george duan forms a series of self-heating ceramic cooking vessels

‘project undefined’ by industrial designer, george duan, is a series of self-heating ceramic vessels that can be used for cooking. created with no presumed design function, the entities are formed with the intention to arouse cooks’ curiosity and creativity. the concept looks at how craftsmen are inspired by their tools to develop new techniques. in this same way, variations of cooking implements have inspired generations of cooks around the world to prepare thousands of distinct dishes with the most basic ingredients. the ambiguous designs therefore encourage users to discover new methods of preparing food, leading them to make countless innovative recipes.

vessel no2

images courtesy of george duan

george duan has formed the ceramic vessels each with electrical circuits fired inside. when plugged into a power supply, they emit an intense heat that can be used for cooking. the series comprises of three different forms. the first is a cone-shaped object, covered in metal, which can be used to cook and sear various foods. the second and third take on a more rounded, pot like shape, which can be used to boil and steam. the ceramic objects make for an interesting display, while also allowing users to interact with the vessels to explore his or her own way of cooking – and their creative way of using the vessel defines its meaning and functionality.

vessel no3

vessel no1

vessel no1 detail

vessel no1 detail

vessel no2 detail

vessel no2 detail

vessel no3 detail

vessel no3 detail

vessel no2 making process

the process of making the heating coil

project info:

project name: ‘project undefined’

design: george duan

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom