The Things That We Do - Ethiopia - Playing

sketchfab

'The Things That We Do' is a global design initiative that delves deep into the intricate relationships between our daily behaviors and the objects we interact with. For centuries, the distinct characteristics of ordinary routines like eating, sleeping, socializing, and playing have significantly influenced the design of the tools and items we use every day. The project commences in East Africa, a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage. It's a collaborative effort between British design studio NEON and Kenyan furniture manufacturer 98 Crafted. Both NEON and 98 Crafted are keenly interested in understanding how design is deeply intertwined with local cultures and are concerned about the homogenization of cultures worldwide. Through the ancient art of storytelling, they aim to uncover and translate local customs into objects co-designed with skilled artisans. The project's goal is to preserve traditional craftsmanship while infusing it with a modern twist, resulting in unique and thought-provoking designs that reflect the essence of each community. 'The Things That We Do' will be showcased at two prominent design events: Design Week Addis Ababa (February 11-17, 2019) and Nairobi Design Week (March 17-23, 2019).