Municipal waste that is difficult to recycle into a light-source

Tokyo-based design studio We+, known for its experimental approach to materiality and sustainability, has unveiled a new portable table lamp that challenges conventional notions of design and waste. The lamp, part of the studio's ongoing exploration of upcycling and material reuse, is made from a unique composite material developed in-house by the studio. It contains debris and rubble, which remain after the sorting and recovery of reusable materials within industrial waste recycling plants in the suburbs of Tokyo.

We+ with Remli lamp. Image by Hiroshi Iwasaki

Remli is manufactured from crushed and mixed industrial waste.
Image by Hiroshi Iwasaki

Remli, a combination of the words 'remains' and 'light', is a portable lighting fixture that seeks to reconstruct the overly complicated and inappropriate relationship between humans and materials by reimagining waste materials from Tokyo as new vernacular materials. It is a tribute to a previous project by We+ named Remains, which pioneered the concrete formula.

The result is a portable lamp with an almost sculptural presence. The rough texture of the material evokes the rawness of its origins, yet the form itself remains sleek and minimal, in keeping with We+'s signature aesthetic. The lamp’s design is intentionally simple: a slender, geometric base that supports a minimalist shade. The contrasts between the ruggedness of the material and the refined silhouette recall the duality of urban spaces, where modern structures rise alongside the remnants of the past.

The scattered surfaces coming from the handcraft production of each piece. Image by Hiroshi Iwasaki.

Image by Shunsuke Watanabe.

These collected fragments are further crushed, mixed with soil, and applied to the surface of the light ing fixture using plastering techniques. Through this process, Remli explores the new value of waste materials that are difficult to recycle and often sent to landfills.

Image by Hiroshi Iwasaki Shunsuke Watanabe.

Image by Kenichi Murase.

Image by Kenichi Murase.

Image by Kenichi Murase.

As sustainability continues to influence the direction of product design, the use of waste materials takes on a new significance. Here, the lamp becomes not just a source of light, but also a statement on the potential of reclaimed materials. The creation of the composite material itself is the result of meticulous experimentation by We+. By combining construction waste with natural binders, the studio has developed a process that allows the material to maintain structural integrity while offering a unique aesthetic.

The surface, which can vary in texture depending on the type of rubble used, introduces an element of unpredictability, making each lamp slightly different from the next. This bespoke quality—rare in mass-produced products—enhances the piece's value and the attitude behind the design object.

Image by Giuseppe De Francesco.

We+’s lamp is not simply a response to material scarcity; it proposes a broader reflection on the lifecycle of objects and the often-overlooked beauty of urban waste. Through their innovative approach, the studio positions this debris as a key resource for future design. It challenges the user to reconsider the materials surrounding us, particularly in cities where waste can be reimagined as part of a new sustainable design language.

The lamp itself embodies We+’s signature minimalist style, blending clean lines and geometric forms with the raw texture of the debris-infused material. The portable design makes it versatile for use in different settings—whether as a bedside lamp, a desk accessory, or a statement piece in a living room.

The contrast between the lamp’s utilitarian form and the rugged material gives it a brutalist aesthetic, reminiscent of the architectural style that partially dominates Tokyo’s cityscape, making each lamp a kind of a small monument to Tokyo’s constant state of change.

Image by Hiroshi Iwasaki.

In this project, We+ created a functional product binding it to the symbolic reflection of urban transformation. The portable table lamp serves as a microcosm of this process, encapsulating fragments of the city’s past within an object that is both contemporary and forward-thinking.

Image by Hiroshi Iwasaki.

Image by Giuseppe De Francesco.

By repurposing construction debris, We+ invites a dialogue about urban growth, environmental responsibility, and the role of design in shaping the future of our cities, and finally, a reminder that even the most mundane materials can be reimagined in meaningful ways.

In an era where sustainable practices are no longer a trend but a necessity, We+ continues to lead the conversation on how design can address environmental concerns while maintaining artistic integrity. The studio’s portable table lamp exemplifies the potential of merging form, function, and sustainability in a way that is both visually compelling and thought-provoking. As more designers explore the possibilities of upcycling, We+'s work stands out for its ability to combine conceptual rigor with tangible beauty, offering a glimpse into the future of responsible, material-conscious design.

The product is commercialised through a collaborative development between the research project "Urban Origin" by we+ and Ambientec.
URL: https://weplus.jp/