Recycled Rope Lamp is a lighting design project that reimagines discarded maritime rope through the traditional craft of macramé. Guided by a deep curiosity for materials — listening to their stories, needs, and properties — I discovered this particular rope tangled like an overgrown yarn ball at a harbor outside Copenhagen. There, I met Klaus, an experienced sailor whose knowledge of rope craft and maritime history inspired me to explore the material’s past life and potential future.

This red rescue line, likely having traveled the world and perhaps even saved lives, became the heart of my project. Through research, I connected with macramé, a knotting technique rooted in maritime culture, bringing the rope back to its origins in both form and spirit. By combining this craft with lighting, the rope’s color and texture are revived, shifting hues with the illumination and casting dynamic shadows in the surrounding space.

The project challenges the traditional ornamental approach to macramé lamps by focusing on calm, sculptural lighting that balances aesthetic sustainability and reuse. The lamp’s waist-like shape reflects both its conceptual and crafted nature, emphasizing the material’s narrative while creating a lasting connection between object and user.

My playful experimentation with knotting techniques and form-giving resulted in two unique 1:1 lamp shades, each exploring different aesthetics — one honoring the classic ornate style of macramé, the other embracing a modern, minimalistic approach. One of the lamps was gifted to Klaus and is now installed in the harbor office cafeteria, where the rope returns home in a new form, continuing its story through light.

While the project acknowledges the environmental challenges associated with synthetic rope and steel components, it highlights the urgent need for systemic change within the rope industry. Ultimately, Recycled Rope Lamp is a thoughtful dialogue between material, maker, and user — illuminating space, history, and the possibilities of sustainable design.