itthon.

Project

304107

Status

Submitted

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NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS AWARDS: existing completed examples

Project title

itthon.

Full project title

Description

Itthon. is a brand that is based on the handicraft traditions of Vojvodina with the objective of providing new, creative opportunities for the local artisans. We address low-technology workshops that have accumulated huge experience and expertise.

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 ceramic.

What was the geographical scope of your project?

Does your project address mainly urban or rural issues?

Does your project refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations?

Has your project benefited from EU programmes or funds?

Has your project won an EU prize?

Your project is fully completed?

When was your project implemented?

How did you hear about the New European Bauhaus Prizes ?

On whose behalf are you submitting the application?

Please provide a summary of your project

Strengthening the local craftsmen community

 

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.

Please indicate the main themes of your project with 5 key words

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of sustainability (including circularity) and how these have been met.
Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context

The collection consists of small series, handmade home goods striving minimal economical footprint. If possible, the objects are 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.

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience beyond functionality and how these have been met.
Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context

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.

itthon. is dedicated to preserving artisan knowledge, drag attention to cultural roots and shaping local identity.

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of inclusion (equal opportunities, public participation, citizen engagement, co-design, universal design, accessibility, affordability, etc.) and how these have been met.
Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context

From the craftsmen to the home

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.

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

The evaluation of the area and the lack of job opportunities very much defines the general public mood. Still we believe that there is great potential in the infrastructure and know-how left there and with our project we can bring positive changes.

 

Please explain how these three dimensions have been combined in your project.
Please highlight how this approach can be exemplary

itthon. is dedicated to preserving artisan knowledge, drag attention to cultural roots and shaping local identity, while we want to highlight the maker's opportunities to turn this know-how for their advantage.

Forexample our basket weaver partner learnt traditional weaving from his father, and by now he is the only one left in the area who works with this technique. He grows and cares his own cane, that he uses for weaving but lately he has little work to do. With our project we can create artisanal and modern touch products together and introduce his work to a wider audience.

 

Please give information on the results/impacts achieved by your project in relation to the category you apply for

This project cannot only preserve the local artisanal and craft heritage but by providing fair working opportunities, and bringing respect for the artisans, it could also reduce the rate of migration that is so typical of the area today.

Please explain how citizens and civil society were involved in the in the design and/or implementation of the project.
Please also explain the benefits that derived from their involvement.

We address low-technology workshops that have accumulated huge experience and expertise, to create a collection of objects together.

The items have an individual character, bearing the mark of their makers’ hands, and exude high quality, a unified image and, not least, cosiness.

Please explain what kind of global challenges the project addressed by providing local solutions

The collection contains small series of handmade home goods made from local base natural materials. Like wood that was cut out in the neighbourhood, homegrown cane and clay that’s been the material of pots and cookware for centuries.

Turning to the local markets can be a solution of today's supply chain distruptions, also it can reduce the pollution and devastating effects of global consumption.

Please highlight the innovative character of the project as compared to mainstream practices in the field of the project.

Relying on local know-how, local materials and local traditions, this project provides answers for contemporary and global problems such as pollution, emigration or our disappearing cultural values.

On such a small scale, big companies cannot deal with local expertise because it is economically incomprehensible to them.

Through the tools of design we can turn this heritage for the benetit of the local community.

Please explain to the potential of transferring the projects’ results or learnings to other interested parties and contexts.
Please provide clear documentation, communication of methodology and principles in this context.

Next to the artisanal traditions there are many other disappearing cultural heritage in Europe. By involving designers and transporting these methods that the project uses we could preserve this common cultural knowledge.

Is an evaluation report or any relevant documentation available?

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