Whispers Under Wings Kunka Walqa Warkuna by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings Kunka Walqa Warkuna by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Fierru Premiu in Walka Kamay Competition Category.

FierruWalka· 2026

Whispers Under Wings Kunka Walqa Warkuna

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

A' Design Award Fierru Premiu Winner in Walka Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #180832

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Whispers Under Wings Kunka Walqa Warkuna

Whispers Under Wings nisqaqa huk kunka walqa warkunam, akatanqa hina rurasqa. Chusaq raprakunaqa huk llañu utkusqa qara hina kanku, chay ukupitaq huk uchuy warkusqa nunacha tiyan. Apaqnin kuyuriptin, uku nunacha kuyurin hinaspa huk llampu, campanilla hina waqayta uyarichin. Kay walqaqa digital nisqa modelakuywanmi wiñachisqa karqan, hinaspa qullqi metalmanta lost-wax nisqa hichay ruraywanmi rurasqa, chaymantataq makiwan tukuchisqa, llusk'achisqa hinaspa allin qhawariywan huñusqa. Kay ruraypa saynninqa 20, 40, 15 milimetrokunam. Akatanqaqa amachay, tukupay hinaspa kallpachakuy unanchanmi, kuyuq nunachataq llañu kayta hinaspa yuyaymanayta rikuchin.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Fierru Premiu

Whispers Under Wings Kunka Walqa Warkuna A' Design Award Fierru Premiu mishak kan, yupaychay, kayta ruray yachak shinallatak industriapak mañaykunata paktachik alli diseñukunaman kun. Fierru mishak kashkakunaka hatun ruray ushayta, hanak yachayta, yachak yuyayta shinallatak ruray kamachiyta rikuchinku. Whispers Under Wings Kunka Walqa Warkuna sinchi yupaychashka, kuyashka shinallatak kuyashka ruray, ruranapak alli shinallatak mushuk yuyaypi kanata munanku. Kay Fierru Premiu japishka diseñuka industriapak ashtawan alli ruraykunata tantachin shinallatak yachaywan shinallatak ushaywan tantashka tekniku ushayta charin. Sinchi ruraymanta Whispers Under Wings Kunka Walqa Warkuna yupaychashka kan shinallatak kawsayta alliyachik ruraykunata kuypak ruray kan, pachata ashtawan alli kachun ruran.

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