Foto: Kevin Loigu
EKA Circular Design master’s students explored circular design opportunities in Kenya in collaboration with the DiMa Lab. At the Rivatex textile and clothing factory in Eldoret, production waste was given a new lease of life and turned into a number of exciting and inspiring products. The students paid special attention to ensuring that the production of new textile products was as sustainable and simple as possible. They also made sure that the used fabric could be recycled if necessary.
What can be made from a piece of textile – for example, the end of a roll of fabric or a cutting remnant? The students’ work showed that the reuse of fabric remnants offers a variety of practical possibilities.
For example, they made:
– lampshades that create a cozy and unique atmosphere in a room;
– a modular sunshade that offers protection from the equatorial sun;
– practical aprons for future gardeners;
– playful baskets that can be used as plant covers or for other purposes.
Rectangular pieces of fabric in various sizes were used to make pin cushions, bags, and bag chairs. The scraps were also used to create modular cushions that could be used in many ways, such as to stack furniture. In addition, hammocks, uniquely cut bags, and brightly colored clothing collections based on patchwork and modular design were created.
The students’ works were presented at the Design For All XX exhibition “UPMADE in Kenya: DiMa + EKA Circular Design” in early October. The exhibition showcased the works of EKA Circular Design master’s students who participated in the 2024–2025 initiative: Doreen Mägi, Eva Liis Lidenburg, Kaisa Ilves, Lisandra Türkson, Maria Rojko Nisu, Mariann Hendrikson, Marit Saare, Mart Maide, Marta Konovalov, Merily Mikiver ja Eva Reiska.
The students were supervised by Reet Aus, Maria Pukk, and Lisandra Türkson. The project was funded by the Ministry of Climate’s international climate cooperation funds, and the students’ study trips took place within the framework of the European Union’s Erasmus+ program.
Reet Aus (EKA) and Ingrid Varov (SEI) presented the Kenya cooperation project in more detail on the ETV program “Terevisioon.” The interview can be viewed HERE (0:32).
The EKA x T4EU podcast “Rethinking Fashion Waste,” featuring Reet Aus and Anna Lohmatova, can be listened to HERE.
