For Nature: SPIN

Our project, SPIN, aims to create a toy material that sparks curiosity about local plant life and promotes seed growing through play.

SPIN was created with materials that combine biodegradable components infused with local wildflower seeds and natural dyes, which inspire a deeper connection to nature. It encourages both children and adults to engage with their local environment and witness the transformation of play into life.

Background:

Spin takes form in a bamboo copter. Bamboo copters are a children’s toy that features a propeller that spins when rapidly twirled between the hands and released. This toy was made in ancient China 2400 years ago and is considered one of the earliest inspirations for the concept of helicopters. The bamboo copter flies by spinning through the air, and this idea connects to Taiqing (太清), a Daoist belief about lightness and rising energy. Ancient Daoists studied nature and dreamed of flying, and the bamboo copter may have been inspired by their ideas about air, balance, and motion.

Process:

SPIN was inspired by the way sycamore seeds spin as they fall. Watching them twirl through the air made us wonder — what if we could combine the magic of flight with the power of planting? So, we began researching how to create a bamboo copter that not only soars but also carries a seed, ready to grow wherever it lands.

Through lots of testing, experimenting, and refining, our team created various iterations of moulds, natural dyes, and mockups until we found a material strong enough to support both the lift and weight of the bamboo copter. With SPIN, we’ve turned curiosity into creation by blending play with sustainability. Each flight is a step toward a greener future, where fun and nature grow together.