Project Overview
I am Solal Chasques, a 17 year-old high school student passionate about engineering, the environment, and sustainability. I launched the BUILD FORWARD project: a hands-on initiative that combines technological innovation, environmental impact, and community engagement. The project consists of designing and producing real urban furniture (benches, tables, seats) using recycled ocean plastics and marine sediments transformed through sustainable engineering processes.
Project Objective
The goal is to manufacture real public furniture (such as benches, tables, and seating) using recycled ocean plastics and marine sediments processed through environmentally responsible engineering. Each piece is conceived not only as functional infrastructure, Build Forward also includes an educational component: each furniture item will carry an informative label explaining its materials and origins. In addition, I hosted and will continue to hold sustainability workshops and presentations in schools, as well as in additional municipal offices, empowering younger generations and all economic actors to better understand and act on environmental issues. The initiative is part of broader efforts supported by UNESCO ASPnet, aiming to link youth, innovation, and marine sustainability through field-based learning. This educational outreach helps create awareness about ocean health, plastic pollution, and sustainable design principles, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.Build Forward also includes an educational component: each furniture item will carry an informative label explaining its materials and origins. In addition, I hosted and will continue to hold sustainability workshops and presentations in schools, as well as in additional municipal offices, empowering younger generations and all economic actors to better understand and act on environmental issues. The initiative is part of broader efforts supported by UNESCO ASPnet, aiming to link youth, innovation, and marine sustainability through field-based learning. This educational outreach helps create awareness about ocean health, plastic pollution, and sustainable design principles, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.but as a tool for raising awareness about ocean health, blue circular economy solutions, and sustainable design.
Engineering Process
Collection of Ocean Plastics
Partner with coastal communities and organizations like Plastic Odyssey to collect plastic waste from oceans and shorelines.
Clean and Prepare
- Cut into pieces consistent with grinder size
- Grind the material to uniform particle size
- Control humidity levels
- Use incubator or desiccator to dry material
Hot/Cold Pressing
- Hot press: Place in oven for 1-2 hours, then cool
- Cold press: Alternative depending on material properties
Molding Process
- Use generic mold to shape material
- Extrusion to fill molds
- Injection molding as alternative forming method
Processing Marine Sediments
Utilize mineral-based materials derived from marine sediments as sustainable alternatives.
Installation and Awareness
Furniture is installed in public spaces with informative labels explaining materials and origins.
Videos
Waves of Change
Build Forward project has been accepted into the Young Talent Program of the NGO Waves of Change (Global Youth Coalition against Plastic Pollution), which brings together cities, researchers, and young innovators to address coastal sustainability challenges.
As part of this program, I have been invited to participate in the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi in December 2025. Joining Waves of Change adds a new dimension and dynamic to the Build Forward project.
Impact and Educational Component
Build Forward also includes an educational component: each furniture item will carry an informative label explaining its materials and origins. In addition, I hosted and will continue to hold sustainability workshops and presentations in schools, as well as in additional municipal offices, empowering younger generations and all economic actors to better understand and act on environmental issues. The initiative is part of broader efforts supported by UNESCO ASPnet, aiming to link youth, innovation, and marine sustainability through field-based learning.
This educational outreach helps create awareness about ocean health, plastic pollution, and sustainable design principles, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
Stakeholders
Earth Protectors
Inspirational media foundation
Plastic Odyssey
Supplier of recycled ocean plastic
City of Hossegor
Municipal pilot site