Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Designera's CraftCircle
Designera's CraftCircle: A Collaborative, Circular Platform for Arts, Crafts, and Sustainable Design
Designera's CraftCircle is an online platform promoting collaboration, craftsmanship, sustainability, and inclusivity. It connects artists, designers, and enthusiasts locally and regionally, offering a space for knowledge sharing, showcasing sustainable and hand-made design, and supporting circular practices in furniture and decor. Features include a virtual gallery, community forums, a second-hand marketplace, interior design services, a blog on materials and design, and workshops.
Croatia
National
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Early concept
No
No
As an individual partnership with other persons/organisation(s)
DESIGNERA's CraftCircle is envisioned as an online platform designed to foster collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity in arts, crafts, and design. It connects artists, craftsmen, designers, and enthusiasts across regions in a space for knowledge-sharing, sustainable design, circular practices, and local craftsmanship. Through virtual exhibitions, community-driven forums, a second-hand marketplace, a blog, design services and workshops, the platform promotes sustainability, cultural diversity, and accessible learning. Targeting artists, designers, craftsmen, and sustainability-conscious individuals, including marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups, CraftCircle encourages collaboration and skill-sharing. It aims to foster collaboration by creating a space where users can share ideas, challenges, and solutions related to sustainable design. The second-hand marketplace supports the circular economy by promoting upcycled furniture, reducing waste, and reusing materials. The platform offers virtual and in-person workshops to develop sustainable design skills, while celebrating regional craftsmanship and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration. With a blog and community forums, CraftCircle creates a knowledge hub for exchanging information on materials, trends, and sustainable practices. In Croatia, where the market still lacks platforms focused on sustainable design and second-hand markets, CraftCircle offers a much-needed space to encourage change. The market would benefit by introducing circular economy practices and upcycling, filling a gap in local markets while reducing waste. The platform empowers local artisans, highlighting their cultural heritage and boosting visibility within the broader design community. The project’s success will be reflected in the growing marketplace and workshops, promoting sustainable design and cultural exchange, aligning with the New European Bauhaus principles of sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetic quality.
Sustainable Design
Circularity
Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Diversity
Material Culture
Skill-sharing
Designera's CraftCircle will be committed to sustainability through various innovative approaches in design, craftsmanship, and community engagement. The key objectives focus on promoting circular economy principles, reducing waste, and fostering sustainable practices within the creative industries. One of the primary ways CraftCircle supports sustainability is through its second-hand marketplace for upcycled furniture and decor. This marketplace encourages users to buy, sell, and repurpose items, contributing to the reduction of waste and extending the lifespan of products. By facilitating the exchange of upcycled goods, CraftCircle plays a crucial role in reducing the need for new production, which typically consumes significant resources and energy. Additionally, the platform promotes the use of sustainable materials in design and craftsmanship. Through workshops, educational resources, and a community-driven knowledge-sharing space, users learn how to incorporate eco-friendly materials and circular design practices into their work. CraftCircle also emphasizes cultural sustainability by celebrating regional craftsmanship, supporting local artisans, and promoting the preservation of traditional techniques. This creates a more sustainable and diverse design ecosystem, connecting local artisans with broader markets and encouraging the use of regionally sourced, eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, CraftCircle’s focus on inclusivity ensures that sustainable design is more accessible to all, regardless of financial means. The platform’s affordable and free workshops lower barriers to entry, allowing individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to learn and adopt sustainable design practices. The project's ability to integrate sustainability into multiple aspects of its operations—through upcycling, the promotion of eco-friendly materials, educational resources, and cultural preservation—demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainable design.
Designera's CraftCircle would offer a visually engaging experience, celebrating highly aesthetic design while promoting cultural diversity, sustainability and craftmanship. The platform’s design and cultural focus are rooted in three core objectives: 1. Promote Beautiful, Sustainable Design: CraftCircle highlights designs that are not only functional but also aesthetically beautiful, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible. These are carefully selected by an expert interior designer. The virtual gallery showcases high-quality designs and creative processes, while the platform's intuitive interface enhances user engagement, encouraging exploration of sustainable practices. 2. Cultural Benefits and Diversity: CraftCircle celebrates cultural diversity by featuring regional artisans and promoting traditional crafts alongside contemporary design. The platform highlights Croatia’s cultural heritage and encourages users to explore various design practices. It fosters collaboration, amplifying the unique characteristics of different artistic cultures and enriching the user experience with diverse design techniques. This inclusive approach allows users to connect with artisans from various backgrounds. 3. User-Centric, Intuitive Experience: CraftCircle creates a seamless platform for both beginners and professionals to easily discover content, browse the marketplace, or participate in workshops. Its simple navigation and filtering options help users find specific skills, such as upcycling or sustainable materials. The platform integrates workshops, blogs, and the marketplace into a cohesive design, providing a smooth user journey. The virtual gallery and marketplace create emotional connections to sustainable and culturally significant works, while interior design service help in choosing home goods. Designera's CraftCircle exemplifies how a thoughtful and intuitive design can be a catalyst for beauty, sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation.
Designera's CraftCircle is committed to fostering inclusivity through its design, structure, and operations. The project’s key objectives focus on accessibility, affordability, and inclusive participation, aligning with the principles of equitable access to sustainable design and cultural exchange. CraftCircle is designed to be accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups, by providing free or low-cost resources and workshops. The platform’s virtual nature reduces geographical barriers, allowing individuals from rural or remote areas to participate in workshops, share their work, and connect with a global community, without the need for expensive travel or physical infrastructure. In terms of affordability, the platform's second-hand marketplace plays an important role in supporting economic inclusion. It allows individuals to buy and sell upcycled or refurbished furniture, contributing to circular economy practices while making sustainable design more affordable and accessible to people with different income levels. Additionally, by focusing on upcycling, CraftCircle encourages the reuse of materials, making sustainable design practices accessible even to those who may not have access to expensive raw materials or new products. The platform also prioritizes inclusivity through its governance system. CraftCircle is community-driven, with users actively involved in content creation and sharing of valuable skills knowledge. Community forums, knowledge-sharing spaces, and collaborative projects create an open environment where diverse perspectives can thrive. CraftCircle serves as an exemplary model by demonstrating how inclusivity can be woven into every aspect of a digital platform, from its user experience to its operational structure, creating a more equitable and sustainable future in design industry.
Citizens could benefit from Designera's CraftCircle in multiple ways, gaining access to sustainable design practices, skill-building opportunities, wider audience for representation, and a sense of community engagement. For individuals, the platform offers a space to explore and engage with sustainable arts and crafts, providing access to workshops, resources, and a marketplace for upcycled or refurbished items. Citizens can actively participate in workshops—both virtual and in-person—learning practical skills such as upcycling, sustainable material use, and craft techniques. This empowers users to adopt more sustainable practices in their own lives, whether they are designers, hobbyists, or simply interested in reducing waste and embracing more eco-friendly lifestyles. Furthermore, the second-hand marketplace allows individuals to engage in the circular economy by buying and selling upcycled furniture and decor, making sustainable design more accessible and affordable. CraftCircle's focus on cultural diversity and craftsmanship also encourages citizens to explore regional traditions and collaborate across areas, fostering a sense of shared identity and appreciation for diverse design practices. Civil society can play a crucial role in the success and development of CraftCircle by engaging as contributors, collaborators, and advocates. Local and international organizations, community groups, and non-profits can partner with the platform to offer workshops, share resources, and increase awareness of sustainable design practices. By collaborating with civil society, CraftCircle can extend its reach and impact, engaging more individuals in meaningful ways. These partnerships can also help provide inclusive learning opportunities, particularly for marginalized or underserved communities, ensuring that sustainability and cultural knowledge are accessible to all. The involvement of citizens and civil society in the project makes it more meaningful and relevant.
The successful implementation of Designera's CraftCircle relies on the active engagement of stakeholders at local, regional, national, and European levels. At the local level, artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses are key. They can contribute by showcasing their work, leading workshops, and participating in discussions. Their involvement ensures the platform reflects local craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Local businesses can supply materials for upcycling, contributing to a vibrant, sustainable ecosystem. At the regional level, regional authorities, cultural organizations, and sustainability groups can support the platform through funding, policy backing, and partnerships with local galleries and art schools. This ensures that the platform aligns with regional sustainability goals and integrates with local cultural initiatives. On the national level, design institutions, educational bodies, and government departments can provide resources, expertise, and funding to help scale the platform. National institutions can organize awareness campaigns and collaborate on curriculum development for sustainable design, enhancing the platform’s reach and credibility. At the European level, partnerships with EU sustainability networks and policymakers can help CraftCircle align with broader sustainability objectives. European institutions can facilitate cross-border collaboration, enabling a diverse exchange of ideas, skills, and sustainable practices. Each stakeholder level could bring unique contributions, which could lead CraftCircle to serve as a collaborative, inclusive platform that promotes sustainable design and cultural exchange across Europe.
Designera's CraftCircle would reflect a diverse range of disciplines and knowledge fields, including sustainable design, craftsmanship, circular economy, cultural heritage, technology, and education. Sustainable design and circular economy principles are central to the project, guiding its focus on upcycling, material reuse, and reducing waste. Experts in these fields, such as sustainable designers and environmental engineers, would contribute to the development of best practices and educational content. They can collaborate with craftspeople and artisans, who bring expertise in traditional and contemporary craftsmanship, providing insights into the value of materials, techniques, and design processes. The intersection of these fields would foster innovation in upcycling and sustainable design, blending craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices. Cultural heritage experts could ensure that regional design traditions are preserved and celebrated, providing context for the platform's emphasis on local craftsmanship. They can work with designers and artisans to incorporate traditional techniques into contemporary design, promoting cultural sustainability. Technology and digital design play a significant role in the platform's creation, with developers, UX/UI designers, and data analysts ensuring the platform is user-friendly, accessible, and scalable. They collaborate with content creators and educators to deliver virtual workshops and tutorials that enhance user experience. Interior designers help in ensuring the aesthetic quality throughout every aspect. This multidisciplinary approach encourages the interaction of diverse knowledge fields, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable design. The added value lies in the cross-pollination of ideas, where each discipline can learn from others, resulting in innovative solutions, a richer user experience, and more impactful outcomes.
Designera's CraftCircle stands out as an innovative project by combining circular economy principles, sustainable design, cultural heritage, and community-driven collaboration into a single platform. Unlike mainstream initiatives focused solely on one aspect of sustainability or design, CraftCircle integrates upcycling, local craftsmanship, and education in a holistic, user-centered environment. One of its key features is the second-hand marketplace for upcycled furniture and decor, which not only promotes material reuse but also empowers users to actively contribute to a circular economy. While similar platforms exist, CraftCircle’s unique approach emphasizes sustainable design education, offering workshops, tutorials, and a knowledge-sharing community for individuals at all skill levels. This integration of learning with sustainable practice sets it apart from typical online marketplaces or design platforms. Another key innovation is its focus on regional cultural heritage. By showcasing local artisans and their traditional craftsmanship, CraftCircle ensures that sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of cultural diversity. This focus on preserving and promoting regional design techniques while integrating them into modern sustainability practices is a distinguishing factor. The platform could also incorporate cross-border collaboration across Europe, enabling a broader exchange of ideas and resources among artisans, designers, and sustainability experts. In terms of inclusivity, CraftCircle breaks from the norm by offering free and affordable workshops and resources to marginalized groups and economically disadvantaged areas, ensuring that everyone has access to sustainable design knowledge, regardless of financial background. Finally, CraftCircle’s user-friendly digital interface and tailored content discovery based on specific needs (e.g., upcycling skills, sustainable materials) make it more accessible and engaging compared to traditional platforms.
The methodology used in the project draws heavily from material culture and design culture methodologies, with a particular focus on sustainability and circular design practices. Material culture methodology emphasizes the relationship between people and the objects they create and use. In this context, it involves exploring the meanings, histories, and processes behind sustainable materials, upcycling, and craftsmanship. CraftCircle will apply this approach by fostering a deeper understanding of the stories behind local craftsmanship and sustainable design, encouraging users to engage with objects not just as products but as carriers of cultural and environmental significance. By focusing on the materiality of design, the platform will encourage users to reflect on the origins, lifecycle, and impact of materials used in furniture and decor, promoting sustainability as a cultural practice. One aspect of the approach is ethnographic research, which involves understanding how communities interact with design and how their cultural values influence their engagement with sustainability. Through interviews, user-generated content, and shared experiences, CraftCircle will gather insights into the design practices and sustainability efforts of diverse communities, enriching the platform's offerings and ensuring cultural relevance. Additionally, the project applies design culture methodology, which emphasizes the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which design practices emerge. CraftCircle’s focus on sustainability intersects with these concepts by encouraging participants to adopt design practices that consider not only form and function but also environmental and cultural sustainability. The platform will guide users through design thinking processes that prioritize resource efficiency, ethical material sourcing, and circularity. By promoting collaborative design, the project will foster co-creation among artists, craftsmen, and sustainability experts.
The platform has significant potential for transferability and replicability across different regions and beneficiary groups due to its adaptable methodology, technology, and processes. The core platform model, featuring a second-hand marketplace, virtual gallery, workshops, and community forums, can be easily customized for various local contexts. This structure allows for expansion and use in tourism, accommodating regional artisans and sustainable practices while promoting cultural diversity. The circular economy focus of upcycling and material reuse is universally applicable, enabling the creation of local circular economies in different areas, reducing waste, and encouraging sustainable production. The educational workshops and skill-sharing methodology is another transferable element, as it supports learning across all skill levels and can be adapted to local cultural and material practices. This approach promotes hands-on learning and can be tailored to various contexts, ensuring the relevance of sustainable design and craftsmanship to different communities. Additionally, CraftCircle’s emphasis on cultural heritage integration allows for the preservation and promotion of regional craftsmanship while merging traditional techniques with modern sustainability practices. This model can be replicated globally to celebrate and protect local heritage. The platform’s digital interface and technology are envisioned to be scalable and adaptable, supporting multiple languages, currencies, and local materials, ensuring its accessibility to diverse global audiences. Finally, the collaborative and inclusive approach fosters innovation through cross-border cooperation and empowers marginalized communities, making it easily replicable to other regions seeking to promote inclusivity and sustainability. Overall, the adaptability of CraftCircle’s methodology, technological structure, and focus on cultural exchange ensures its high potential for transferability to many places.
Designera's CraftCircle addresses several global challenges by providing localized solutions focused on sustainability, waste reduction, cultural preservation, and inclusivity. One of the key global issues is environmental sustainability. CraftCircle promotes circular economy practices, specifically upcycling and material reuse, through its second-hand marketplace. By encouraging the exchange of upcycled furniture and decor, the project helps reduce waste and minimizes the environmental impact of mass production. This localized solution empowers communities to adopt sustainable consumption practices, which, when scaled, can contribute to broader environmental goals like reducing carbon footprints and conserving resources. Another global challenge is the loss of cultural heritage in the face of industrialization and globalization. By emphasizing regional craftsmanship and integrating traditional design techniques with modern sustainability practices, CraftCircle preserves and promotes local cultural identities. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and ensures that traditional knowledge is passed down to future generations, enriching both local and global design communities. Social inclusivity is also a central challenge, with marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups often excluded from design and educational opportunities. CraftCircle provides accessible workshops and resources, particularly targeting underrepresented communities, allowing them to engage with sustainable design practices and gain valuable skills. This promotes social equity by offering economic and educational opportunities to those who might otherwise lack access. Additionally, the platform could foster cross-border collaboration, enabling diverse stakeholders—artists, designers, and sustainability experts—from different regions to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions to common, local challenges.
The development plan for Designera's CraftCircle focuses primarily on building a sustainable and inclusive platform that promotes circular economy practices. Over the course of one year, the project will lay a solid foundation while creating immediate impact within local communities.
Phase 1 (1-6 months): Community Growth & Platform Building. A) Technical Development: Hire an IT team to create a scalable, user-friendly platform that includes a virtual gallery, marketplace, forum, and blog. Ensure mobile compatibility and accessibility. B) Continue Content Creation: 1. Continue curating content for the platform, featuring diverse local artists, designers, and craftsmen. Connect on social media and collaborate in social media posts (this is already in progress). 2. Partnership Development: Form collaborations with local artists, NGOs, cultural institutions, and sustainable design organizations, especially in Croatia, to support workshops and share resources. 3. Community Building: Launch targeted marketing to recruit users—artists, designers, and enthusiasts. Develop an engaging onboarding process.
Phase 2 (7-12 months): Launch & Growth: 1. Exhibitions: Organize pop-up events across Croatia in local cafes, bars, and community spaces, timed to align with the summer tourist season for greater visibility. 2. Workshops & Training: Offer a series of workshops focused on sustainable design, circular economy principles, and upcycling, in collaboration with local experts. 3. Marketplace Growth: Launch a second-hand marketplace for upcycled and refurbished furniture. Choose selectively to ensure aesthetic quality. 4. Promote educational resources on sustainable sourcing and material reuse. 5. Marketing: Implement social media campaigns to drive platform engagement and marketplace growth. 6. Ongoing: Continuously gather feedback from users and partners to improve the platform, measure the impact of workshops, and monitor user engagement with the community and marketplace.
Phase 1 (1-6 months): Community Growth & Platform Building. A) Technical Development: Hire an IT team to create a scalable, user-friendly platform that includes a virtual gallery, marketplace, forum, and blog. Ensure mobile compatibility and accessibility. B) Continue Content Creation: 1. Continue curating content for the platform, featuring diverse local artists, designers, and craftsmen. Connect on social media and collaborate in social media posts (this is already in progress). 2. Partnership Development: Form collaborations with local artists, NGOs, cultural institutions, and sustainable design organizations, especially in Croatia, to support workshops and share resources. 3. Community Building: Launch targeted marketing to recruit users—artists, designers, and enthusiasts. Develop an engaging onboarding process.
Phase 2 (7-12 months): Launch & Growth: 1. Exhibitions: Organize pop-up events across Croatia in local cafes, bars, and community spaces, timed to align with the summer tourist season for greater visibility. 2. Workshops & Training: Offer a series of workshops focused on sustainable design, circular economy principles, and upcycling, in collaboration with local experts. 3. Marketplace Growth: Launch a second-hand marketplace for upcycled and refurbished furniture. Choose selectively to ensure aesthetic quality. 4. Promote educational resources on sustainable sourcing and material reuse. 5. Marketing: Implement social media campaigns to drive platform engagement and marketplace growth. 6. Ongoing: Continuously gather feedback from users and partners to improve the platform, measure the impact of workshops, and monitor user engagement with the community and marketplace.
