Subaru Soccer Trophy
In celebration of diverting over 1 million pounds and 90% of waste from landfills in 2021, an accomplishment not made easier in a soccer stadium, Subaru and the Philadelphia Union wanted to create a larger-than-life sculpture.
Only problem was they had no idea what to create that would mark the tremendous event.
Learning the Client
After our kick off call where Subaru expressed their goal, they invited us to come to the stadium to view the behind-the-scenes and to experience the vibrant energy of the crowds, even on the first game in February. We got to experience the extensive sorting network they had, collecting everything from cans and bottles, to banners left behind, to hoses from the grounds keepers. Nothing was left untouched.
Concepting
After feeling the excitement of the game, we wanted to get straight to concepting and honed in on 4 concepts.
An entrance archway the uses the tired super fan’s, “Sons of Ben”, stadium seats. With the seats being replaced by new, recycled plastic stadium seats.
A riff on their existing poseable Union sign using cans and banner materials.
A soccer ball trophy made from recycled plastic lumber for durability outdoors.
Creating their mascot, Phang, from Sons of Ben seats on a grand scale
The Selection
Subaru’s ultimate decision was to keep things more traditional and utilize the more traditional soccer ball trophy style, and to speak more to the waste that was being collected on a routine basis. We regrouped and came back with a few more options that focused on bottle and cans, the bulk of what they collect, and included some real world material samples.
Layered materials
Shredded and Resin
Recycling Process Ball
Test Collection
While waiting for a response from Subaru on the new style we decided to do a test collection to see what waste we were going to be getting back and in what condition.
Over 900 lbs of waste was collected weekly with the bulk being tallboy cans and plastic bottles. Generally this made it easier for construction, though we were worried about UV degradation of the plastic and colors over time so set up some simple tests to compare.
One of 13 gaylords filled from the single visit
Concept Refinement
After the waste-audit and taking into account Subaru’s desire to obscure alcohol brands, we decided on a more integrated ‘mandala’ style design that allowed a lot more variety in design. We’d have to be more selective about the pieces of waste that were used, but were able to make more of an impact.
The final breakthrough came when the design integrated the Subaru stars into the design itself, adding to the trophy look and promoting Subaru itself.
Pre-production Samples
From there, we quickly moved into production prototypes to finalize the finer details between the hexagons and pentagons. The pentagons in particular were changed to have a riveted steel look and were used to display information about the sculpture and branding. All of this was finalized with one last mockup.
Fabrication
After final approvals we moved onto fabrication with the help of a local metal worker, starting with the interior structure and the panels and moving outwards.
Final Installation
The base came to its final resting spot on Oct. 3rd followed by an unveiling at a home game the following day and Subaru has been standing strong to its zero-waste commitment since.
