ABOUT
In this exhibition we look at broken items from a new perspective. Every designer has approached brokenness from different viewpoints. This exhibition brings together the various repair techniques and approaches to repair.
Instead of instant abandoning of the items, our aim was to question the different outcomes that could be reached through repair.
This is a hybrid exhibition and can be found on Campus Valla & Campus Norrköping. By realizing this exhibition as a hybrid version, it enables getting to know our work in both a physical and a digital environment.
WHY REPAIR?
Today, it is easy to get rid of the broken items and buy something new to replace them. We wanted to challenge ourselves and do a visible repair, instead of abandoning the items. This challenged not only our skills, but also the way we think and comprise the meaning of brokenness.
WHO ARE WE?
We are an international group of Design Master students from Linköping University. Our team consists of designers from multiple design backgrounds such as product design, industrial design, architecture and visual design. Each individual has brought their own vision of the world of repair and design to the exhibition.
SUSTAINABILITY
Today consumerism could be seen as a big part of our lives and society is often encouraging us to buy more and have more things. In this exhibition we want to change our own habits of consuming and we are inspired by those who build their own furniture, buy second hand or fixes their own bike. When doing this, the planet feels better and so do we.
Our reflections
“Repairing not only addresses functional needs but also aligns with broader values related to sustainability, resource conservation, and a mindful approach to consumption.”
Yuan Xue
“I was quite surprised how captivating it was to repair, even if I had not fixed a lamp shade before. While doing the repair, I could see my ideas become real. Adding to that this whole process made the item a lot more personal to me than it had been. “
Lotta Lamberg
Studying the relationship between stated individual motivations and repair actions specifically amongst different demographics is very insightful for designers "
Siddarth Arya
Glass
By Beiwen Wang (Nefer)
Rose Garden Lamp
Concept & Inspiration
At first I found a lamp with some black stain, but the bulb still works. The winter in Sweden is so long and dark, so I want to try to figure out something can help with people’s emotion. I think it’s nice to have a flowers lamp accompany and with the light inside, it just like the flowers surround the sunshine.
Material Glass; Glass Pigment
Size 25*25*30
Reflection / Story behind the repair
I found painting on the glass is not as easy as I thought because when I painted it, there are brush texutre so it can’t be very smooth. And then I found why I don’t try to utilize this texture? So I paint the of leaves and flowers by using the inevitable texture.
My design process
Stage 1
Clean the lamp, check the circuit
Stage 2
Finish the first painting layer (gold pigment)
Stage 3
Fill other blanks with colorful pigment( take aesthetic into consideration)
Wood
By Chengyi Yi (Enzo)
ArcBlend Ergo Chair
Material Wood, Stainless steel, iron, fabric, sponge, plastic.
Size 40*650*710
Reflection / Story behind the repair
Restoring discarded office chairs and turning them into valuable items is a practice of sustainable development. By choosing environmentally friendly wood materials, I not only gave discarded items a second chance but also reduced the need for new materials to a certain extent. When restoring this office chair, I tried redesigning the seat cushion into wood and bending it. This innovative decision makes the chair more than just a functional piece of furniture, but a work of art that demonstrates the expression of personal creativity.
Of course, there were also some challenges encountered during this period, such as the connection between the seat cushion and the curved seat plate. Extra care is also required when drilling holes, as curved surfaces can make hole positioning more difficult.
Through this project, I began to think about the sustainable impact of my designs and actions on society. In the future, I plan to continue thinking creatively and sustainably, integrating this thinking into my daily design practice to positively impact society and the environment.
Overall, the ArcBlend Ergo Chair restoration project was a satisfying experience that not only breathed new life into a discarded object, but also prompted me to think more deeply about creativity, sustainability, and social impact in my designs. This experience will be an important step in my future design journey.
My design process
Stage 1
I found an office chair without a cushion from an abandoned site. Except for the lack of a place to sit, everything else was in good condition, including the hydraulic system of the chair
Stage 2
After taking all the measurements and designing a seat for it. During that process, I did a lot of research so that it could be used both daily and as a decorative piece, and then I also paid attention to its comfort.
Stage 3
Found the technical consultant and asked for advice, started the production process, making curved seats and soft seat cushions and finally connected all the parts together.
By George Oche Ajonye
Paper-lamp Repair
Concept & Inspiration
Visible Repair: Replacing the torn area of the lamp with another material in a way that pays tribute to the initial state of the damaged surface of the lamp i.e making the repair visible.
Material 5mm MDF Wood cut-outs
Size 850 *170
Reflection / Story behind the repair
I used 25 pieces of MDF Wood panels to replace the outer surface of a torn lamp. I stacked them up circularly around the bulb, creating a wooden grill that dimmed the light intensity in a fascinating way. This helped to reinforce my concept of showing visibility in repair in a subtle way, by using a material that depicted the previous porosity/tear in the material which was to be repaired. I could have easily glued the paper surface together but exploring other materials benefitted me in several ways, including knowing how laser cutting works and building a new surface for the lamp in a manner that gave the product a different style.
My design process
Stage 1
Laser-cutting the CAD model with MDF wood. The model was created after I sketched different design iterations of a new lamp surface, in the same scale as the existing lamp.
Stage 2
Assembly of the pieces after laser-cutting was done.
Stage 3
Final result after the torn paper surface of the lamp was taken out and replaced with the wooden grills.
By Shreya Ravi
Wooden tray
Material
This is made of rosewood (hard wood) that is hand carved into a single piece. Even though they are broken, the inner circles still have an intricate organic shape, uniform floral pattern, and an aesthetic appearance.
Features
It's an expandable/contractible tray that can be made flat.
The base is supported by an outer ring that can be folded.
The inner rings can be contracted/are spring-like
Reflection / Story behind the repair
- Understanding the material (properties)
- Exploring different methods but also understanding what tools work for me. What works and what doesn’t?
- How can I work around constraints (material and skill)?
My design process
Stage 1
When I came across it, there were parts of the inner rings that were broken.
The goal was to fix the parts and attach the base because it was missing.
The inner rings were not sturdy and had worn out. The process of creating those and attaching them using different types of wood was almost impossible. Even 3D printing didn't seem feasible as it's a single carving.
Stage 2
My plan was to only glue the outer perimeter of the rings and eliminate some hollow parts from the ring structure. The base was attached to it using soft wood that differed from hardwood in its color, contrast and material.
Unfortunately, the tray's spring-like adaptability was lost because the wood chipped off. I was hesitant to drill holes and nail the tray to make it sit on the base.
Stage 3
The appearance is more like a showpiece, but it's not as hollow as it once was. Despite this, it can still be utilized as a holder for non-heavy objects.
Plastic
By Chenyang Li (Jacqueline)
Metamorphosis
Concept & Inspiration
Concept & Inspiration Visible Repair: Replacing the torn area of the lamp with another material in a way that pays tribute to the initial state of the damaged surface of the lamp i.e making the repair visible. Material 5mm MDF Wood cut-outs Size 850 *170 Reflection / Story behind the repair I used 25 pieces of MDF Wood panels to replace the outer surface of a torn lamp. I stacked them up circularly around the bulb, creating a wooden grill that dimmed the light intensity in a fascinating way. This helped to reinforce my concept of showing visibility in repair in a subtle way, by using a material that depicted the previous porosity/tear in the material which was to be repaired. I could have easily glued the paper surface together but exploring other materials benefitted me in several ways, including knowing how laser cutting works and building a new surface for the lamp in a manner that gave the product a different style.
Material Resin, Plastic sheet, Wire, Synthesis material
Size 380*380*380 (Expanded: 430* 450*450)
Reflection / Story behind the repair
I enjoyed the process of repairing the items! The initial plan was to use handmade biomaterials, but the end result was not as expected. So I started researching and exploring again and found my ideal material to experiment with. Under the light, a transparent, blue river of stars came out.
In the process of exploring the unknown, I found a lot of joy in repairing.
My design process
Stage 1
I have chosen glycerol, agar, food colouring, leaves and coffee grounds as my materials testing. The advantages are: environmental friendly, it has different colour effects and is easy to make. The disadvantages are: unstable, uncontrollable hardness, shrink when drying
Stage 2
I wanted to create the effect of overlapping light and shadow by overlaying some transparent materials. I first used fire to heat the plastic sheet to get a random ripple texture, next I overlaid it with Resin plus colour to test the light and shadow to my expectations, then I overlaid it with more materials
Stage 3
Use thick wire to fold out the shape of the missing pieces, then cut the finished material to the right size and next secure it with thin wire. Finally assembled the repaired IKEA lamp
By Siddharth Arya
This-is-p(f)ine
Concept & Inspiration
The intent was to have a cozy addition to my room that reflected a goofy aesthetic.
Material 3D Printed with PLA filament
Size 130*500
Reflection / Story behind the repair
This lamp was rescued from one of the återvinningsrum in Ryd, and my repair method was fixed to 3d printing as I wanted to learn about its feasibility for household repair and turns out, it is perfect for such use cases, given that you have some familiarity with design and CAD.
My design process
Stage 1
I inspected the pineapple for any visual defects, cleaned it and checked the power cord, it was intact and a multimeter was used to check if the bulb holder was functioning properly. So, the previous user threw it away as they lost the shade or the pineapple was cursed.
Stage 2
A flame shade was the first idea, I’m unsure about the origins but the intent was to make the shade stand out and not appear as though this was how it was intended to be sold. The design was made in a CAD software called Rhino.
Stage 3
The 3D Print came out decently, and the assembly was simple as the previous shade holder was intact. Now, the lamp gloriously sits in my room, staring back at me sometimes, menacingly.
Clay
By Lianna Harutyunyan
Ducks fighting the mold
Concept & Inspiration
The idea behind this project is fighting moldy and broken kitchen objects, by also making them to have the same style.
Material Polymer Clay, Cork, Glue, Glass, Metal
Size 10*10*30
Reflection / Story behind the repair
I bought these bottles and the paper towel holder from a second hand, and then the paper towel broke, and I found some mold in the bottle tops. I decided to use these problems and “repair” them to also help these products fit my kitchen and my style.
My design process
Stage 1
The bottle tops had mold that did not come off by just washing, so I decided to repair it by making new figures as bottle tops, and making the intersection part from a cork material.
Stage 2
The duck statues are made from polymer clay, drilled and covered in laque. The inner section is cork material to make the product safe for food usages.
Stage 3
In the end the plan worked out and I have a working bottle and paper towel holder that fit in my kitchen perfectly and are no longer broken or moldy. The bottle tops that I was left with in the end, I will use as a doorknob in some future project.
By Yiwen Liu
Broken Moments
Concept & Inspiration
I discovered this broken clock in the recycling room, drawn to its cheesy narrative of cherishing time. As I worked with it, I pondered what my ideal time would feel like. My answer is that I want a clock recording a soft, light, and unpressured time.
Material Light Clay; Hand Lotion; Stones; Paper
Size 29.8 cm as diameter
Reflection / Story behind the repair
During the research process, it was interesting to find out that the construction of time is a modern invention. People before the Industrial Revolution don’t have urgent and anxious feelings when they hear the tick-tock sounds. Through working with it, I constantly asked myself “What does time mean to me?” I don’t have an answer in my research, but I recorded my discovery process at the back of the clock with a collage.
My design process
Stage 1
To make it look SOFT, I used clay to cover its frame, trying to give it an organic and uneven shape. To make it MINE, I mixed my daily lotion with the clay to allow it to have the same smell as myself.
Stage 2
To make it no longer CHEESY but still keep its original design, I carved down the slogan, showing a texture of wood.
Stage 3
To record my learning process, I also made a collage at the back of the clock. By creating different slices of time, I want to visualize what time can look like. I also collect excerpts from books I read and print it out to put on the collage.
By Zhuoyou He
Kintsugi
Material Light Clay; Kintsugi kits
Size 30*10*5
Reflection / Story behind the repair
The cracks, fractures etc are all a part of you. They can be healed to make you stable, but the break itself will never go away and will always be a part of you no matter what you do. Breaks are not always visible, but the attempts to heal it and results of it can still be seen. And that sometimes, a repaired break adds more to your character as it makes you more appealing/ beautiful/ valuable.
My design process
Stage 1
Two little rabbits lost their dream.
Stage 2
Sketchs!
Stage 3
Kintsugi made them complete!
Fabrics
By Mona Bandizadeh
Office chair repair
Concept + Inspiration
Traditional Iranian carpet and kilim weaving techniques
Material different kinds of thread
Size adjustable
Reflection / Story behind the repair
I picked up the chair that had been abandoned in the university recycled room and felt that I could make it usable again by repairing some of its parts. Initially, I started by fixing the broken zipper, and since I always had the idea in mind that repairs should be done in an executable way that is feasible for everyone, I began by sewing the torn part of the chair cover’s zipper instead of replacing the broken zipper. Next, I addressed the damaged sections of the chair cover. At first, I considered using colorful fabric patches as appliqué, but then I decided to preserve the warp and weft of the fabric, which itself is an artistic piece. Consequently, I started repairing the damaged warp with orange threads. Throughout this process, I was thinking about the traditional Iranian carpet and kilim weaving techniques..
My design process
Stage 1
My repair process started from repairing the zipper
Stage 2
Decide about cover repair idea and techniques
Stage 3
Implementing the traditional Iranian carpet and kilim weaving techniques
By Prima Sharini
Reusing discarded materials for sustainable repair
Inspiration upcycled denim
Material discarded denim pants, glue sticks
Size Φ140*410
Reflection / Story behind the repair
I discovered this lamp in the recycling room, initially only finding its upper portion, the lamp cover. It was damaged by cracks, an unbalanced frame, and various other damages. Initially, I planned to craft a stand but later found a suitable one.
Given my interest in fashion, I opted to utilize discarded denim pants fabrics to create denim strips with frayed edges for covering the lamp. My aim was to showcase that we can achieve beautiful home repairs using simple materials. Within this repair process, I discovered that we can effectively address damages without spending money by utilizing discarded items. All it requires is time and effort.
My design process
Identification of lamp damages and missing components.
Identifing the necessary missing components of the lamp and the damages that need to be repaired.
Finding some inspirations to use for making beautiful repair
I cleaned the lamp and corrected the unbalanced frame. Then, I crafted denim straps and used a glue gun to cover both the lamp cover and base. Additionally, I devised solutions by creating a ring for the lamp using glue and threads.
Reparing using minimal materials and techniques that can be used in the home
Based on my research, I determined that upcycling denim would be the most appropriate method for covering the lamp cover. Subsequently, I began collecting materials in line with the chosen inspirations.
By Yue Ju
Rebirth
Concept & Inspiration
When I found the chair, one of the legs fell off. After fixing the leg, I used wool yarn to crochet some flowers and leaves to make a climbing vine on that leg, which starts from where the leg broke. So this is like I bring new life to the broken chair.
Material Woolen yarn
Size 510*440*780
Reflection / Story behind the repair
I found this chair in the recycle room and because it was so pretty I thought it would be a shame to leave it there, so I brought it back and gave it new life. It was my first time learning crocheting, and although the learning process is tough, it feels so good to learn new things.
My design process
Stage 1 - Functionally Repairing
The chair wasn't broken very badly, just the leg joint came off. So I asked the workshop staff to help me cut a suitable piece of wood and glue the leg back on.
Stage 2 - Exploring the aesthetic perspective of repair
Because the chair is rattan, it kind of has a natural feel to it. So planned to make a vine climbing on the broken leg, which matches the original style of the chair and makes it look like there is new life coming out from the leg.
Stage 3 - Learning new skill
At first, I wanted to use rattan to make the vine, which is the original material used on the chair. But the workshop staff told me this kind of material is too expensive, and also difficult to bend. Finally, I decided to use wool yarn to crochet the climbing vine. The process was tough but interesting because it was my first time learning crocheting.
Metal
By Ruiyao Chen
Fix the Crack
Concept & Inspiration
The chair and pipe components of this repair project all come from the recycling bin. It was an interesting process in which waste materials and damaged products complement each other.
Material Steel & aluminum
Size 420*410*820
Reflection / Story behind the repair
This repair work started in the virtual world. I tried my best to restore this damaged chair using modeling software. After the initial idealistic plan was formulated, I began to try to purchase raw materials. However, when I saw the prices of steel pipes or special items from Biltema, BAUHAUS, etc. I realized that I had come up with a plan that was completely out of line with this sustainable society - the prices of these materials were enough to buy a decent second-hand or even brand-new similar chair.
My design process
Stage 1 - Diagnosing the broken position and disassembling
Found this chair in the recycling bin, yet the side frame has been fractured.
Stage 2 - Modeling and attempting virtual solutions.
Considering that some irreversible holes will be drilled in the frame, modeling was built on the computer in order to reduce the risk. It can visualize and test various possible plans.
Stage 3 - Processing components and assembling
The engineering drawings can be easily exported because there is already a CAD/CAM model. With the help of the workshop and technicians, the designed parts were manufactured.
By Xue Yuan
What’s Left
Concept & Inspiration
It is a material-oriented project to explore sustainable repair methods under the guideline of upcycling. It was quite interesting to see that the remaining cut edges were reorganized to form some patterns. Most of the components had an industrial feel, but what was left on the metal plates was unexpectedly artistic. The intersection of industrial production and design aesthetics has breathed new life into these once-discarded metal sheets. No longer mere waste, they now possess a unique narrative waiting to be told.
Material Aluminum
Size 580*520*680
Reflection / Story behind the repair
In this project, what I did was also a visible repair for the aluminum plate in a sense. To repair it, I don’t think I need to make it the same as before. Thus, I didn’t polish the entire surface but left some traces of time.
My design process
Stage 1 - find sustainability Potential of Upcycling
Even though I have set basic targets, such as light, transparent, sustainable, and inclusive, it’s still hard for me to balance all of them. I realized that in my pursuit of lightness and transparency, I lost sight of sustainability. While the prototype looks impressive, appearance is not everything.
Stage 2 - Aesthetics of Manufacturing
After staring at a piece of blue PC panel for more than 15 minutes, trying to decide whether to continue with the former concept or not, I was surprised when I moved my eyes backward a bit. I noticed a pile of discarded plates collected in the corner. It was quite interesting to see that the remaining cut edges were reorganized to form some patterns.
Stage 3 - Inclusion out of standardised modelling
These products were delicate, I often found myself feeling disconnected.
This project involves repair work rather than a design task. What sets repair work apart is that it allows for some margin of error or fault-tolerance. This inspired me to approach the process without relying on standardized modeling throughout.
Mixed materials
By Ida Hultman
From dishrack to shelf
Concept & Inspiration
This project started as a failed t-shirt repair project. This small shelf has gotten inspiration from String and Scandinavian furniture design. The project was about exploring recycle design and it’s potential of being used agian, even if it’s unwanted. This journey has teached me about repair design processes, sometimes it doesn’t turn out how you wanted it to, but you can find another way.
Material Stainless steel, spray paint, wood and yarn
Size 320*140*365
Reflection / Story behind the repair
When my grandmother was moving, my mom saw this dish rack that was going to be thrown away, it had a piece missing for holding cutlery. She asked me if it was of interest, to me it looked like it had potential of being something more fun and maybe be used for something else. Maybe my shelf can go back home to my grandmother after this exhibition, as something new.
My design process
Stage 1 - cleaning and painting
I started by cleaning the dish rack from dirt and loosening the silicone “feet” on the legs. After that grey spraypaint was added.
Stage 2 - shelf levels in wood
In this stage, I had to make wooden shelf levels to my shelf, making it in the workshop. I also created four holders that can be placed on the backside (on the old legs) to make it possible to screw it up on a wall.
Stage 3 - aesthetic detail
Since the cutlery cup wasn’t attached to the dish rack, I created a new skeleton to the empty space with steel and yarn.
By Lotta Lamberg
Blooming
Concept + Inspiration
My favourite lamp was broken and was waiting in the corner of my room. I wanted to challenge myself to create something that would fit well together with the original base, but represent my style as well.
Material Brass-plated steel, metal, spray paint, rice paper, beads
Size 250*390*310
Reflection / Story behind the repair
I had carried my favourite table lamp with me from Finland. As I arrived to Sweden, I managed to break the original glass lampshade. I wanted to create something delecate, representing the natural surroundings as well as my style.
My design process
Stage 1 – Ideation
I was browsing through Pinterest when I caught my eyes on a flower lamp. The original idea belongs to Sachie Muramatsu and based on the idea Chụp Đèn Hoa Giấy had created her own version of it. Based on the offered instructions I created a flower lamp with my own twist.
Stage 2 – Prototyping
I created initial prototypes using regular paper and a round metal base. I found a lamp frame from a second hand shop and the LiU workshop professionals helped me to modify the frame to fit the lamp base. I did a last prototype with the modified frame and then I created the flower leaves for the shade.
Stage 3 – Finishing
I created the flower leaves using rice paper, acrylic paint and crepe paper. For finalizing the lamp I added some beads on to the inner part. The paper leaves have a wireframe and therefore they are adjustable, creating just the right kind of lighting.
By Ambica Ajjinanda Ganesh
Invisible visible brokenness
Concept + Inspiration
Visible Repair: Replacing the cracked and broken transparent diffuser inside the lamp to reinforce and preserve the integrity of the lamp, by inserting red coloured inserts. The visible part of the repair is shown when the lamp is turned on, the red color enhances the previously broken parts - an abstraction of “light entering through the cracks of brokenness”.
Material 1 mm red paper and film. Wood.
Size 850cm height x 170cm diameter
Reflection / Story behind the repair
The process repairing the lamp was more than just fixing it functionally, but also embracing its brokenness as part of its aesthetic. I started by observing the brokenness of the lamp, which involved examining what is exactly broken and how it affects its functionality and appearance. I found the abstract pattern of the brokenness in the light and further analyzed the quality of the light pattern resulting from the brokenness. Embracing and enhancing the beauty of the brokenness emerged as a concept I explored, through testing different materials, colors in an effort to transform the flaw / brokenness into a design element, resulting in “Invisible visible repair”.
My design process
Stage 1 - What is broken?
Documenting and witnessing the brokenness of the lamp, and discovering the brokenness through the pattern of light.
Stage 2 - Quality of the brokenness - pattern of the light
Exploring the quality of this pattern of light, which is the result of the brokenness of the lamp. Tested different materials and patterns to repair the broken diffuser.
Stage 3 - Enhancing the brokenness
The quality of brokenness itself revealed to be beautiful in this abstract representation of brokenness through the pattern that emerges when light shines through. Invisible visible repair!
Something is broken...
Our aim with this exhibition is to show different perspectives to look at repair from. Brokenness can offer you the chance to enhance the features and highlight something already beautiful or make it even more functional.
Next time when you face a broken object, give a moment to think about alternatives of repairing it. There is not only one way of doing repair, but multiple. You can create your own style of doing it and carry out the process in your own way. During the process you might also start to look at the object from a totally different viewpoint.
Let’s
challenge ourselves
and think about
repair
as an option.