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

Introduction

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. This thesis explores the use of various biocements for the adhesion of brick grains, examining their bonding mechanisms under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The application of the modular lamp, which incorporates digital printing technology, not only minimizes waste through precise material usage but also creates special textures. 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, thereby making sustainable development tangible.

The design inspiration for the lamp comes from the molecular behavior of clay, offering the possibility of stacking, arranging, or disassembling the elements as desired. The lamp is made of brick dust and porcelain clay, meaning each one represents a brick recycled from the landfill. By integrating 3D printing technology, the lamp can be customized without the need for new tools or molds, minimizing waste through precise material usage and reducing the amount of raw material needed. More importantly, digital files for 3D printing can be shared globally, allowing for local production that adapts to specific regional needs and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This aspect supports decentralized manufacturing, which can empower communities and promote local economies. 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.