E Work: A Sustainable Bamboo Pen Redefining Design

Award-winning design by Rao Feiyun, Liu Mingde, Cui Zhepu, and Wang Weiling

With the increasing severity of ecological destruction and waste, the need for using renewable resources is more urgent than ever. Bamboo, an inexhaustible natural material, is the main component of E Work. This pen, designed by Rao Feiyun, Liu Mingde, Cui Zhepu, and Wang Weiling, is a testament to the innovative use of renewable resources in design.

The E Work pen is made using a simple structure of a traditional Chinese bamboo clip. It consists of two identical bamboo pieces, connected by a torsion spring, with an ordinary ink cartridge. This design greatly simplifies the process of replacing the cartridge. Moreover, the brush pot can also be used as a clamp, reducing the number of discarded pens and promoting sustainability.

Creating the E Work pen involved careful consideration of the toughness and safety of bamboo. The bamboo pieces were placed in boiling water to increase their toughness and corrosion resistance. The inside of the bamboo was then processed using a machine, followed by manual processing. The torsion spring, due to the differing shapes, posed a challenge during manufacturing, requiring several trials before finding a suitable one.

The E Work pen is not just a writing instrument; it's a statement about sustainability and the importance of renewable resources. The bamboo material increases the user's intimacy with nature. The pen holder can also be used as a bamboo clip, adding to its multifunctionality. The design of the pen, which references the simple structure of a traditional Chinese bamboo clip, promotes the harmony of human and nature.

This innovative design has not gone unnoticed. The E Work pen was awarded the Silver A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The E Work pen, with its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, truly embodies these qualities.

In conclusion, the E Work pen is a shining example of how design can be used to promote sustainability and the use of renewable resources. It is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its designers, Rao Feiyun, Liu Mingde, Cui Zhepu, and Wang Weiling, and a beacon for future sustainable designs.