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Design Routes

A 3-year AHRC funded project in collaboration with Lancaster and Leeds Universities, Design Routes aims to explore how design can make a meaningful contribution in developing and revitalising culturally significant designs, products and practices to make them relevant to the needs of people today. The research considers designs and products that are linked to particular places, employ traditional making processes or are embedded in local ways of life.

Many culturally significant designs, products and practices can be seen to be out of step with contemporary society and as a result have become marginalised. Increasingly such traditions are being reassessed and revitalised as their rich historical links with community and culture mean they have much to offer in terms of identity, wellbeing and environmental stewardship.

We are exploring the links that people see between products and place – their roots, and the fact that these links change over time – their routes.

For further information see http://designroutes.org/

Chimayo WeavingChimayo Weaving
Chimayo WeavingChimayo Weaving
Chimayo WeavingChimayo Weaving
WeavingWeaving
WeavingWeaving
WeavingWeaving
WeavingWeaving
WeavingWeaving
Decorative TinwareDecorative Tinware
Decorative TinwareDecorative Tinware
Decorative TinwareDecorative Tinware
Painted RetabloPainted Retablo
Painted RetabloPainted Retablo
Carved Bultos & Painted BultosCarved Bultos & Painted Bultos
Carved BultosCarved Bultos
Wool samplesWool samples
Graffiti in ViljandiGraffiti in Viljandi
Textile sample of traditional Estonian patternsTextile sample of traditional Estonian patterns
Textile sample of traditional Estonian patternsTextile sample of traditional Estonian patterns
Textile sample of traditional patternsTextile sample of traditional patterns
Traditional knitted glovesTraditional knitted gloves
Traditional knitted glovesTraditional knitted gloves
Traditional glove patternsTraditional glove patterns
Traditional embroidery pattersTraditional embroidery patters
Trolls, Christmas craftsTrolls, Christmas crafts
Three Kings, Christmas craftsThree Kings, Christmas crafts
Snow in ViljandiSnow in Viljandi
Soviet architectureSoviet architecture
Pattern Puppets developed by artist Anu RaudPattern Puppets developed by artist Anu Raud
Traditional knitted glovesTraditional knitted gloves
Traditional glove patternsTraditional glove patterns
Graffiti in ViljandiGraffiti in Viljandi
Graffiti in ViljandiGraffiti in Viljandi
Graffiti in ViljandiGraffiti in Viljandi