Re-Ply Social Venture by BVN New York.

Re-Ply, a social venture initiative of the New York office of BVN, an Australian architectural studio with a global footprint, transforms humble building products into social, political, and economic tools, aiming to bring unity and hope to a world experiencing dual pandemics – COVID-19 and systemic racism.

“Division and unrest have highlighted inequity, persecution, and the need for structural change,” says the design team. “Plywood sheets have been used to protect businesses during protests. This humble building product has unwittingly become the canvas for voices for change, imprinted with the messages of our time”.

Re-Ply upcycles plywood used in the protection of businesses during widespread NYC protest to create outdoor furniture for restaurants, bars, and cafes. Usually, thousands of sheets of plywood would have ended up in landfill, however, these resources are now being used to reactivate the streets and rebuild local communities.

Hospitality businesses that have been economically devastated due to closures resulting from COVID-19 will be supported by this project. Re-Ply will sell the furniture pieces to local businesses at affordable prices, allowing them to reopen while following social distancing rules with customers now able to move outside.

The project also supports minority groups by further discounting prices to minority-owned businesses. The initiative will be donating any surplus cash to charities promoting minority health, well-being and empowerment.

To find out more about this project, visit Re-Ply website.

[Photography by BVN New York and Souter/Partners.]