Microchallenge 4

As preperation for MDEFest's Con-serve dining setting Vikrant, Angel and I put the first steps in creating three different artifacts pointing at different emerging problems.

figure 1: Mindmap of common interests.

figure 2: Schedule of our combined micro projects.

Process

Research

Re-contextualising local crafts

'Stipwerk' is a local decoration technique applied by a diminishing group of craftswomen around the area of Staphorst, Rouveen and Nieuwleusen in north-west Overijssel. The practize is closely related to their unique local traditional clothing and agricultural work. In the past years an initiative started to host a website with the aim to revive the tradition by proposing new ways of using the technique.

Specifying local problematique

Since around 2015 a national 'space-crisis' arose in The Netherlands as result of urbanization, industrialization, expansion of city borders and the support of farmers with the motto 'bigger is better'. In the past years this led to a series of literal clashes between farmers-politicians, farmers-industry and farmers-real-estate about land-use, policies on fertilizers, greenification among others. On top of this the handful of - more or less - unaltered natural parks are protected strictly by EU Natura 2000 guidelines suppressing the surrounding farmers more. Land became scarce and therefore all the more valuable. It's time for experimental alternative ideas and solutions on honest land use.

figure 3: 'Staphorst Stipwerk' .

Modelling

figure 4: Render of 3D model.

Fabrication

3D printing

The two trays were modelled in Fusion 360 and printed in black PLA. On all sides of them some patterns of 'Stipwerk' were incorporated.

Decorating

The patterns were handpainted with acrylic paint, brushes, markers and tweezers.

figure 5: Decorating the housing.

Metalwork

The frame was cut and assembled from several short 8mm metal pieces which were grinded and sanded to equal lengths and welded together and spraypainted into its final form.

figure 6: Cutting, grinding, sanding and welding.

Results

Ultimately the product evolved into what is displayed below. It hints to both the decorative craftwork as well as the extensive local blacksmith history from my hometown while its function, being a tool for future food, differs completely from that. In my opinion its a suitable first expression and proof in how local crafts applied in re-thaught ways are able to exceed new, emergent problematique.

figure 7: Final artifact.