Studio Swine - 'Hair Glasses'

TED's 10 - Design for Recycling / Upcycling

Here is an example of how sustainable resources can be used to create unique and beautiful products. Studio Swine is an a collaboration that focuses not only on the aesthetic beauty of their products, but also the sustainability of the systems and materials used.

Hair Glasses explored the potential of human hair, and how it can be used as a renewable material that is being produced in excess. The glasses frames are biodegradable and no harmful substances are released during production. 

To me, the aesthetic appearance of products should not be compromised when designing sustainably. Studio Swine are a perfect example of balancing the two. 

Studio Swine. 2013. Hair Glasses. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.studioswine.com/hair-glasses. [Accessed 24 October 13]

Florie Salnot - 'Plastic Gold'

TED's 10 - Design for Recycling / Upcycling

Florie Salnot was one of the designers that really stood out to me during todays lecture. Through her jewellery designs, she has encouraged the independence of women in refugee camps. With few resources to hand, Salnot creates bespoke jewelry pieces from plastic bottles. Created in a refugee camp in Saharawi, the technique uses only hot sand, bottles and a little paint. 

The design is created by using only what is directly available in the camp, therefore no energy is used in transporting materials or tools. The designs create a income for the women of the camps, giving them  a new found independence since living in exile. 

The jewelry is created by cutting painted plastic bottles into fine strips and then weaving it around nails before finally submerging it in hot sand. 

Florie Salnot. 2013. Florie Salnot. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.floriesalnot.com/Profil.html. [Accessed 15 October 13].