jelle mastenbroek’s glassworks vending machine plays on monetary value

netherlands-based design studio jelle mastenbroek introduces its glassworks vending machine, where money can be thrown in but ultimately has no value or cost. this latest creation is a follow up of the ‘money back guarantee’ series which reflects on the same idea of questioning the value of money. however, unlike the previous designs, this vending machine was constructed with transparent facades and elements — offering a fully exposed mechanism for the viewers and users.

detail of the track with one euro rolling down the glassworks  vending machine
all images © ronald smits

 

 

in jelle mastenbroek‘s glassworks vending machine, one euro can be seen moving through the transparent structure and playing a musical piece composed  by aart strootman — specially for the glass-notes. the project — commissioned by ING bank —  completely alters the interior configuration of a conventional vending machine yet the exterior structure is designed with, more or less, famliar features. in a way, the proposed ‘transparent’ mechanism reminds users of  industrial manufacturing machines that ultimately produce all of society’s consumer goods. with a completely empty machine, only one coin is fueling the glass notes with music — highlighting the power of money.

 

 

video courtesy of jelle mastenbroek

 

 

detail of the structure showing the glass notes and transparency of the design features

the transparant structure carries the coin all along, while a musical piece is being played

glassworks vending machine full overview

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.