Dominican International School Taipei

After the Lantern Falls – Inherited Light

Yu Chieh "Winnie" Tsao, Chloe Hsieh, Ssu Ning Chang

After the Lantern Falls explores how discarded sky lantern materials from Taiwan's tourism industry can be transformed into sustainable design. While sky lanterns symbolize hope, unrecovered lanterns contribute to pollution and ecosystem harm. The project investigates two key materials: rice husks, which degrade easily, and bamboo sticks, which are often coated in toxic chemicals. Experiments were conducted comparing plant growth when exposed to natural versus chemically treated bamboo. Findings inform the creation of a DNA-inspired lamp crafted from recycled rice husks and bamboo, symbolizing renewal and continuity. The project demonstrates how design, biology, and sustainability can converge into meaningful circular solutions.

Jofil Collado is an art and design educator with experience teaching students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. His professional practice focuses on fostering creativity, technical skill development, and artistic growth in diverse learning environments. Currently, he teaches studio art courses for Level 9, Level 10, and Advanced Placement (AP) Art and Design students. Through these courses, he guides students in refining their artistic abilities while building a strong foundation for advanced study in the visual arts. Collado is committed to supporting the development of student-artists by encouraging creative exploration, critical thinking, and personal expression. His teaching emphasizes both technical proficiency and conceptual growth, helping students prepare for future academic and professional opportunities in art and design.