THE CHALLENGE
To re-contextualise traditional techniques with contemporary design, preserving cultural heritage and craftmanship through the combination of old techniques and new design strategies. The handmade textile production has become a rare art. By creating a contemporary design product, addressing a wider target group, they can attract a new market.

THE SOLUTION
During the collaboration with Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua, Studio Flaer will design a roduct based on the craftmanship knowledge of the partner. The new design will in the first place target a new customer group by fusing traditional materials and textiles with contemporary design. The final product should be able to be produced in a respectable quantity, demonstrating the cultural heritage and tradition of the artisanship as well as incorporating environmental and social sustainability.

THE IDEA
Of course we where really exited before our first video call with Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua.
We didn’t know what to expect and if they would fancy a collaboration with a young design studio from Berlin.
But the energy was great from the first meeting on and continued to grow during the project.
The idea for the general direction of the project was shaped during a call with the partners. After we understood their workflow and challenges connected to that we worked together on a strategy.
It is our passion to work with traditional handicraft companies and to seek new methods and applications where a traditional product is brought into a contemporary or unthought of context in order to explore new qualities and possibilities.

THE BIRTH OF THE PROJECT 
From the beginning of the project we were interested in the challenges TBL deals with on a daily basis. We communicated intensively in order to work user-centered and to create a project with real added value.
To re- contextualise traditional techniques with contemporary design, preserving cultural heritage and craftsmanship through the combination of old techniques and new design strategies. The handmade textile production has become a rare art. By creating a contemporary design product, addressing a wider target group, they can attract a new market.
During the collaboration with Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua, Studio Flaer designed a product based on the craftsmanship knowledge of the partner. The new design target a new customer group by fusing traditional materials and textiles with contemporary design. The final product is ready to be produced in a respectable quantity, demonstrating the cultural heritage and tradition of the artisanship as well as incorporating environmental and social sustainability.


THE CREATIVE PROCESS
The creative process was influenced by several factors.
To begin with, we first had to understand the material. The design with offcuts of different material thicknesses and compositions brings with it special requirements. Especially if, like us, you value design for circular material cycles.
In addition, we wanted to design a product that fits into the brand image of TBL but is still noticeably different.


THE COLLABORATION
For us, collaboration is a basic requirement for success. Only when specialists from different domains come together is it possible to develop innovative products.
Open, honest communication, trust and a positive attitude are also beneficial ;)


THE FUTURE
Our goal was not only to design, but also plan and source everything necessary to create this product.
We succeeded. Scala will be on sale in the Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua shop in Venice.
Scaling the product has it’s limitations, since we only use the leftover clippings. We believe this approach is very charming and think that it is important to maintain the artisanal character of the product.
For now we only sell the product in the Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua shop in Venice. But for the future we can also imagine online sales through trusted resellers.

THE MESSAGE
Collaboration is a fundamental pilar for personal and general evolution of humankind. It’s also more fun!