The Basalt Modulares Recycling-System by Teming Kang

The Basalt Modulares Recycling-System by Teming Kang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Eisen in Möbeldesign Competition Category.

EisenMöbel· 2025

The Basalt Modulares Recycling-System

by Teming Kang

Client: Oshujian

A' Design Award in Eisen Winner in Möbel Category

12,172

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #169446

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About The Basalt Modulares Recycling-System

Das modulare Recycling-System überträgt die natürlichen Säulenformationen des Basalts in Einheiten für öffentliches Abfallmanagement. Magnetverbinder ermöglichen werkzeugfreie Rekonfiguration in Verkehrsknotenpunkten, Unternehmensräumen und städtischen Umgebungen, ohne sichtbare Befestigungselemente bei Wahrung der strukturellen Integrität. Drehbare Deckel mit standardisierten Piktogrammen verdeutlichen Entsorgungskategorien über Sprachbarrieren hinweg. Die modulare Architektur ermöglicht horizontale Erweiterung zur Anpassung an räumliche Gegebenheiten, wobei die Möglichkeit zum Austausch einzelner Komponenten Wartungsunterbrechungen minimiert.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Eisen

The Basalt Modulares Recycling-System ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Eisen, einer prestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für gute Designs, die die beruflichen und industriellen Anforderungen erfüllen, die an gut gestaltete Schöpfungen gestellt werden. Eisen-Gewinner zeigen großes Können, hohe Spezialisierung, fachkundiges Verständnis und die kreative Kapazität ihrer Schöpfer. Von The Basalt Modulares Recycling-System wird erwartet, dass es eine hochgeschätzte, bewunderte und geliebte Schöpfung ist, die praktisch und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Eisen prämierte Design integriert bewährte Branchenverfahren und weist kompetente technische Merkmale in Verbindung mit Know-how und Talent auf. The Basalt Modulares Recycling-System wird für seine Gründlichkeit geschätzt und ist darauf ausgelegt, Verbesserungen der Lebensqualität zu liefern, die dazu beitragen, die Welt zu einem besseren Ort zu machen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The shape of this design is derived from geometric principles and designed to be infinitely repeatable, allowing it to adapt to different environmental spaces and recycling needs. Another feature is that each module of the recycle bin is connected using invisible magnet, which is a departure from traditional connection methods. This design preserves the integrity and aesthetics of the entire structure to the greatest extent. These unique design elements add a perfect blend of natural and modern aesthetics to The Basalt.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimension: Width 360mm * Depth 240mm * Height 710mm
Tags: Modular Design, Recycle, Recycling Bin, Public Space, Configuration, Magnet, Airport
Production Technology: The body and lid of the recycling bin are formed using aluminum alloy bending, followed by polishing and powder coating. The inner compartment and label cover are made using plastic injection molding. During assembly, self-tapping screws are used to attach the inner compartment's collar, and then the entire inner compartment is inserted into the bin body to complete the assembly.
Design Challenge: The most challenging aspect was finding an aesthetically pleasing solution for the combination of different modules. Using hardware or connectors would require drilling holes into the bin body, which becomes cumbersome with multiple configurations, resulting in numerous holes. Ultimately, the issue was addressed by integrating magnets into the design, eliminating the need for drilling and maintaining the visual integrity of the recycle bin.
Research: Type of Research: The research was exploratory and applied, focusing on understanding the needs for flexible, adaptable waste management solutions in public spaces.

Research Objectives: The primary goal was to design a modular system that can be customized for different environments, improving the functionality and aesthetic integration of trash bins in public spaces.

Data Collection and Research Tools: Data was collected through surveys, interviews with waste management professionals, and analysis of existing trash bin designs. Tools used included 3D modeling software and material testing methods.

Participants or Experiments: The study involved interviews with airport facility managers, urban planners, and users to gather insights into waste sorting needs and spatial constraints in public areas.

Results: The research identified a clear demand for flexible, modular systems that can adapt to different waste categories and spatial layouts. The design’s use of magnets for easy assembly and reconfiguration was particularly well-received.

Insights and Impacts: The study revealed that modular designs could increase efficiency in waste management, improve user experience, and reduce operational costs. It also highlighted the importance of aesthetic and functional integration in public space design.

Effect of the Research in Real-Life Phenomena: The research has the potential to influence how public spaces approach waste management, offering more adaptable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern urban environments. This could lead to more sustainable and user-friendly designs in public infrastructure, impacting both business operations and society’s approach to waste.
Inspiration: The design inspiration for The Basalt comes from the columnar jointing structure of natural basalt. Its unique geometric shape makes it particularly suitable for today’s diverse and ever changing public spaces. Through the clever combination of modular design and geometric patterns, it is not only simple and stylish in appearance, but also highly flexible. It can be freely combined and customized to meet the waste recycling and sorting needs of different environments.
Project Duration: The project started in September 2024 in Guangzhou, China, and was completed in February 2025.
Operation Flow: The operation of the modular recycling bin is straightforward. First, determine the desired combination configuration. Once the configuration is decided, place the magnets at the corresponding positions on the inner compartment. Afterward, insert the inner compartment into the main body of the bin and arrange the modules according to the chosen configuration.