where climate action meets the future of design

Tag: crafts

Velo Light Glow in the Dark

Posted on by 9ve8c

These innovative stickers, made from special glow-in-the-dark materials, harness phosphorescent technology to absorb light during the day and emit a soft glow at night.

The glow effect lasts for several hours after exposure to light, drastically improving the visibility of cyclists in low-light conditions.

“Our goal was to create a simple yet effective solution that can be used daily,” stated the team behind the project. The stickers are easy to apply and can be placed on bike frames, wheels, or helmets. With
customizable designs and colors, they add aesthetic charm while enhancing road safety. The project has already sparked interest among local bike shops and traffic safety organizations.


MOWO, move with wood

Posted on by 9ve8c

MOWO, move with wood, uses wood in a completely new way, using it as an elastic, flexible material that allows movement when sitting. All products are made from molded plywood and do not require any metal or plastic – the wooden elements are connected solely by cords, which combine stability and flexibility.

MOWO is an Austrian brand owned by architect and designer Lisa Stolz. All products are manufactured by a Greek family business that has specialized in the production of molded plywood parts since 1991.

MOWO uses the FSC-certified veneers. The certificate that ensures that the wood products come from forests that are managed according to the strict standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These standards ensure that the wood is sourced from forests managed sustainably, respecting ecosystems, biodiversity, workers’ rights, communities, and economic sustainability. Follow MOWO, move with wood!

Bobby Kolade

Posted on by 9ve8c

Kolade’s brand first collection is titled Return to Sender, and is made entirely out of waste textiles sourced from second-hand markets across Uganda. Each piece is redesigned and redistributed to the Global North, where the raw materials were originally bought and discarded.

Bobby Kolade is a fashion designer from Uganda who started his career in Berlin and Paris, cutting his teeth at major companies like Maison Margiela and Balenciaga. In 2018, he returned to his hometown of Kampala and was struck by the severe decline of the country’s textile industry. Today, he is the creative powerhouse behind BUZIGAHILL, an independent label that brings attention to this issue through art, clothing and activism.

As co-host of the podcast Vintage or Violence, Kolade further examines the true cost of the global fashion industry and the impact that waste colonialism has on local communities and ecosystems.

Orhan Niksic

Posted on by 9ve8c

Through Zanat, Orhan fosters community growth by training young artisans and embraces sustainability and cultural preservation, ensuring each handcrafted piece enriches both living spaces and society.

Orhan is a former World Bank manager, who left Washington to revive his family’s legacy in Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together with his brother Adem, Orhan co-founded Zanat, a company that merges centuries-old woodcarving techniques with contemporary design. Their mission is not only to create beautiful, high-quality furniture but also to breathe new life into the UNESCO-listed “Konjic woodcarving” technique.

The foundation of Zanat goes back to their grandfather, Gano Nikšić, who mastered this ancient method of hand-carving. Today, Orhan’s leadership continues the tradition, expanding the business into a global luxury furniture brand that collaborates with internationally acclaimed designers such as Monica Förster, Harri Koskinen etc., blending modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship.

BIKE BELL “Skopje”

Posted on by 9ve8c

Our idea was to create something both practical and symbolic. Each ring of the bell tells the city’s story. This bell not only enhances safety but also adds cultural identity to bicycles across the city.

The product combines functionality with artistry. Featuring hand-painted motifs inspired by the culture of Skopje, such as iconic landmarks like the Stone Bridge, the historic Kale Fortress, and traditional Macedonian patterns, the bell encapsulates the spirit of the city.

These designs not only celebrate Skopje’s architectural heritage but also highlight its vibrant cultural identity, making the bell a unique piece of art. Whether showcasing the intricate details of ancient motifs or the bold colors of local traditions, each bell serves as a miniature canvas that brings a touch of Skopje’s history and charm to the user.


PIAO CHAIR

Posted on by 9ve8c

The PIAO CHAIR is made from multiple layers of fibrous paper, laminated together by hand to create a lightweight yet remarkably strong structure. The edges of the paper are left raw and uneven, highlighting the material’s natural origins and the craftsmanship involved in the chair’s production.

The chair’s form evokes the silhouette of Ming-dynasty horseshoe chairs—an iconic element of Chinese furniture history. The choice of material is inspired by the traditional paper umbrella-making techniques of the Yuhang District in Hangzhou, where PINWU Design Studio is located.

PINWU Design Studio was founded by Zhang Lei, Christoph John, and Jovana Zhang after they met at the Milan Salone del Mobile furniture fair in 2010. Their work often explores how fragile or ephemeral materials like paper can be transformed through skill and creativity into durable objects.