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Design Products (MA)

Jianing Li

Jianing is an interdisciplinary designer with an educational background. Focus on material research within handmade and craft. Committed to using the simplest raw materials to make valuable products.

For this Remanufactured Ceramics project is designed for solve the shortage of clay resources and to reuse the waste clay.

Clay is one of the main raw materials for pottery and ceramic making and has been in relatively high demand owing to its wide range of applications in construction, crafts and art making, among others. However, the availability of clay varies by geography and resource extraction. Some regions may face scarcity of clay resources, leading to insufficient supply or higher prices. In addition, environmental and sustainability issues may also have an impact on the availability of clay resources.

During my experience of studying ceramics in Jingdezhen, China, I found that 60% of clay is not actually used to make products, but is discarded during practice. Although the local area has proposed reuse measures, it is difficult to actually use the waste clay because of its high water content. So I adopted the 3D printing clay technology, which is more accept to the water content of the clay.

At the same time, I added discarded shells as raw materials, to increase the strength and stability of the ceramics, also adjust the texture and color of the ceramics. And the shape takes inspiration from some traditional chinese tableware.

Altogether, Re-Ceramics is a series of appliance use 3D print made from discarded clay and shell powder, designed to combination of sustainability and aesthetic styling.

Degree Details

School of DesignDesign Products (MA)RCA2023 at Battersea and Kensington

RCA Battersea, Studio Building, Third floor

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  • Materials researcher
  • I believe material is the important part of the design language, capable of conveying emotion, expressing concepts, and imparting a unique texture. My research focuses on finding reusable waste materials, reprocessing to present new textures and structures, and to reveal different tactile and visual effects. Sustainability is the foundation of my materials research, but i'm doing more than that.
  • Color dreamer
  • Color is vital role in my design process. My understanding and use of color give my work emotion and expression. I research the psychology and cultural meaning of color to create color schemes that resonate with my target audience. I am used to using color contrast, saturation and lightness to create different atmospheres and moods.
  • Sustainable designer
  • My design approach focuses on sustainability innovation. I am committed to finding sustainable material choices and production processes that reduce the impact on the environment. In the future, I want to explore more renewable materials, recycled materials and degradable materials, devote myself to the sustainable development of the design field.
Vase in square terracotta
Vase in square terracotta-Details

Concept

This is a vase made of waste terracotta. The square shape showing s stable structure and geometric beauty to the vase. and combine of clay material gives natural feeling. Aim to reveal the connection between function and nature.

Medium:

Terracotta cray, Water

Size:

12×4×4
Twisted Shell Cup
Twisted Shell Cup- Inside
Details of rotation
Twisted Shell Cup

Concept

The core feature of the twisted shell cup is its twisted pattern. It can be easier to hold during use and not easy to drop. Thereby to bring people a convenient and comfortable drinking experience. 

Medium:

Clay, Shell powder, Water

Size:

8×7×7
Justice cup
Justice cup-1
Justice cup-2
Justice cup-3

Concept

The justice cup originated from the drinking custom of the Han Dynasty in ancient times. The use of justice cups is to share the tea soup evenly, which is also sublimated to the spiritual level and inherits the spirit of "fairness". I got inspiration from it and made three cups of the same size but with different appearances.

Medium:

Clay, Shell powder, Water

Size:

5×5×5
Bevel Cup
Bevel Cup
Big and small discs
Big and small discs- Details

Concept

My concept of designing the bevel cup is to combine unique appearance and functionality to provide users with a unique drinking experience. The appearance of the beveled cup breaks through the traditional upright cup shape, and also brings a special experience to users. The tilted angle of the cup makes it easier for the drink to reach the lips, making drinking more convenient and comfortable.

For discs I wanted to try more shapes, so I made this discs. It can be used for carrying items, also can be used as a base for drinking cups.

Medium:

Clay, Shell powder, Water

Size:

9×9×1, 11×11×1, 9×6×6
Remanufactured Ceramics
Push the discarded clay after debugging into the 3D printer , build model, import it and start working.