Upcycled Echo Sañu Uyarichiq (Ceramic Speaker) by Chao Yang and Yang Xiang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu in Wasi Churana Kamay Competition Category.
QullqiWasi Churana· 2026
Upcycled Echo Sañu Uyarichiq (Ceramic Speaker)
Client: Beihang University
A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu Winner in Wasi Churana Category
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- Verified Award Winner
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The Design
About Upcycled Echo Sañu Uyarichiq (Ceramic Speaker)
Upcycled Echo nisqaqa wischusqa sañu decalkunamanta ruwasqa sañu yuyaysapa uyarichiqkunam (smart speakers). Jingdezhen llaqtapiqa, sapa watam yaqa 5 porcientonin sañu decalkunaqa wischusqam kanku. Chay hoqmanta hapisqa decalkunataqa kuchunku, hukllawanku hinaspa takyaq porcelana qarakunaman k'askachinku, chaymantataq allin ñawinchaywan rupachinku uyanta amachanapaq. Ukhupi churasqa sumaq uyariq kaqkunaqa (high-fidelity components) chaninchasqa waqayta qonku, hinaspa kay uyarichiqkunaqa smartphonekunawan t'inkinakunku takiykuna uyarinapaq hinallataq rimaywan kamachinapaq. Kay ruwayqa industriapa q'opanta pisiyachin hinaspa sañu ruway yachaytaqa kunan pacha uyarichiy tecnologiawan t'inkin.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu
Upcycled Echo Sañu Uyarichiq (Ceramic Speaker) A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu mishak kan, ancha jatun yupaychay, kayta hanak, sumak shinallatak mancharina diseñukunaman kun. Qullqi mishak kashkakunaka ancha achikyaska shinallatak ancha mushuk ruraykunami, paykunata rurakkunapak yachayta, yuyayta shinallatak ushayta rikuchinku. Upcycled Echo Sañu Uyarichiq (Ceramic Speaker) ruray yachak, ñawpak shinallatak mushuk yuyayta charik sumak rurashka kanata munanku. Kay Qullqi Premiu japishka diseñuka ancha riksishka shinallatak yupaychashka yuyay kan, arti, siensia, diseñu shinallatak tekinolojía ñawpak ñankunata kichuk. Upcycled Echo Sañu Uyarichiq (Ceramic Speaker) achka runakunapak munashka rurashka kan, munayta kallarichin, alli yuyaykunata kun shinallatak mancharichin.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- This design transforms discarded ceramic decals into handcrafted HiFi ceramic speakers through artistic collage. By upcycling industrial waste, it reduces environmental impact while creating unique surfaces and strong cultural identity. Integrating durable ceramic craftsmanship with modern acoustic technology, it delivers high-quality sound and meaningful sustainable value.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 50 x 50 mm x 60 mm
- Tags
- Ceramic Speakers, Smart Audio, HiFi Sound, Upcycled Materials, Sustainability, Jingdezhen Ceramic, Handcrafted Collage, Cultural Heritage, Interactive Design, Eco-friendly Design
- Production Technology
- The speakers are handcrafted from reclaimed ceramic decals, which are cut, recombined, and collaged onto durable porcelain shells. High-precision ceramic firing ensures surface integrity, while integrated HiFi components provide balanced acoustic performance. The process merges traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern audio engineering, enabling compact, ergonomic, and visually unique speakers that combine sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was transforming discarded ceramic decals into functional, aesthetic HiFi speakers. Internally, we balanced tradition, cultural motifs, and modern design. Externally, constraints included industrial waste quality, material durability, and integrating audio technology. Overcoming these required iterative prototyping, precise collage techniques, and collaboration with local artisans to merge craftsmanship, sustainability, and high-quality sound.
- Research
- This design research is a sustainability-driven, applied study aiming to reduce ceramic decal waste and explore cultural innovation. Using field surveys, interviews with Jingdezhen artisans, and analysis of industrial waste data, we identified that about 5% of decals are discarded annually. Experiments with collage techniques and prototype speakers demonstrated functional, artistic upcycling. The insights show that combining tradition with modern technology can create socially and environmentally responsible products, impacting design, culture, and sustainable business practices.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by Jingdezhen’s ceramic industry, where about 5% of decals are discarded annually, this project transforms waste into artistic HiFi speakers. Recombining and handcrafting motifs merges traditional ceramic heritage with modern design, promoting sustainability, cultural preservation, and playful, meaningful interaction.
- Project Duration
- The project started in April 2025 in Jingdezhen and finished in September 2025 in Jingdezhen.
- Operation Flow
- This is a series of ceramic smart speakers that connect to smartphones, delivering high-fidelity (HiFi) music playback and voice interaction, providing users with a versatile audio experience.
- Team Members
- Designer: Chao Yang
Designer: Yang Xiang
Designer: Qiang Sun
Designer: Chunlong Xiang - Image Credits
- Image #Main Image: Designer Chao Yang, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
Image #1: Designer Chun Long, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
Image #2: Designer Qiang Sun, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
Image #3: Designer Chao Yang, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
Image #4: Designer Chao Yang, Upcycled Echo, 2025.
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