< Back to all entries & Profiles
User Somaiya profile image

Somaiya Afzal

The Royal College of Art

Somaiya Afzal is a designer driven by a desire to create meaningful and positive impact through design. Inspired by materials, making, and experimentation her practice explores how thoughtful design can strengthen relationships between people, the objects they use, and the world around them.

Babio

Category: Interior

Competitions: Home Competition 2026

This project started with the question: how can we use everyday food waste to create a functional product for the home? The outcome is a table lamp made from a durable bamboo structure and interchangeable bioplastic shades created from food waste. As people become more intentional about the products they buy, they also want products that feel personal to them. The lamp allows users to make and replace their own bioplastic shades whenever they want, changing the appearance of the lamp over time. The bamboo frame is designed to last, while the bioplastic can biodegrade and be remade, encouraging repair, creativity and a more circular relationship with everyday objects.

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.