Allonge Heel by Yinghua Lu

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DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN NAME:
Allonge

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Heel

INSPIRATION:
Allonge embodies the poised extension of a ballet dancer, grounded yet weightless, controlled yet fluid. As the body stretches through the air, movement and stillness merge in a perfect harmony. The balance and lightness is reflected in its sculpted form, where flowing lines mimic silk's effortless motion. Structured yet dynamic, it captures the tension between precision and grace, creating a silhouette that feels both intentional and ethereal, suspended in a moment of quiet elegance.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Allonge, a sculptural heel design inspired by the fluid yet structured motion of silk. The name comes from a ballet move that represents the French word for elongated, reflecting the dynamic interplay between softness and rigidity. Like a ballet dancer’s body arching through the air, it captures a moment of pure elegance suspended in time. The flowing, twisting surfaces mimic the way silk moves, creating a graceful silhouette that appears both delicate and architectural.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
Allonge is designed to create a seamless blend of movement and structure. The flowing, sculptural form provides both visual elegance and ergonomic support. As one walks, the extended, twisting surfaces catch light from different angles, enhancing the illusion of fluidity. The lightweight PHA material ensures comfort, while the 3D-printed structure offers a balance of flexibility, making each step feel effortless.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
The project started and ended in Octover 2024 in Shanghai

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
Allonge was developed using advanced 3D modeling and computational design techniques to capture the fluidity of silk in a structured form. To bring this vision to life, the design is 3D-printed using PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), a bio-based polymer derived from bacterial fermentation. The printing process mirrors the interwoven structure of silk threads, creating a form that feels organic and precise. Glossy polymers and specialized additives enhance flow and layer adhesion, ensuring a seamless, refined finish. PHA's compostable and biodegradable nature makes it a sustainable alternative to the traditional plastics, minimizing environmental impact while allowing for high-precision detailing in the design.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
Width 326.3mm x Depth 115.5mm x Height 156.9mm

TAGS:
Sustainable Footwear, Biodegradable Design, Futuristic Heels, Sculptural Footwear

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
This research explores sustainable material applications in footwear design, focusing on PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. The objective was to develop a biodegradable, 3D-printed shoe that balances aesthetics, durability, and environmental responsibility.

CHALLENGE:
The main challenge was translating the fluid motion of silk into a structured yet wearable form using PHA, a biodegradable polymer with unique material properties. Unlike traditional plastics, PHA requires precise temperature control and additive optimization for smooth surface finishes in FDM 3D printing. Balancing structural strength, flexibility, and aesthetics while ensuring sustainability demanded extensive material testing and iterative prototyping. This process led to innovative fabrication techniques, proving that biodegradable materials can achieve both elegance and durability in footwear design.

ADDED DATE:
2025-03-26 05:42:28

TEAM MEMBERS (1) :

IMAGE CREDITS:
Image #1: Creator Yinghua Lu, allonge heel render 1
Image #2: Creator Yinghua Lu, allonge heel render 2
Image #3: Creator Yinghua Lu, allonge heel render 3
Image #4: Creator Yinghua Lu, allonge heel render 4
Image #5: Creator Yinghua Lu, allonge heel render 5

Visit the following page to learn more: https://www.yinghua-studio.com/

AWARD DETAILS
	Allonge Heel by Yinghua Lu is Runner-up for A' Design Award in Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design Category, 2024 - 2025. · Read the interview with designer Yinghua Lu for design Allonge here. · Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Yinghua Lu. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Yinghua Lu.