New Dawn

New Dawn (Nuevo Alta) is a 3D-printed lighting fixture by Aga Blonska that explores the poetic and material potential of circular design. The concept draws inspiration from the material itself and its origins in fermentation, serving as a metaphor for transformation and renewal. Sparked by the exhibition’s theme, The Last Supper, Blonska posed a provocative question: For whom is the last supper truly served? Rooted in the belief that nothing in nature truly dies, the project envisions a world where leftovers nourish microorganisms, waste is harnessed as a source of energy, and decay is reimagined as a design element. The lamp’s sculptural form embodies this cyclical process, inviting reflection on what we discard, what we preserve, and how we define material endings.

The work is crafted from PHA, a biopolymer derived from microbial fermentation, which absorbs CO₂ during its production. Unlike PLA and other bio-based plastics, PHA is fully compostable in any natural environment—even on a domestic compost heap. As a direct result of New Dawn, PHA was safeguarded from being withdrawn from the market and is now entering production for large-scale 3D printing—marking a significant shift in sustainable material availability. The piece was produced in collaboration with 3D Makers Zone (NL), the first to 3D print with this material at such scale and refinement.

Beyond functionality, New Dawn seeks to educate through symbolism and stimulate critical thinking about ecological systems. It challenges conventional views on consumption and legacy, proposing a design future grounded in humility, interdependence, and care for the non-human world. The project premiered at the award-winning ROOTS Exhibition at Masterly Milano during Milan Design Week 2025.