Earth Day is a global initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of preserving our planet. This year, we are marking the occasion by spotlighting some of the work of the talented design students who are currently preparing to exhibit at New Designers 2024. From modular running shoes to compostable bowls made using discarded eggshells, keep reading to learn more about the sustainable practices they are using and for a sneak peek of the work you’ll find at ND24.
Designed by Lewis Broughton, Bournemouth University
“ModuRun” aims to improve the sustainability of running shoes by adopting a modular design where the shoe can be taken apart, adapted for different terrains and recycled and reused at the end of its life. Addressing two of the UN’s sustainability goals (climate action and responsible consumption & production), “ModuRun” adopts materials that will not end up in landfill at the end of its life, helping to minimise waste created by the ever-growing footwear industry.
Designed by Josephine Drew, University of Edinburgh
“Coop” is a compostable bowl made using discarded eggshells from The University of Edinburgh’s catering services. The bowl has been painted on the inside using tempera, a medium using egg yolk as a binder with water and paprika as a natural pigment. Josephine’s main aim with this project was to find both beauty and purpose through exploring the properties of waste materials.
Designed by Louis Wright, Falmouth University
“Organic opulence” is a visionary project, redefining jewellery to blend aesthetics, functionality and societal roles with environmental sustainability. This initiative breaks new ground by integrating living materials into costume jewellery, merging advanced technology with organic elements for a sustainable, slow design approach. Louis’ innovative use of slime mould as a biomaterial allows for customisable pieces that evolve with the wearer, emphasising the transient beauty of nature and deepening the wearer’s connection to their jewellery.
Designed by Helena Powell, Glasgow School of Art
Helena has reflected on where she lives during her time at university and has explored the tradition of weaving in these areas. She has explored these areas and formed through colour and the woven structure to produce bespoke scarves. The process has been the key to her work. To do so, she has explored digital printing dye work to reduce water and dye wastage. In addition to working closely with a local weaving mill shop, Sudbury Silk Mill Shop, by using deadstock to reduce waste.
Designed by Tereza Kupčíková, London Metropolitan University
“The Secret of Trees” is a project that repurposes wood shavings, typically seen as waste, into a valuable material with unique properties. By utilising the inherent qualities of wood grain and density found in these shavings, a new material is created through the addition of a seaweed-based resin. The project specifically focuses on native Ash off-cuts, sourced sustainably from an FSC-certified supplier. The resin used is an agar bioplastic derived from seaweed, water and glycerol, ensuring an environmentally friendly approach.
Designed by Grace Richardson, Royal School of Needlework
“Vessels of Resurgence” is a collection of woven sculptures depicting the inevitable process of decay and rebirth in nature. Grace chooses her materials intentionally, focusing on natural fibres used for burial shrouds that fully decompose – such as linen, cotton and wool.
Designed by Amichia Aka, Middlesex University
This project explores the development of product frameworks for re-conceptualising kitchen products and appliances. These frameworks help construct a narrative and visual language that provide consumers with agency to understand the products they use that stimulate intellectual curiosity, and that fully support disassembly and repair. Exemplified through a manual hand grinder, the product frameworks drive the development of both product functionality and user experience as well as wider sustainable and ethical product lifecycle decision making.
Designed by Emily Vickers – University of Brighton
The main objective of the “Ode To Kay” project is to defeat the stereotype that natural colour is dull by developing a collection without the use of synthetic dyes often derived from petrochemicals. This project entails extensive exploration and experimentation with natural extracts to create a diverse range of lightfast print pastes. It also involves the art of natural dying, using raw and powdered extracts, and making an organic indigo vat. All fabrics used are sourced from dead stock linen from the interiors sector.
Feeling inspired by these sustainable designs? Book your tickets for New Designers 2024 to experience even more this June-July at Islington’s Business Design Centre.
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