Every year, an average Dane discards 37 kg of plastic, with only 5.6 kg of itbeing recycled. Atelier TONNI assigned me the task of symbolizing this weightthrough a lamp constructed from a waste product. Throughout the project, Iconducted research on various waste materials, exploring their unique materialproperties. These findings were then put to the test using molds andprototypes. After careful investigation, a suitable waste stream was identifiedwithin the pharmaceutical industry. Ice packs, which are utilized to maintainthe temperature of medicinal shipments, were chosen as the primary material forthe lamp. To achieve a weight of 5.6 kg, a total of 133 ice packs were used.Industrializing this product proved to be a complex endeavor, requiringsignificant labor. Therefore, extensive efforts were made to explore methods ofstreamlining production. With the implementation of an appropriate mold and theright machinery, it was determined that the lamp could be manufactured as aseries product, with a projected annual output of 780 units.
Working with waste materials introduced additional complexities. There wasuncertainty regarding the potential mixture of pure materials with otherchemicals in each waste stream, necessitating repeated testing for new wastesources.
This graduation project provided valuable insights into the unpredictability ofworking with materials firsthand. Additionally, a strong emphasis was placed onthe concept of Cradle-to-Cradle sustainability, striving to create a fullyrenewable product. As a result, the lamp's construction was designed withoutthe need for adhesives, enabling complete disassembly and separate reuse ofeach material component.
With the aim of meeting the desires of our target group, I interviewed them tounderstand their preferences and needs, which guided the design and creation ofthe lamp. Through careful consideration of the target group's desires and theintegration of sustainable practices, the lamp not only fulfills the functionalaspect of lighting but also offers a captivating storytelling experience,reflecting the values and aspirations of our audience.
