Waste Illuminates Worlds: Printed Modular Lamp Design Based On Brick and Clay Tile

Author

Yechen ZhuFollow

Date of Award

Spring 6-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Industrial Design

Department

Industrial Design

First Advisor

Dr. Eduardo Benamor Duarte

Second Advisor

Lara Davis

Third Advisor

Soojung Ham

Abstract

The building industry in the New England area is often in a state of entropy, with abandoned brick buildings contributing to urban decay. The recycling rate of brick and clay tile wastes generated by construction and demolition is only 12.2%, meaning the majority is sent to landfills. The expansion of landfills can lead to significant environmental and community challenges, including increased traffic from waste transport, habitat destruction, ecosystem degradation, and contributions to climate change. Specifically, the Bethlehem landfill in New Hampshire, which is planned to undergo a 5.71-acre lateral expansion through 2026, has already encountered issues such as leachate spills and water pollution. These problems underscore the necessity of proper waste management practices to mitigate potential negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

This thesis explores the use of various biocements for the adhesion of brick and clay tile grains, examining their bonding mechanisms under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The material application of the modular lamp which incorporates digital printing technology not only minimizes waste through precise material usage but also creates special textures and remind users of the importance of protecting our planet. The creation of this lamp contributes to environmental sustainability by diverting still-usable materials away from landfills, reducing the energy required in the manufacturing process, and decreasing the demand for clay extraction, which makes sustainability development tangible.

In general, the focus of the thesis is on using recyclable rather than extractive materials to create amenities that enhance human comfort while preserving the characteristics of traditional materials and extending the history of clay in New England from a new perspective.

Recommended Citation

Zhu, Yechen, "Waste Illuminates Worlds: Printed Modular Lamp Design Based On Brick and Clay Tile" (2024). Masters Theses. 1327.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1327

Creative Commons License

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