The Living Aroma delves into the relationship between memory, emotion, and materiality through aromatic objects that go beyond the personal. The project is divided into two sections, reflecting on the past while looking ahead. It combines ancient Chinese incense-making techniques with AI-driven scent technology to create biodegradable tributes that preserve and reimagine scent as a means of connection and significance.

The first part is a heartfelt exploration of memory and scent, inspired by my grandmother’s pillow. It captures not just the physical imprint of her head but also her distinctive scent, extracted from her DNA and sweat preserved on her clothing. This aromatic tribute brings forth her lasting presence, serving as a vivid reminder of her life even after she has gone. The second part is a series of aromatic objects that celebrates the ordinary and memorable moments in our childhood memories.

Crafted from biodegradable clay composed entirely of expired Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbs, and natural ingredients, this pillow pays tribute to ancient incense-making traditions, celebrating the deep connection between nature and centuries-old craftsmanship. The origins of this fragrant clay trace back to the Tang Dynasty, when spices and herbs were treasured not only for their culinary and medicinal properties but also for their role in rituals and aesthetics. By the Song Dynasty, the art of scented incense had reached new heights, seamlessly blending decoration with therapeutic benefits.
By carefully combining herbs and spices with different evaporation rates, the material creates a nuanced, multi-layered scent profile—featuring distinct top, middle, and base notes—for a richly immersive olfactory experience. Advanced processing techniques preserve these fragrances over time, resulting in a timeless and deeply personal product that feels both enduring and intimate. Merging traditional craftsmanship with AI-driven molecular synthesis, this project bridges the past and future, preserving the essence of nostalgic memories while pioneering entirely new aromas that transcend conventional human perception.
Beyond its role in incense, this clay also serves as a sustainable alternative to solid perfumes, functioning as a wearable scent diffuser that lingers throughout the day. Additionally, it offers an eco-friendly substitute for plastics and acrylics in jewelry, reducing waste without compromising on aesthetics. Lightweight yet durable, its organic texture evokes the feel of wood and stone, making it an ideal material for accessories and luxury home décor—think sculptural, aromatic pieces that infuse any space with a calming, natural fragrance.
Fully biodegradable, this innovative material breathes new life into expired TCM and herbs, proving that sustainability and artistry can coexist in perfect harmony.

Cecilia is a multidisciplinary material researcher and jewelry designer blending avant-garde innovation with emotional storytelling, holding a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design and currently pursuing postgraduate studies at Central Saint Martins in London. Specializing in biomaterials and experimental techniques, she crafts sensory narratives that merge cultural heritage with speculative design. Driven by the belief that materials carry memory, her practice explores how scent, texture, and form can evoke emotional landscapes, offering a poetic bridge between tradition, contemporary luxury, and imagined futures. Christina is a Shanghai/ London based multidisciplinary designer and alumna of RISD and the Royal College of Art, where she honed her expertise in blending cutting-edge material innovation with cultural heritage.Specializing in avant-garde accessories, her work seamlessly merges industrial mediums like metalwork and resin with Chinese lacquer techniques.