Co-Design demonstrative space decors with Indian artisanal practice, speculating extracted urban mined copper
This graduation project addresses the growing challenge of electronic waste by exploring recycling as a sustainable means to extract and repurpose metals, with a focus on copper. Conceptualized as a collaborative research initiative between the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad, IIT BHU Varanasi, University of Edinburgh, and University of Dundee, the project investigates the potential of urban-mined copper for meaningful reuse. The objective was to design home accessories and artifacts that highlight Indian artisanal metalworking practices while demonstrating the value of recycled materials. Qualitative field research conducted in Varanasi informed material exploration using copper in varied raw forms, including sheets, wires, granules, strips, and foils. Through extensive experimentation with traditional and contemporary techniques, the project produced demonstrative design pieces showcasing texture, form, and finish. The work positions recycled copper as both a sustainable resource and a medium for craft-led design innovation.