As a fellow in the 2024 Material Lab Fellowship Programme, product-designer Basil Al-Taher is working on YOS and the Future: A Sustainability Series, a project that encourages communities to explore sustainable practices through storytelling and practical guides. Basil was inspired by the UAE’s historical resourcefulness, particularly in the 1980s, where "waste" became valuable material for other purposes. The project aims to nurture young minds to creatively solve environmental challenges in their surroundings, fostering a sustainable approach in every household across the UAE.
June 2024:
Basil’s research for the project began by identifying household items typically considered "leftovers,"—objects that served specific functions but were no longer needed. Examples included fabrics (such as old shirts or curtains) and paper/wood-based items (like cardboard or outdated furniture). The focus also extended to repurposing seasonally used items.
July 2024:
The challenge Basil faced was creating easy repurposing methods that don’t require specialised skills. The designer turned his focus to online research methods, seeking simple tutorials and user-friendly tools. He soon realised that as younger generations became more familiar with digital media, and AI machines became more intuitive, it was essential to teach children how to search for sustainable solutions online.
August 2024:
Basil developed a visual storytelling approach for his project, with YOS, a guide character, leading readers through fun and sustainable household projects. YOS will assist the young readers in gathering materials, identifying necessary tools, and advising on how to acquire them if unavailable, with step-by-step instructions and QR codes linked to templates for hands-on participation.
The project’s overall goal is to inspire children and families to act sustainably by engaging them in community-focused projects. By reviving the UAE’s farming mentality, the initiative demonstrates how small local solutions can lead to broader environmental benefits, reducing waste and fostering a culture of sustainability across the UAE.
Basil Al-Taher’s approach focuses on helping people rethink overlooked materials in their homes by turning them into useful, creative solutions. Through simple modular design, Basil demonstrates how versatile materials can be transformed, encouraging individuals to adopt sustainable habits. His work emphasises practical, innovative ways to repurpose everyday items, inspiring communities to minimise waste and integrate sustainability into their daily lives.
Basil Al-Taher graduated from the American University of Sharjah's College of Architecture, which provided a strong foundation for design exploration. His professional journey in architecture and interior design emphasised collaboration. Seeking to deepen his expertise, he pursued a Google professional certificate in User Experience Design, alongside interests in filmmaking and industrial design. Basil is working with scavenged, repurposed, and assembled found materials during the 2024 Material Lab Fellowship Programme.
