For the upcoming holiday season, we've selected 15 environmentally friendly gift ideas for architecture and design aficionados.
Following a year when the climate crisis was high up on the global agenda, we've curated a Christmas gift guide that focuses on recycled materials, low-waste packaging and products that aim to promote biodiversity.
Highlights include Kengo Kuma-designed sunglasses made from bioplastic, face masks filled with flower seeds and a selection of refillable skincare products. Read on for more:
The refillable deodorant
Fussy, designed by Blond
Longlisted for this year's Dezeen Awards, Fussy's easy-to-use system features deodorant blocks made from natural ingredients, which slot neatly into a pebble-shaped case made from recycled plastic. Especially for Christmas, the brand has launched a pine-scented block produced from unwanted Christmas trees.
Desk accessories made from food waste
bFRIENDS by Bene, designed by Pearson Lloyd and Batch.Works
Every element in this curvaceous collection of desk accessories is made by 3D-printing recycled food packaging. Featuring 10 different objects, available in 20 different colours, there's something for every home office.
Tableware with a social impact
Erno range by Goldfinger
Socially-minded design brand Goldfinger has launched a range of tableware produced from waste wood, including salad servers, a salad bowl and a serving board. As with all Goldfinger products, a share of the profits goes towards community outreach programmes.
Vases and dishes made from sawdust
Homeware by Forust, designed by Fuseproject
Yves Béhar's studio Fuseproject has developed a 3D-printing technique that turns sawdust back into wood. Using a natural tree-sap binder, it produces vases and dishes that boast swirling geometries and a natural-looking wood grain.
Sunglasses 3D-printed from castor beans
CL0013 and CL0015 by Vava, designed by Kengo Kuma
While many eyewear brands are exploring the world of bioplastics, Vava is the first to do so with the help of a star architect. Kengo Kuma's two sculptural eyewear designs are 3D printed in a thermoplastic made from Indian castor beans.
Plant-based trainers
Cactus and Mango Sneakers by SAYE
For the latest additions to its range of vegan, bio-based trainers, Spanish streetwear brand SAYE has been experimenting with plant-based leathers made from waste fruit and cactus nappa. The shoes also boast bamboo lining and rubber soles, while the insole is made from materials offcuts sourced from the automotive industry.
A multifunctional toolbox in recycled plastic
Toolbox RE by Vitra, designed by Arik Levy
More than 10 years after launching the versatile Toolbox, Vitra has given it a sustainable revamp by switching to recycled rather than virgin plastic, sourced from industrial waste. Available in a range of vibrant colours, it offers a neat solution for storing tools or stationery.
A guide to biophilic architecture
Evergreen Architecture, published by Gestalten
Among the most enticing new design books released this year is this compendium of plant-covered buildings. Featuring everything from green roofs and living walls to verdant courtyards and balconies, Evergreen Architecture explores the challenges and opportunities of designing buildings to embrace nature.
Design your own fragrance
Natural perfume oil making workshops by Homework
Based in London's new design district, skincare and scent brand Homework offers a range of products that combine natural, toxin-free ingredients with minimal, recyclable packaging. It is now hosting workshops where customers can come in and design their own perfume blends.
Glassware made by Afghan artisans
Glasses, tumblers and carafes by ISHKAR
Social enterprise ISHKAR sources products from countries in conflict, to help outsiders see a different side of these places besides the image of war and poverty. Highlights include glassware hand-made by artisans in Herat, Afghanistan.
Mix-it-yourself skincare
Forgo skincare, designed by Form Us With Love
Aiming to reduce waste in the beauty industry, Forgo's skincare products come in the form of powder sachets, which are mixed with tap water in a reusable bottle. Following the launch of its first product in 2020, a foaming hand wash, the brand has now also launched a body wash available in three scents.
A lamp made from orange peels
Ohmie by Krill Design
Sicilian orange peels are the main component in this table lamp created by Milan-based startup Krill Design. The peels are ground down and combined with starch to make them suitable for 3D printing. The material they produce features an orangey scent and speckled texture, and can be easily composted at the end of its life.
Face masks filled with flower seeds
Masks by Marie Bee Bloom
As the coronavirus pandemic continues and face masks remain a part of everyday life, Dutch brand Marie Bee Bloom has developed a version that could help to reduce plastic pollution. These face masks are made from rice paper embedded with wildflower seeds, so once they've been used they can be planted in the ground.
The low-tech city maps
Architecture and design maps by Blue Crow Media
With its range of fold-out paper maps, British publisher Blue Crow Media has made it easier than ever to navigate a city by its architecture. With new editions including the Postmodern London Map, the Modern Venice Map and the Berlin U-Bahn Architecture & Design Map, there's something to appeal to every taste.
A water bottle designed to last
Mono Thermal by Hay
Now available in on-trend shades of lilac, blue and cappuccino, this flask by Danish homeware brand Hay offers an attractive alternative to plastic water bottles. It is designed to keep liquids hot and cold, and boasts a handle that makes it easy to carry.
The post Dezeen's Christmas gift guide for environmentally conscious architects and designers appeared first on Dezeen.
