itthon.
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
Itthon. intends to broaden the possibilities of craftsmen in Vojvodina, by relying on the traditions and know-how of small-scale industries. The project addresses low-technology workshops with huge expertise to create a collection of objects together.
Our first collection is inspired by the moderate common sense of peasants’ culture and the colours of the land. The products are long-lasting, small-series everyday objects made from local base natural materials, like wood, cane and cerami
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
With itthon. we intend to broaden the possibilities of craftsmen living in Vojvodina while relying on the traditions and know-how of small-scale industries. We address low-technology workshops that have accumulated huge experience and expertise, to create a collection of objects together.
Our first collection is made in collaboration with local craftsmen around Vojvodina. The collection is inspired by the moderate common sense of peasants’ culture and the colours of the land. The products are long-lasting, small-series everyday objects made from local base natural materials, like wood, cane and ceramic. The objects combine local values and know-how with the tools of contemporary design, which creates new market opportunities for the community. But more importantly we aim to form a community of object makers. Given that, the creation of a single product may consciously call for the joint work of various workshop.
We are convinced that designers can play a catalytic role through community projects that create positive social impact. Throughout our project we aim to motivate the community to use their artisanal heritage. We want to highlight their opportunities to turn this know-how for their advantage, prospering in a more sustainable future.
Key objectives for sustainability
The collection consists of small series, handmade home goods striving minimal economical footprint. Each object is made from local base natural and sustainable raw materials. Like wood that was cut out in the neighbourhood, homegrown cane and clay that’s been the traditional material of pots and cookware for centuries. In terms of afterlife each product is made of 100% degradable materials, and the makers use all natural oils and colourings. Some of the makers use up even the leftover raw materials, for example the wood chips that goes to the stove. The project aims to ensure fair working conditions and pricing, so the makers set their own prices. This way the craftsmen has the opportunity to work in a field that is their passion and profession.This project cannot only preserve the local artisanal and craft heritage but by providing fair working opportunities, it could also reduce the rate of migration that is so typical of the area today.
Honest and transparent communication is a fundamental aspect of the brand. The project’s initial goal is not only show the origins of the production and the materials but very much to highlight and introduce the makers behind the collection. Through their personal stories the customers can relate even more closely to the objects which is a key element of the items longevity. Our most important message is that these objects are not coming from the other side of the world from an unknown and hardly trackable origin but from a recognisable place and person, as a result of careful and accurate handcrafting process.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Together with the craftsmen we create a collection of homeware objects that react to the emotional and functional needs of a home with sustainable tools.
The collection builds on traditional techniques and therefore inspired by the moderate common sense of peasants’ culture. The objects are a redefined versions of their ancestors that perfectly fit to a modern home in terms of function and aesthetics. The collection contains different plates and vases, a rolling pin and a versatile woven piece that functions as a storage or a small stool.
Key objectives for inclusion
The products combine local values and know-how with the tools of contemporary design, which creates new market opportunities for the makers. The itthon. aims to build a community of makers in addition to generating economic profit. Given that one of the project objectives is to establish contact between local makers, the creation of a single product may consciously call for the joint work of various workshops, due to the choice of materials. A long lasting cooperation between the craftsmen would build a community amongst them that could change the general public mood too. We see the potential in further evolution by involving more makers and broadening the product range with new techniques and natural materials.
Results in relation to category
Throughout this project we want to motivate the local maker community to use their artisanal and craft heritage.The project’s biggest achievement is when we see the craftsmen working on these objects motivated and open to experiment together with us.
How Citizens benefit
The projects has an educational intent to draw attention on the value of handmade products and a regions artisanal heritage. Also we want to show that choosing quality over quantity is a basis of sustainability. When purchasing these items they get high quality objects made of local materials by local people and they are supporting fair trade.
Innovative character
itthon. is about discovering local values, maintaining and reinterpreting traditional techniques, and the collaboration of craftsmen and designers. The objects combine local values and know-how with contemporary aesthetics, which creates opportunities for the community.
