Upcycling Monk's Bowl Metal Scrap into Jewelry Designs under the Circular Economy Framework

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study cultural capital of Ban Bat community, Ban Bat Subdistrict, Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, Bangkok. Which is a center of handmade Buddhist alms bowl since Ayutthaya region and for jewelry souvenir design from metal scrap in alms bowl processing by using Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concept as main frameworks. The research methodology consists of documents study, interview a community leaders and artisans and the alms bowl process analysis to identify the characteristics of recyclable waste materials . The research findings reveal that Ban Bat community generates a large amount of iron and brass waste . These materials are commonly sold as scrap without value added . Therefore, the researcher applied these metal waste to the design of contemporary jewelry, such as earrings, brooches and lapel pin s while maintaining the community’s identity through the unique “hammer mark” technique of Ban Bat community. The design outcomes demonstrate an alternative approach to income generation and the preservation of local wisdom which aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, decent work and economic growth, as well as SDG 11, which emphasizes sustainable cities and communities. This research exemplifies creative development that connects to traditional handicrafts with modern design in order to encourage a sustainable community economy.