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Jiawen Gong authoredJiawen Gong authored
FROM FLOWERS TO EARTH
ABSTRACT
My final project titled "From Flowers to Earth," addresses the environmental challenges posed by flower waste in both the floral industry and the funeral industry. By transforming discarded roses and natural fibers into biodegradable burial garments, the project bridges the gap between the short-timed beauty of flowers and sustainable afterlife practices. Through meticulous research and experimentation with natural dyes and biofabrication techniques, it highlights the potential of circular economy principles in the floral industry, contributing to both environmental sustainability and cultural practices surrounding death.
BACKGROUND
My hometown Kunming, known as the "City of Eternal Spring," hosts Asia's largest flower market. Despite the market's vibrancy, approximately 40% of flower production is wasted due to the short lifespan of cut flowers. This project draws attention to the environmental impact of this waste and proposes a new solution by repurposing flowers for biodegradable products.
The practice of using flowers in funerals is common, yet often leads to additional waste when the flowers are discarded after ceremonies. Recognizing the composting potential of flowers, I aim to explore their transformation into sustainable burial attire.
The central concept of this project is to utilize floral waste to create biodegradable burial garments that enrich the soil. This approach not only reduces landfill waste but also integrates the beauty and symbolism of flowers into sustainable death care practices. When the flowers decompose, they return to the earth accompanying the deceased person and gift their essence to the soil, becoming nourishments for future blooms.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SYNTHETIC FIBERS
SUSTAINABLE BURIAL SOLUTIONS
BURIAL GARMENTS
METHODOLOGY
The project employs a multi-faceted approach, combining natural dyeing of natural fibers and biofabricated textiles. Roses, chosen for their popularity in funerals and dyeing properties, were used to create natural dyes for various fibers and creating bio-materials using agar agar and alginate.
SOIL CHROMATOGRAPHY
BIO CHROMES
BIO FABRICATION
DESIGN
Inspired by historical burial garments and contemporary fashion design, the project culminated in a burial gown for women, incorporating elements from early 20th-century English shrouds and Balenciaga wedding dresses. The gown design emphasized simplicity, elegance, and ease of dressing the deceased. The garment comprised multiple layers: a cotton gown with lace detailing, naturally dyed silk gloves, and a top layer made from the rose-based bio-material.
FABRICATION
