Exploring form and sustainability: Students craft innovative 3D sculptures from newspaper

The students of Semester I, GDP Foundation, at Apeejay Institute of Design participated in an engaging 3D Newspaper Sculpture Workshop that combined creativity, sustainability, and hands-on learning. The session provided students with an opportunity to explore form, structure, and design by transforming an everyday material — newspaper — into expressive three-dimensional art pieces.

The workshop was designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of form, balance, and proportion while fostering innovation through the use of sustainable materials. It encouraged young designers to think beyond conventional mediums, helping them understand how texture, volume, and structure work together to create visually compelling designs.

Under the guidance of faculty members from the Department of Design, students were encouraged to experiment freely, manipulate the material, and bring their creative ideas to life. The objective of the workshop was not only to enhance students’ sculptural and spatial understanding but also to nurture eco-conscious thinking by emphasising the use of recyclable materials in design practices.

Throughout the session, the classroom buzzed with enthusiasm as students folded, rolled, twisted, and layered newspapers to create innovative compositions. The process allowed them to explore the tactile nature of paper and how simple manipulations could produce complex, expressive forms. This hands-on experience helped students grasp key concepts of volume, balance, and proportion, which form the core of three-dimensional design learning.

Speaking about her experience, Anchal Mishra, a Foundation student of GDP Semester I, shared, “Creating a paper sculpture was both challenging and rewarding. I began by selecting sturdy, textured paper and sketching a concept that blended geometric and organic forms. Once the main structure was complete, I layered it with delicate tissue paper, gently warping and molding it to create intricate textures and depth. Watching the flat sheets, folds, and glued layers transform into a dynamic sculpture made the entire process incredibly fulfilling. This process taught me how delicate craftsmanship and creative vision can merge to produce something truly expressive.”

Her reflection beautifully captured the spirit of the workshop — a journey from concept to creation that involved patience, observation, and imagination.

By the end of the session, students not only developed a deeper understanding of material behavior and spatial awareness but also learned the importance of sustainable design thinking. The workshop successfully bridged creativity with environmental consciousness, encouraging students to see beauty and potential in everyday materials.

The 3D Newspaper Sculpture Workshop proved to be a valuable learning experience, reinforcing Apeejay’s commitment to fostering innovation, experimentation, and responsible design among its budding artists and designers.