Rubber Hall
Slash Objects
Traditionally employed in the construction of durable surfaces, Arielle Assouline-Lichten encountered recycled rubber while working as an architect on a new project in Soho, New York. Intrigued by its blend of aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and functionality, this chance discovery sparked her creativity.
This serendipitous encounter with recycled rubber ultimately inspired her inaugural homeware collection. Today, as the founder of the award-winning design studio Slash Objects, Assouline-Lichten’s journey began with discarded tyres – transforming what was once considered a societal by-product into innovative design opportunities.
Arielle Assouline-Lichten and Slash Objects believe that design has the potential to influence the world through conscious choices.
Their ambition is to push the boundaries of established norms and create aesthetically pleasing pieces that prompt individuals to reconsider their assumptions.
In July 2023, Slash Objects shifted their focus and placed a greater emphasis on larger projects such as unique furniture and design projects, where several pieces of furniture continue to incorporate recycled tyre rubber to varying degrees.
Arielle articulates Slash Objects' exploration of materials within spatial contexts, underscoring their pivotal role in a world where finite resources necessitate sustainable practices. The studio is committed to meticulously integrating materials throughout their production process, minimizing waste and environmental impact. At the heart of Slash Objects’ rubber product line lies an American-made material infused with recycled rubber particles, transforming it into a robust material previously unexplored in homeware design. Their mission extends to pushing boundaries and crafting aesthetically compelling pieces that challenge conventional perceptions.
In close collaboration with manufacturers, Slash Objects strives to maximize waste salvage in their rubber production. The majority of their collection, excluding furniture pieces, is crafted from recycled rubber, with approximately 40% featuring recycled tyre rubber supplemented by post-consumer EPDM rubber. With over 380 million tyres discarded annually in the US alone, the enormity of tyre waste propelled Slash Objects to innovate products harnessing rubber’s versatile properties. The studio envisions new lifecycles for rubber and other materials, redirecting them from landfills to productive use, thus redefining material utility through innovative design.
Arielle leverages design as a catalyst to transform materials into adaptable resources, reshaping perceptions through innovative forms and contextual presentations;
“As designers, we wield substantial influence over how products and materials are perceived in everyday life. It’s integral to our process and brand ethos to consider the environmental and human impact of our creations.”
Initially uncertain about recycled tyre rubber’s viability, Arielle conducted extensive tests in her daily life to evaluate its durability under heat and wear. Arielle explains that she conducted numerous tests and integrated the products into her daily routine to assess their resilience. Recycled rubber proved exceptionally durable and robust, prompting exploration of bold, innovative forms and assembly techniques. She emphasizes the material’s flexibility and strength, advocating for experimentation to unlock its full potential and understand its limitations due to its elastic nature.
Transitioning from architecture and graphic design to furniture creation, Arielle Assouline-Lichten’s debut homewares collection stemmed from a deep curiosity about furniture design and materials. Her creative process revolves around exploring materials’ potential and envisioning their transformative possibilities. Employing her signature “quick and messy” method to sketch initial concepts by hand, Arielle refines ideas over weeks or months before progressing to 3D modelling for precision and functional integration. Physical prototypes validate concepts, ensuring proportions and scale align with functionality before final production.
” We believe that design can change the world through the choices we make. I want to test the limits of what has been done before and to create beautiful pieces that make people question their assumptions” - Arielle Assouline-Lichten’s
Slash Objects has garnered widespread acclaim for their recycled rubber concept, resonating positively with consumers and media alike. Repeat clients are drawn to the products’ functionality and distinctive aesthetics. Looking ahead, Slash Objects plans to further explore material combinations, focusing on creating enduring, high-end products and furniture from recycled materials. Their objective is to minimize waste by promoting product longevity and sustainability. “Our goal is zero waste in product creation, striving for efficiency that significantly benefits our environment. Each piece is designed with longevity in mind, intended to endure for generations. We aim to repurpose waste from past production methods, emphasizing the salvage and
reintroduction of recycled materials into new cycles,” explains Arielle Assouline-Lichten.
In July 2023, Slash Objects shifted their focus and placed a greater emphasis on larger projects such as unique furniture and design projects, where several pieces of furniture continue to incorporate recycled tyre rubber to varying degrees.
