BAMBOO TORCH | Grassroots Innovation | 2002
Amalgamation of craft and design
Bamboo is a widely grown grass in India. The products created
through Bamboo are craft oriented and traditional.
The material known for its structural strength is now used for
scaffolding. Understanding the need for craft revival and
livelihood sustenance, design intervention is the way forward.
Incorporating an element of utility encompassing the craft
technique, concepts with minimal machining cost were evolved.
Crafts which have long formed the Indian creative belt are moving towards
scarcity. The repetition of traditional motifs and patterns have been overdone and do not have a market.
Design Intervention in Crafts through sustenance of the techniques and livelihood is an apparent need in the Indian Scenario
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Using the property of hollow structure of a Bamboo Grass, the torch was created opening avenue of recycling of the product.Understanding the link between emotion of the craftsmen, the natural material and creating sustenance , the product was handcrafted utilitarian product.
Amalgamating the craft techniques into a modern product through design intervention was essential.Utilising the material to replace an industrial product was highlighted. The creation of a torch which is known as a plastic moulded rigid product was transformed to a craft enhanced utilitarian product.
DESIGN DETAILS
The battery replacement has been incorporated in the front
part of the torch by a simple twist and lock mechanism.
The on off switch is supported with bamboo inserts for slide
to power the battery.
Fitted with a compass to navigate through a lost path, the
torch provides a handy sling when on a trail.
I built the entire structure and mechanism in Bamboo
using battery to light up the torch.
It is a two part structure which is detailed with Bamboo joints.
The reflector case is embedded into the hollow bamboo case .
The front case also has the compass embedded from the surface.
