A design team from Kyung Hee University’s Living Product Design class in Seoul, consisting of Jungeun Kim, Chaeyeon Yoo, and Mingi Cho, has created Daon, a range of ceramic pieces made entirely from discarded pottery. The project tackles the high wastage rate in pottery production, where many items never make it to market and end up as waste.

Inspiration from Birds and Nests

The idea started in the pottery department, where the team noticed large amounts of bisque-fired ceramics being thrown away. Rather than ignore the problem, they decided to transform this waste into new, functional products.

The design draws inspiration from nature. The main vessel symbolises a nest, created to hold various objects. Smaller pieces act as ‘birds’, which can group together or function individually. As a result, the concept offers both a distinctive aesthetic and a symbolic link to community and independence.

From Concept to Material Innovation

First, the designers explored shapes by carving gold foam, which allowed them to refine the overall form. They then crushed discarded ceramics and tested different ratios with fresh clay. Once they found the right mix for durability and workability, they shaped and finished the pieces using adapted pottery techniques.

This process keeps ceramics out of landfill and, in addition, reduces the demand for new raw materials. Because of the recycled content, each piece carries its own unique texture and story, which adds to its market appeal.

Why It Matters for Designers

Daon demonstrates that upcycling can merge sustainability with strong storytelling. By reintroducing ceramic waste into production, the project achieves a closed-loop process. This approach can inspire product and interior designers, ceramicists, and other makers to see waste as a valuable design resource.

Furthermore, the bird-and-nest motif creates an emotional connection with the user. It proves that recycled materials can be as functional, durable, and beautiful as products made from new resources. In turn, this encourages wider acceptance of sustainable design in the marketplace.

Source & photos: Behance / Jungeun Kim, Chaeyeon Yoo, Mingi Cho