Ernestomeda

From design to awareness: wind chimes as symbols of sustainability

Concept
I was assigned the development of a concept – and its practical and graphic execution – aimed at raising awareness of environmental precautions, not only related to the impact of Ernestomeda kitchens but also to eco-friendly habits that can be applied in any kitchen.

After presenting several proposals, the one you see here was selected: the Fūrin (Fuurin), the traditional Japanese wind chimes.

The idea was inspired by my study of Chinese and Japanese traditions, where Fūrin are symbols of wind, movement, and lightness. I decided to use this evocative image to represent the 13 environmental precautions I had been assigned, transforming them into wind chimes, each carrying its own message. From an abstract concept, I moved on to a concrete and interactive realization.

Development
Each precaution, written on the chime’s strip, was divided into four thematic categories: water, energy, photovoltaic, and waste.

Users, through the technology available at the time (Flash), could interact by clicking on each Fūrin to explore the corresponding topic. Every strip contained a clear and practical instruction.

For example, under the Energy category:
“Check that your gas hob is properly adjusted: a yellow flame indicates excessive consumption, while a flame separating from the burner shows too much air. For any adjustments, always contact specialized personnel.“

Project Value
This work is not just a “graphic exercise,” but an interactive awareness tool. Through evocative visual language and a participatory approach, it was designed to show how even small everyday actions in the kitchen can contribute to the planet’s ecological development.