Designers Transform Discarded Rice into Innovative Materials
The "SSAL: Rice as Matter" project, spearheaded by designers Juwon Kim and Na Hyeon, delves into the transformative potential of surplus rice. This innovative study re-evaluates rice that is no longer fit for consumption, whether due to expiration, sales unsuitability, or as a milling byproduct, reframing its purpose from a foodstuff to a valuable raw material. The core objective is to uncover the inherent material worth of rice once its traditional use-value diminishes, thereby paving the way for sustainable applications.
This pioneering research was initiated in response to the changing role of rice within contemporary Korean society. Despite its profound cultural significance, the daily consumption of rice has seen a decline, leading to a persistent cycle of storage, redistribution, and eventual disposal. Often, rice is discarded because it fails to meet stringent grading standards, surpasses its expiration date, or the costs associated with its preservation outweigh the benefits of its reuse. The project commenced with extensive on-site investigations in collaboration with a local rice mill, involving direct observations and interviews, followed by a series of iterative material experiments.
Shifting away from its conventional perception as a dietary staple, the designers approached rice as a physical substance possessing distinct structural and tactile properties. They developed a versatile composite by blending rice with various binding agents, creating a material that can be molded and dried. A crucial discovery was the impact of particle size: larger grains impart a noticeable texture, while finely ground rice yields a smoother, more uniform finish. When combined, different particle sizes create a denser, more intricate texture, akin to the interaction between aggregate and adhesive in construction, influencing the material's strength, cohesion, and surface characteristics.
Further investigation into the material's potential involved rigorous testing of its durability, texture, and natural coloration. Post-drying, various surface treatments and eco-friendly preservatives were applied to enhance resilience, aiming to broaden its application beyond mere samples. Experiments with natural colorants, including green tea, chili powder, and different rice varieties like brown and black rice, yielded a spectrum of warm, light tones to deeper, subdued shades. The designers frequently emphasized the rice's natural coloration, preserving its inherent visual appeal.
Milled rice, particularly when finely processed, exhibited a soft ivory hue with a subtle translucence. Conversely, samples crafted from coarser grains showcased a more pronounced grain structure, contributing to richer textures and surface variations. The utilization of natural components also underscores the material's biodegradability, positioning it within a temporary lifecycle that contrasts sharply with conventional, enduring construction materials.
This project fundamentally challenges the notion of discarded rice as mere waste. Instead, it scrutinizes the circumstances under which rice loses its perceived value due to shifts in consumption patterns, inventory pressures, and disposal expenses. In such scenarios, rice often loses its original purpose and is overlooked, frequently ending up in landfills despite its cultural and ethical importance. By reintegrating discarded rice as a raw material, Juwon Kim and Na Hyeon's study meticulously documents its material capabilities, prompting a reevaluation of how value can be ascribed once familiar systems of use are disrupted.