificent translucent sculptural installation dominates the upper register of this interior space, its organic undulating form resembling the rhythmic pleating of a colossal bivalve shell or the delicate folds of marine organisms rendered in luminous white polymer mesh, suspended from an industrial ceiling infrastructure painted in soft rose-tinted tones that suffuse the entire environment with warm chromatic ambiance. The primary sculptural element comprises approximately two dozen vertically oriented pleated panels arranged in a circular configuration around a central metallic ring armature, each panel exhibiting subtle translucency that captures and diffuses the ambient illumination creating an ethereal jellyfish-like presence overhead. The compositional architecture employs radial symmetry emanating from the suspended centerpiece while the surrounding space demonstrates asymmetrical balance through the strategic placement of secondary lighting fixtures featuring dome-shaped translucent forms with honeycomb-like surface texturing positioned at varying heights in the left portion of the frame. The chromatic palette operates within an analogous harmony of warm whites, shell pinks, coral reds, and burgundy accents with the magenta-toned accent wall in the right background providing chromatic counterpoint to the predominantly pale foreground elements. Illumination sources appear multiple and diffused, with the pink-tinted overhead lighting creating a warm ambient glow approximately 3000-3500K while natural daylight enters from the glazed wall at left introducing cooler temperature contrast. The spatial construction presents a clearly defined interior environment with moderate depth recession, the foreground occupied by organically-shaped seating elements featuring shell-inspired curved white forms and a crimson red sculptural side table exhibiting ribbed columnar geometry. Surface textures range from the matte industrial ceiling infrastructure to the translucent mesh quality of the suspended installation to the smooth glossy appearance of the furniture elements, creating rich tactile variety throughout the composition. Edge treatment varies from the crisp geometric contours of the architectural elements to the soft diffused boundaries where the translucent panels meet the illuminated atmosphere, demonstrating sophisticated control of visual hierarchy through selective focus and edge dissolution. The stylistic attribution suggests contemporary parametric design with biomimetic influences, resonant with the organic formalism of digital fabrication practices and evocative of marine biological structures translated through advanced manufacturing technologies, creating an atmosphere of innovative sanctuary that celebrates the intersection of natural forms and technological craft.

The Large Room revolutionizes waste repurposing by employing additive manufacturing to create stunning design elements from 500 and more kg of single-use plastics. Utilizing advanced 3D printing, waste was transformed into functional, eye-catching features like a chandelier of 3D-printed tiles. This Upcycling Hub elevates circularity, inspiring businesses to adopt innovative waste management, and setting a new precedent in sustainable design excellence.