Whispers Under Wings Mkanda Wopachika Pakhosi by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings Mkanda Wopachika Pakhosi by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mphoto ya Chitsulo ya A' Design Award in Mapangidwe a Zodzikongoletsa Competition Category.

ChitsuloZodzikongoletsa· 2026

Whispers Under Wings Mkanda Wopachika Pakhosi

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

Mphoto ya Chitsulo ya A' Design Award Winner in Zodzikongoletsa Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Whispers Under Wings Mkanda Wopachika Pakhosi

Whispers Under Wings ndi chopachika cha mkanda wopangidwa ngati kafadala. Mapiko opanda kanthu mkati amapanga chigoba chosalala chokhala ndi mipata yomwe imasunga kachinthu kakang'ono koyandama mkati. Pamene wovala akuyenda, kachinthu kamkatiko kamasuntha ndikutulutsa kamvekedwe kofewa ngati belu. Chopachikachi chinapangidwa kudzera mu kujambula kwa pakompyuta ndipo chinapangidwa ndi siliva pogwiritsa ntchito njira ya lost-wax casting, kenako kumalizidwa ndi manja, kupukutidwa ndi kusonkhanitsidwa mosamala. Chidutswachi chili ndi miyeso ya mamilimita 20 ndi 40 ndi 15. Kafadala akugwiritsidwa ntchito ngati chizindikiro cha chitetezo, kusintha ndi kulimba mtima, pomwe kachinthu koyenda kamkatiko kamasonyeza kufooka ndi malingaliro opanga zinthu.

The Recognition

About the Mphoto ya Chitsulo ya A' Design Award

Whispers Under Wings Mkanda Wopachika Pakhosi ndi mmodzi mwa opambana a Mphoto ya Chitsulo ya A' Design Award, kuzindikirika kolemekezeka komwe kumaperekedwa kwa mapangidwe abwino omwe amakwaniritsa zofunika za akatswiri ndi za makampani zomwe zimayembekezeka kuchokera ku zolengedwa zopangidwa bwino. Opambana a Chitsulo amaonetsa luso lalikulu, ukatswiri wapamwamba, kumvetsetsa kwa akatswiri ndi mphamvu yolenga ya opanga awo. Whispers Under Wings Mkanda Wopachika Pakhosi akuyembekezeka kukhala cholengedwa choyamikiridwa kwambiri, chosirira ndi chokondedwa chomwe ndi chothandiza ndi chatsopano. Mapangidwe opambana Mphoto ya Chitsulo ya A' Design Award awa amaphatikiza machitidwe abwino kwambiri a makampani ndipo ali ndi makhalidwe a ukadaulo oyenerera olumikizidwa ndi chidziwitso ndi luso. Whispers Under Wings Mkanda Wopachika Pakhosi amalemekezedwa chifukwa cha kusamala kwake ndipo anapangidwa kuti apereke kukonza kwa moyo kumene kumathandiza kusandutsa dziko kukhala malo abwino.

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