Design
Jul 29, 2022
by James Roberts
Space Available’s Bali Museum Makes Way for Nature
by James Roberts
Jul 29, 2022

It’s always exciting to watch creative people spread their creative wings; testing out new ideas and taking the next step on their journey. Creative platform and ecological design studio Space Available is most definitely taking that step with its new gallery and design center.

The Museum of Space Available (MoSA) is an all encompassing space situated in Bali, Indonesia. At its heart, Space Available specializes in circular design solutions, finding creative and innovative concepts to the crises impacting our planet. This museum is a space to explore those concepts in a physical environment, all while interacting with the local community. It will showcase the work of the studio’s international community of artists, designers and scientists who specialize in bio-innovation, radical recycling, upcycling and future craft.

The building, which was previously derelict, is a brutalist concrete structure that’s bright and airy inside. It was renovated in collaboration with Indonesian architects, Sidarta and Sandjaja. Gray walls are given splashes of bold primary colors from the wayfaring signs and green vegetation drapes across the outside of the building. The facade, which features the museum’s name in big lettering, has been constructed with over 200,000 waste-plastic bottles, recycled in partnership with Indonesian circular firm, Robries. Space Available claims to have recycled almost two million plastic bottles and caps through its various projects — that’s some serious numbers.

In August, MoSA will open two innovative services that will help customers give existing products a new life. The Upcycling Bar and Recycling Stations will offer free repair services for all Space Available customers, to ensure its goods stay within a circular system. That means that any T-shirt, chair or drinks coaster you buy from the collective can have a second life — as long as you’re willing to travel to Bali.

MoSA’s opening exhibition asks the surreal and chilling question: “How much plastic have you eaten this week?” “Plastic People” explores our relationship with plastics, and how design and art “can help create circular systems that challenge destructive linear thinking.” The exhibition comes to life through NFTs, physical sculptures and products.

People who purchase those NFTs will become founding members of the Space Available recycling facility, receiving access to limited-edition Space Available products, special offers, events and more.

In keeping with its ethos, 100 percent of profits from the exhibition will go towards the building of Space Available’s new recycling facility in Java. The Indonesian island is listed as the second-worst plastic polluting area in the world. This act of giving back to the environment and engaging with the local community is integral to Space Available’s “Rules for Ecological Advancement”.

Space Available founder Daniel Mitchell says: “While museums around the world play a vital role in showcasing the past, we wanted to create a space that explores the future. We believe the future of design is circular and regenerative and we wanted to create an experience that archives and explores the visions and systems that could help reshape our lives going forward.”

“Plastic People” is on display at the Museum of Space Available, Bali, Indonesia until August 26.

Check out Space Available’s website for more details on all its projects and products.