'debris' stacking game by whod design upcycles ocean plastic waste

WHOD design presents Debris, a balance tower game crafted from upcycled ocean plastic waste, transforming the traditional stacking game into a metaphor for environmental disruption caused by accumulating trash. This innovative approach not only fosters communal enjoyment but also prompts players to engage with marine environmental issues. The design draws inspiration from the designer’s personal experience of beachcombing at Makuhari Beach in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, where despite regular clean-ups, overlooked debris fragments embed into the sand, gradually eroding into harmful microplastics.

Debris is launched during Milan Design Week 2024 budbrand AWARD 2024 U-25 exhibition, showcasing its innovative approach to sustainability and design.

all images courtesy of WHOD design

debris features pop patterns and textures created by the resin

Through Debris, designers Shoma Furui and Kem Kobayashi aim to communicate the issue of environmental disruption subtly, using party accessories made from marine plastic collected from Makuhari Beach as material. The visually striking appearance resembles a cross-section of buried plastic waste, featuring pop patterns and textures created by the resin. By incorporating materials’ color patterns that vary by collection site and season, the design suggests wider decorative applications beyond its primary function. Additionally, the piece is designed with a simple structure for easy disposal and uses VOC-free, water-based acrylic resin as a binding agent, ensuring environmental consciousness throughout the production process.

WHOD design introduces Debris, a balance tower game crafted from upcycled ocean plastic waste

Debris prompts players to engage with marine environmental issues while fostering communal enjoyment

Debris’ appearance resembles a cross-section of buried plastic waste, featuring captivating pop patterns

the translucent blue and green patterns evoke images of the ocean

the blue ring presents a rare and unique pattern

remnants of text that were imprinted on the trash are transferred onto the surface after the trash itself peels off

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the materials’ color patterns vary by the collection site and season

the design features a simple structure that facilitates easy disposal of the package

plastic fragments in Makuhari Beach

fieldwork in beachcombing

project info:

name: debris
designer: WHOD design – Shoma Furui

collaborative designer: Kem Kobayashi

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom