Designer Haneul Kim Teams Up with CGV Cinemas for Innovative Waste Screen Recycle Project
Haneul Kim, a designer committed to sustainability, has teamed up with CGV, Korea's largest movie brand, to tackle the challenge of recycling discarded movie screens from theaters. These oversized screens, often abandoned due to damage or theater closures, presented a unique opportunity to repurpose the screens for light emission instead of their original sound-transmitting function.
Kim's ingenious approach involves repurposing discarded movie screens, typically crafted from white vinyl with numerous perforations designed for sound transmission. Instead of ending up as environmental waste, these screens are now upcycled into visually striking lamps. The lamps, resembling all-white mushroom-like geometric shapes, utilize LED technology with three hues, a memory dimmer, and a remarkable battery life of up to 16 hours. Furthermore, they are rechargeable via USB-C, requiring approximately 4 hours for a full charge.
The visionary designer saw potential in the perforated screens, envisioning a transformation where the holes, originally intended for sound, now emit light. The resulting lamps not only showcase the aesthetic qualities of waste screens but also demonstrate their functional versatility. Kim's innovative thinking extends beyond portable lamps, as he explores incorporating these repurposed screens into furniture pieces such as tables and chairs, paving the way for a sustainable and multifunctional future.
In addressing the environmental impact of discarded screens, Haneul Kim's collaboration with CGV Cinemas exemplifies how creative thinking and sustainable practices can reshape our approach to waste, turning it into a resource for innovative design solutions. The Waste Screen Recycle project sets a precedent for responsible upcycling, demonstrating the potential of overlooked materials to contribute to functional and visually appealing products.