2025 Galleries
The Spark Gallery pages are one of our most popular design destinations, with thousands of visitors each year. Check out some of the latest Spark entries, in the galleries below.
Galleries // 2025 Spark:Spring Student // The Shell
The Shell
Entrant
Competition: Spark:Spring Student
Designer: Xuanxuan Tu - The Shell
Design Type: Product & industrial
Company / Organization / School: Wenzhou Kean University
This project aims to tackle climate change and resource sustainability by transforming coal fly ash — a harmful byproduct of coal combustion — into high-value materials, specifically zeolites. Zeolites are versatile, known for their strong adsorption abilities, and are widely used in air purification and industrial processes. The project aligns with the United Nations' 13th Sustainable Development Goal: "Climate Action." China, where coal power accounts for 48% of carbon emissions, produces large amounts of fly ash, much of which is poorly utilized. Current recycling methods are inefficient, with most fly ash used in low-end products like cement and mine backfill. This project proposes a four-step chemical process to synthesize zeolites from fly ash while stabilizing harmful heavy metals like cadmium. A key application is "The Shell," a semi-open smoking area equipped with a multi-layer air filtration system featuring a zeolite layer to capture harmful compounds like nicotine and benzene from cigarette smoke. This design prioritizes user experience with touch controls and air quality monitoring. Future directions include exploring biological methods, like worm technology, to convert fly ash into eco-friendly soil conditioners — promoting circular economy practices. This project demonstrates an innovative, scalable approach to waste management, air purification, and environmental sustainability.
