Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
University / School Name RMIT
Lead Designers Jingning Xu
Professor Names Nicholas Johns
Photo Credits Jingning Xu
Completion Date 25/10/2023
Project Location Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Entry DescriptionIn a world driven by consumerism and planned obsolescence, I aim to promote sustainability through the concept of "repairing with stitches." The art of repair can inspire a shift toward a more sustainable lifestyle, where restoring items instead of discarding them not only conserves resources but also fosters a mindset of responsible consumption.
Growing up, my grandma would sew patches onto worn clothes. Back then, I felt embarrassed, associating patched clothing with poverty, and preferred new items. Now, I deeply appreciate those repaired garments, as they introduced me to the value of repair. My project, the Stitched Lamp, reflects this journey. By incorporating the visual metaphor of sewing into the resin lamp design, I seek to celebrate the beauty of repair and encourage others to embrace it, showing that anything can be mended.
Some see the lamp as resembling a dinosaur egg, a hedgehog, or even a custard bun. To me, it represents the idea that anything around us can be repaired and made whole again. This work is also a tribute to my grandma, who passed away suddenly in 2023. Through this lamp, I hope to convey the enduring love she left behind.
Sustainability ApproachThe Stitched Lamp project emphasizes sustainability by integrating repair and circular design principles, countering consumerism and planned obsolescence. It encourages valuing repair and longevity over disposability. Central to the project is the circular economy, where products are reused, repaired, and repurposed. The lamp's stitched design symbolizes mending and fosters a mindset of sustainability. Crafted from durable, low-impact materials like resin, the lamp emphasizes resource efficiency, using stitching for functionality and aesthetics. Social sustainability is addressed by challenging the stigma around mended objects, promoting responsible consumption, and honoring traditional skills inspired by the creator’s grandmother.
