Prioritizing efficiency, industrial design and manufacturing industries often lead to the systematic rejection of materials that do not conform to standardization. This is particularly evident in the timber industry, where complex, irregular, and “unmanageable” forms such as roots, knotted branches, or wood with embedded stones are discarded as waste. The olive oil industry provides a significant example, where olive roots are sold as firewood and it’s valued at as little as 0.10€/kg, despite their high technical or aesthetic properties.

This workshop is based on a decade-long research project conducted by Jorge Penadés, who explores the impact of the olive oil industry in Spain, the world's largest producer. His investigation sheds light on the consequences of extreme mechanization, particularly how the shift from traditional harvesting to superintensive methods has altered ecosystems and redefined material hierarchies. Beyond the case of olive wood, the workshop invites participants to rethink the potential of discarded wooden elements in the context of Boisbuchet’s natural surroundings.

Throughout the week, we will engage in field explorations, venturing into the forests around Boisbuchet to collect materials typically overlooked or discarded—roots, gnarled branches, and other organic forms deemed “unusable”. These raw materials will serve as the foundation for a hands-on design process that prioritizes adaptability and improvisation over premeditated form. Rather than forcing materials to conform to preconceived ideas, participants will experiment with ways to let the material lead the design process. By working directly with these neglected materials, the workshop also opens up a broader reflection on waste and the potential of organic matter. How do industrial standards shape our perception of value and quality? Participants will be encouraged to develop a more inclusive and intuitive approach to design.