Sustainable E-Waste Art Workshops for Universities
Hands-on upcycling masterclasses and interactive seminars for design, architecture, and engineering students. Transform discarded electronics into meaningful, sustainable art.
At the Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), GD Goenka University, I led a four-day workshop called 'LOOP.ed' for International E-waste Day. I worked with 150 students from fashion, architecture, and product design to generate ideas and create art installations from e-waste.
A look into my three-day Eco Art workshop with Liberal Arts students at Christ University. We collaboratively created a mesmerizing mural representing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals using repurposed e-waste, turning abstract concepts into a tangible, visually appealing design.
As a faculty member at Chanakya University, I mentor students in Sustainable Upcycling Art Creation. My focus is to share my decade of research, empowering them to apply this knowledge in creating remarkable art installations and shaping a more sustainable future.
Here are some behind-the-scenes moments from my five-day "Eco-Chic" workshop at Pearl Academy, Bangalore. I worked with fashion students to channel their creativity into sustainable fashion, crafting wearable art and jewelry from e-waste.
On Teacher's Day, I was thrilled to announce my collaboration with CHRIST University. I addressed students on the vital importance of upcycling and showcased my innovative Eco-Art Show on the theme of sustainability.
Highlights from my "Designing Sustainable Apparel From E-Waste" workshop with students from the Master of Design Space at NIFT Kannur. It is always incredible to witness creativity merging with eco-friendly practices to shape the future of fashion.
A dedicated one-day workshop for "Samvada Baduku" as part of their Waste Supply Chain Management course. Students explored how to create livelihoods by repurposing discarded electronic items, focusing on the practical application of upcycling.
I hosted a seminar on Sustainable Upcycling of e-waste at Chanakya University, bringing together practitioners and students. The session focused on sharing practical knowledge and inspiring the next generation of sustainability champions.
A snapshot from the "JHAROKA: A window into a Sustainable World" sustainable crafts workshop with the Liberal Arts Association at Christ University.
Speaking at the 'LOOP Conclave' on "E-waste EcoCraft: Nurturing Sustainability Through Creative Transformation."
About Inspiring the Next Generation: University Engagements
I don't just lecture about sustainability; we build. Whether it’s a collaborative mural for your campus or a technical workshop on wearable electronics, I bring the curated components, the specialized tools, and the safety gear needed to turn your seminar hall into a fully functional, creative studio for the day.
My university engagements go beyond classroom theory. When I work with design, architecture, or engineering students, we tackle the physical reality of the e-waste crisis—using circuit boards, RAM sticks, and keyboard keys that would otherwise sit in landfills.
I offer three distinct engagement formats:
- Hands-on Art Creation: We dive into the aesthetics of electronic components. Students learn to dismantle devices safely, understanding how to use capacitors, inductor coils, and wiring to create complex textures and patterns.
- Collaborative Murals: I facilitate large-scale installations—like the 17-goal UN Sustainability mural I led at Christ University—that serve as permanent campus features and conversation starters.
- Sustainable Fashion & Design: Tailored for fashion institutes, we focus on turning cables and electronic scrap into wearable art and runway-ready accessories.
I handle the logistics of the 'e-waste buffet'—providing sanitized, de-energized components for every participant. All I require from your institution is a dedicated space, basic furniture, and an AV setup for the initial demo.
Whether it’s a 90-minute keynote on the circular economy or a week-long residency to design a specific campus installation, I adapt the complexity to the academic level. This is about showing students that 'waste' is simply a resource waiting for re-imagination. If you are looking to integrate practical sustainability into your curriculum or host a workshop that leaves a lasting visual impact, let’s discuss the possibilities.
Vishwanath Mallabadi
I'm Vishwanath, and for two decades, I’ve been obsessed with finding the stories inside discarded gadgets. I’m an engineer who turned artist, and my favorite thing to do is get students to stop looking at trash as junk and start seeing it as a raw material for something beautiful.
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