The project was a part of Impact Edge, which is the confluence of Srishti School of Design and Industree Foundation under the mission Creative Million that aims at empowering a million artisans of India into independent entrepreneurship by connecting their skill set and knowledge to the urban sector.
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Problem statement |
To understand the ecosystem and skillset of Bamboo artisans based in Orissa, and use their craftskill to empower their cluster economically as well as socially.
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Intent |
To use the skill set that the bamboo weavers of Orissa, to cater to the urban markets with the sole purpose of increasing their faith in the practice through economic returns.
For this purpose, I recognized their practiced crafts, and understanding the relevance of this craft, I designed products that maintained the craft of the artisan while meeting the urban demands. Seeing their attachment to the craft, I decided to start with making minimal yet impactful changes to their original weave, while incorporating it with contemporary language. |
final product |
Here I have created a set of 3 secondary / accessory furniture, keeping in mind the dialect that takes place between the traditional weaves of the artisans, and the minimal designs of the urban setting. For this purpose, I decided to utilise the mats produced by weavers into a bamboo ply through the process of bent lamination. Having studied various advantages the material has over traditional timber ply, and picking the best technique with the purpose of performing the same, I narrowed down to a consumer good that could cater to the art collectors, the nature enthusiasts, and the minimalists.
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