Whispers Under Wings Crochadan Muineil by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings Crochadan Muineil by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Iarainn A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Seudraidh Competition Category.

IarannSeudraidh· 2026

Whispers Under Wings Crochadan Muineil

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

Duais Iarainn A' Design Award Winner in Seudraidh Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Whispers Under Wings Crochadan Muineil

'S e crochadan muineil ann an cruth daolaig a th' ann an Whispers Under Wings. Tha na sgiathan falamh a' cruthachadh slige fhosgailte fhìnealta anns a bheil sìthiche beag crochte na broinn. Nuair a ghluaiseas an neach a tha ga chaitheamh, gluaisidh an sìthiche a-staigh agus nì e fuaim bog coltach ri clag. Chaidh an crochadan a leasachadh tro mhodaladh didseatach agus a dhèanamh ann an airgead le tilgeadh cèir-caillte, agus an uair sin crìochnachadh làimhe, lìomhadh agus co-chruinneachadh cùramach. Tha am pìos a' tomhas 20 le 40 le 15 millemeatairean. Tha an daolag air a cleachdadh mar shamhla air dìon, cruth-atharrachadh agus fulangas, fhad 's a tha an sìthiche gluasadach a' moladh laigse agus mac-meanmna.

The Recognition

About the Duais Iarainn A' Design Award

Tha Whispers Under Wings Crochadan Muineil air Duais Iarainn A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean math a choinnicheas ris na riatanasan proifeiseanta is gnìomhachais a thathar a' sùileachadh bho chruthachaidhean a chaidh an dealbhadh gu math. Tha buannaichean Iarainn a' nochdadh sgil mhòr, speisealachadh àrd, tuigse eòlaiche agus comas cruthachail an luchd-cruthachaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi Whispers Under Wings Crochadan Muineil na chruthachadh air a bheil mòran meas, ion-mholta agus gràdhach a tha practaigeach agus ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Iarainn A' Design Award a' cur nan cleachdaidhean as fheàrr sa ghnìomhachas còmhla agus tha feartan teignigeach comasach aige ceangailte ri eòlas-dèanamh agus tàlant. Tha meas air Whispers Under Wings Crochadan Muineil airson a dhùrachd agus chaidh a dhealbhadh gus leasachaidhean càileachd beatha a thoirt seachad a chuidicheas le bhith a' dèanamh an t-saoghail na àite nas fheàrr.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This pendant reimagines the beetle as a kinetic vessel of enchantment. The hollowed wings form a delicate architectural shell, encasing a suspended sprite that moves freely within. As the wearer moves, the inner fairy gently shifts, producing a clear, bell-like resonance. The design merges sculptural precision with interactive sound, transforming jewelry into a living, sensory experience defined by motion, lightness, and subtle acoustic presence.
Dimensions & Packaging: 20mm x 40mm x 15mm, silver weight 18.1g
Tags: Fairy, Beetle, Necklace, Niutopia
Production Technology: The design was developed through digital modeling to precisely define the hollow structure and internal suspension system. Using lost-wax casting, the beetle form was translated into metal while preserving fine openwork details. The inner sprite element was fabricated and integrated through a concealed kinetic mounting. Final processes included hand finishing, polishing, and careful assembly to ensure balanced movement and acoustic clarity.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was developing a hollow structure that could securely contain the inner sprite while allowing it to move freely and produce sound. The internal spacing had to be carefully adjusted to prevent obstruction while maintaining stability. Achieving the right balance between structural strength and visual lightness required multiple prototypes. Special attention was given to suspension, weight distribution, and assembly to ensure both durability and consistent kinetic response.
Research: The design was influenced by the forests of Vancouver, where close observation of insects, organic structures, and natural movement sparked imaginative exploration. Sketching and prototyping were used to study how a protective outer form could contain a delicate inner presence. Special attention was given to creating a hollow structure that allows internal movement while maintaining stability. Through iterative testing, the relationship between protection, motion, and sound was refined, resulting in a piece that reflects the quiet vitality and mystery of nature.
Inspiration: The design is inspired by the beetle, a symbol of protection, transformation, and resilience. By envisioning the beetle as a living vessel, the piece explores the idea of an inner spirit sheltered within a structured exterior. The suspended sprite represents fragility and imagination, while the hollow wings suggest permeability rather than enclosure. Movement and sound become metaphors for presence, reminding the wearer that life, even when protected, remains dynamic and responsive.
Project Duration: The project stated in December 2025 in Vancouver and finished in January 2026.
Operation Flow: The pendant comes to life through the wearer’s movement. As the body shifts, the small inner sprite gently moves within the hollow beetle form, creating a soft, bell-like sound. This subtle motion transforms the piece from a static object into a responsive presence. The interaction is intuitive and continuous, allowing the wearer to experience the jewelry not only visually, but through sound and movement.
Team Members: Sirui Zhu
Image Credits: Image#1: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#2: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#3: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#4: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#5: Photographer Sirui Zhu