Cumulus Antwerp 2023

Traditional handicrafts are witnessing a sharp decline in consumer purchases and the number of artisans making handicrafts are decreasing. Some of the reasons behind this shift are globalised markets, mass-production, and technological advancement. This phenomenon has left many artisans finding it challenging to adapt to the modern world's needs. Current innovations offer value to products, yet they are often implemented to exclude the artisans from the production process. ‘AlMashrabiya,’ a wooden architectural element commonly found in the Middle East and North Africa, is an example of a lost traditional craft due to its high cost and its adaptation to dry climate. It has been given attention in recent years, considering its social, aesthetic, and functional value. Different aspects of the craft will be considered, the material, tools, production methods, and techniques. The research will include participatory design process and workshops, adapting Frayling’s approach ‘research for design’ (Frankel & Racine, 2010) by collaborating with ‘Turquoise Mountain,’ ‘The Ministry of Culture,’ and ‘The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts’ in Saudi Arabia - ‘Chambre d'Artisanat de la Région Fès Meknès’ and ‘Ministère du tourisme de l'artisanat et de l'économie sociale et solidaire’ in Morocco. The purpose is to understand and develop a method that can be implemented for the craft revival as an intangible craft.