Craft Age
A preferred future where craft saves the world
2023
Project with
Evy Cornelissen
Craft Age Book
Interviews with craftspeople based in Portugal and The Netherlands were conducted to explore different perspectives into the craft practice. From the discussion on their work and visions of a future, the narrative behind the living of the craft society was built and visualized through illustrations.
Speculative, Critical Design
7 weeks, Preferred Futures
Craft Society System
In this preferred future, design after progress is envisioned by the revivalism of craft, in a world where craft dominates rather than mass production. The project explores the language of craft as an embodiment of nature and as a way of respecting the limitations of natural resources and accepting that humans can not manipulate.
In this system all interactions and connections were mapped. It makes visual the exchanges
between craftspeople, designers and citizens as well as facilities like workshops, materials banks
and craft classes. Nature is also part of the system. All the workshops and craft types were inspired
by interviews.
“The lens of craftsmanship reverses our perspective on the relationship between people and nature. Rather than humans dictating the use of natural resources, it is nature which sets terms and conditions that the local users agree to through their craftsmanship.”
- Wijnand Boonstra
"With this way of living also comes the uncomfort, narrowing down to basic needs. But in return it makes us connected to the person who made our bowls, our clothes, our furniture."
- Craft Age Manifesto
Into the Workshop
A collection of objects was made from local wool as a way to fully emerge in the practice and craft system. By using material tinkering and specific techniques - like basketry, crochet and weaving - the material sets the form. These objects show the process of the products in handcrafted value, objects with a soul. On the tags, information like the maker’s name, hours of work and what it could be traded for, was written.
Thank you to Margarida Valente (PT), Marion Poortvliet (NL), Pedro Ramalhete (PT), Sandra van Riet (NL), Sofie Leenen (NL) , Vanessa Flórido (PT) and Wesley Sacardi (PT) who kindly accept to share with us their knowledge, perspectives and dreams.
Thank you! Next poject?