Transforming ocean plastic into elegant household decor – innovative lampshades crafted from discarded ocean debris.
In an innovative approach to environmental advocacy and artistic expression, designer Xuanhao Li has created a unique collection of table lamps called Polycycle Illumination. These lamps are crafted from upcycled plastic film packaging, specifically sourced from discarded HDPE sleeves used in the textile industry, and are designed to raise awareness about the impact of plastic waste on marine life and the environment.
The lampshades of the Polycycle Illumination collection are jellyfish-inspired, modeled using advanced parametric design. The purpose of the project is to transform waste into something beautiful and functional. The jellyfish silhouette pays tribute to ocean life and highlights the dangers posed by plastic waste, as discarded plastic film in oceans is often mistaken for jellyfish by sea animals like turtles, causing fatal consequences.
The design process involves a bespoke parametric algorithm that generates knit-like patterns, allowing rapid design iterations, and combining digital fabrication techniques with traditional craftsmanship. A CNC cutting machine is used to carve out the precise shapes for each lamp, and the flexible and translucent qualities of the plastic film are harnessed to create ethereal and poetic lighting effects. The lampshades are made from knitted, interlocking units that are both flattenable and strong.
By repurposing plastic film waste that would otherwise contribute to ocean pollution, these lamps offer a zero-waste approach. They serve both as functional home décor and as a poetic statement on the importance of addressing ocean plastic pollution. The project also plans to relocate production to China to source local plastic waste and reduce emissions from transportation, further supporting sustainability.
In summary, the Polycycle Illumination lamps contribute to solving the problem of plastic pollution in oceans by upcycling hard-to-recycle polyethylene plastic film waste, reducing waste through a zero-waste fabrication process, raising awareness of plastic pollution through their jellyfish-inspired biomimetic design, and encouraging sustainable production by planning local sourcing of plastic waste to minimize carbon footprint.
These lamps add a splash of sculptural beauty to any space, blending art, innovation, and environmental advocacy. By choosing Polycycle Illumination lamps, you are not only investing in a unique piece of home décor but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
- The innovative table lamps by Xuanhao Li, named Polycycle Illumination, are designed to raise awareness about plastic waste and its impact on marine life.
- The jellyfish-inspired lampshades of the Polycycle Illumination collection are crafted from upcycled HDPE sleeves, showcasing the importance of environmental science in product design.
- By incorporating the parametric design with traditional craftsmanship and digital fabrication techniques, the lampshades create a poetic statement on climate-change and the importance of upcycling plastic waste in our homes and gardens.
- The Polycycle Illumination lamps, with their functional and artistic value, not only beautify a space but also emphasize the need for innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainability in our lifestyles.
