Álvaro Catalán de Ocón's Gurunsi Collection Merges Ghanaian Weaving with Recycled Plastic Lamps

In 2023, Spanish designer Álvaro Catalán de Ocón unveiled the Gurunsi collection as part of his PET Lamp initiative, collaborating with skilled artisans from northern Ghana. This collection is inspired by Frafra weaving traditions and local architectural styles, featuring patterns reminiscent of the adobe-and-branch homes in the area. Each lamp incorporates a recycled PET bottle, which not only houses the electrical wiring but also allows light to filter through the woven design. Launched in 2012, the project has produced eight distinct collections globally, repurposing plastic waste while uplifting local communities. De Ocón first engaged with artisans in Bolgatanga, known as the 'city of baskets,' in 2019, partnering with The Baba Tree Basket Company to blend traditional craftsmanship with sustainable materials. The Gurunsi collection was recently showcased at Design Miami, with de Ocón noting it introduces a new typology that harmonizes light and shadow.