Terriya
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Eco Design | PRODUCT DESIGN / Homeware & Decoration
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Oumy Saran Keita
Photo Credit:Majestik studio
Project Location:Dakar
Design Status:Prototype
Website: View
Product Description:
This collection explores the dialogue between contemporary design and African-inspired craftsmanship through sculptural lighting and decorative objects made from recycled paper. Each piece is conceived as a functional artwork, celebrating organic forms, textured surfaces and warm earthy tones. The concept is rooted in transforming humble, discarded materials into refined, high-end interior elements, bridging sustainability with luxury aesthetics. We aims to create emotional design pieces that bring warmth, authenticity and storytelling into modern living spaces while honoring traditional handcraft techniques reinterpreted for today’s interiors.
This collection explores the dialogue between contemporary design and African-inspired craftsmanship through sculptural lighting and decorative objects made from recycled paper. Each piece is conceived as a functional artwork, celebrating organic forms, textured surfaces and warm earthy tones. The concept is rooted in transforming humble, discarded materials into refined, high-end interior elements, bridging sustainability with luxury aesthetics. We aims to create emotional design pieces that bring warmth, authenticity and storytelling into modern living spaces while honoring traditional handcraft techniques reinterpreted for today’s interiors.
Product Innovation / Specification:
The innovation lies in elevating recycled paper into durable, premium design objects through a proprietary handmade molding and finishing process. Unlike traditional papier-mâché, the material is reinforced for structural strength and longevity, allowing it to support lighting components and daily use. Organic textures are intentionally sculpted rather than smoothed, creating a signature aesthetic inspired by natural erosion and handcrafted pottery. Each product is lightweight, customizable in color and size, and adaptable for residential, hospitality and boutique interior design markets.
The innovation lies in elevating recycled paper into durable, premium design objects through a proprietary handmade molding and finishing process. Unlike traditional papier-mâché, the material is reinforced for structural strength and longevity, allowing it to support lighting components and daily use. Organic textures are intentionally sculpted rather than smoothed, creating a signature aesthetic inspired by natural erosion and handcrafted pottery. Each product is lightweight, customizable in color and size, and adaptable for residential, hospitality and boutique interior design markets.
Product Sustainability Approach:
The products are made using recycled paper that is manually transformed into papier-mâché through a simple and low-impact process. First, the paper is cut into small pieces and soaked in water until it softens. It is then crushed using a mortar to create a thick, workable pulp. This handmade paste is shaped and molded to form the desired objects and left to dry naturally before finishing. This process relies on manual techniques and minimal machinery, keeping energy consumption low while allowing each piece to retain a unique texture and character. By transforming discarded paper into durable decorative objects, the approach gives new value to waste materials while promoting a more sustainable and circular way of creating design pieces.
The products are made using recycled paper that is manually transformed into papier-mâché through a simple and low-impact process. First, the paper is cut into small pieces and soaked in water until it softens. It is then crushed using a mortar to create a thick, workable pulp. This handmade paste is shaped and molded to form the desired objects and left to dry naturally before finishing. This process relies on manual techniques and minimal machinery, keeping energy consumption low while allowing each piece to retain a unique texture and character. By transforming discarded paper into durable decorative objects, the approach gives new value to waste materials while promoting a more sustainable and circular way of creating design pieces.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
The project is currently independently led, with small-scale artisanal production. It occasionally involves collaborations with local artisans, particularly woodworkers who create wooden elements integrated into the pieces, thereby supporting local craftsmanship and traditional skills. Beyond production, the initiative also aims to raise awareness about paper waste valorization through the future organization of creative recycling workshops. These workshops are intended to share skills, encourage creative independence, and promote sustainable practices within the community. At a regional level, the project contributes to showcasing locally made contemporary design rooted in sustainable practices.
The project is currently independently led, with small-scale artisanal production. It occasionally involves collaborations with local artisans, particularly woodworkers who create wooden elements integrated into the pieces, thereby supporting local craftsmanship and traditional skills. Beyond production, the initiative also aims to raise awareness about paper waste valorization through the future organization of creative recycling workshops. These workshops are intended to share skills, encourage creative independence, and promote sustainable practices within the community. At a regional level, the project contributes to showcasing locally made contemporary design rooted in sustainable practices.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Oumy Saran Keita
Profile Description:
Kalifa explores the dialogue between contemporary design and African-inspired craftsmanship through sculptural lighting and decorative objects made from recycled paper. Each piece is conceived as a functional artwork, celebrating organic forms, textured surfaces and warm earthy tones. The concept is rooted in transforming humble, discarded materials into refined, high-end interior elements, bridging sustainability with luxury aesthetics. Kalifa aims to create emotional design pieces that bring warmth, authenticity and storytelling into modern living spaces while honoring traditional handcraft
Kalifa explores the dialogue between contemporary design and African-inspired craftsmanship through sculptural lighting and decorative objects made from recycled paper. Each piece is conceived as a functional artwork, celebrating organic forms, textured surfaces and warm earthy tones. The concept is rooted in transforming humble, discarded materials into refined, high-end interior elements, bridging sustainability with luxury aesthetics. Kalifa aims to create emotional design pieces that bring warmth, authenticity and storytelling into modern living spaces while honoring traditional handcraft
Environmental Practices:
The products are made primarily from recycled paper waste, significantly reducing material consumption and landfill impact. The production process relies on low-energy, manual techniques with minimal machinery, lowering carbon footprint. Local sourcing of materials and handcrafting supports short supply chains and responsible production. Finishes are selected to be non-toxic and long-lasting to extend product life cycles. By turning waste into high-value objects, the brand promotes circular design principles and conscious consumption without compromising on aesthetics or quality.
The products are made primarily from recycled paper waste, significantly reducing material consumption and landfill impact. The production process relies on low-energy, manual techniques with minimal machinery, lowering carbon footprint. Local sourcing of materials and handcrafting supports short supply chains and responsible production. Finishes are selected to be non-toxic and long-lasting to extend product life cycles. By turning waste into high-value objects, the brand promotes circular design principles and conscious consumption without compromising on aesthetics or quality.
Previous Awards Won:
In 2022, I was selected to participate in the Fashion Entrepreneur Incubation Program organized by the Dakar Design Hub in partnership with the British Council Senegal and CUSE UK. This program was designed to support entrepreneurs working in the fields of design and fashion, helping them develop and scale their existing businesses through a comprehensive incubation process. The program included a two-month incubation period, followed by an intensive two-week training program focused on key aspects of business development such as management, strategy, marketing, and communication. Participants also received mentorship sessions with industry professionals and took part in technical workshops. At the end of the program, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their projects during a pitch session. My project was selected as one of the winners, and I was awarded a grant of 2,000,000 FCFA to support the development of my creative business.
In 2022, I was selected to participate in the Fashion Entrepreneur Incubation Program organized by the Dakar Design Hub in partnership with the British Council Senegal and CUSE UK. This program was designed to support entrepreneurs working in the fields of design and fashion, helping them develop and scale their existing businesses through a comprehensive incubation process. The program included a two-month incubation period, followed by an intensive two-week training program focused on key aspects of business development such as management, strategy, marketing, and communication. Participants also received mentorship sessions with industry professionals and took part in technical workshops. At the end of the program, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their projects during a pitch session. My project was selected as one of the winners, and I was awarded a grant of 2,000,000 FCFA to support the development of my creative business.
