2019 | Things of Dignity
Firstly, the result of a MA thesis researching the role of donated clothing, especially underwear and socks, within humanitarian material aid. Currently, it is a legally established NGO. More information here.
Utilising a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach, the project aims to understand the needs, behaviours, and experiences of individuals and communities affected by clothing insecurity in humanitarian contexts.
2021 | O Porco
O Porco palm basket pays homage to the rich heritage of basket weaving in southern Portugal. Crafted from palm leaves using the traditional 'empreita de palma' technique, this basket reflects the region's history and tradition. Inspired by the iconic pig, a symbol of the Algarve's rural landscape, the project blends cultural authenticity with contemporary design elements, such as pine legs crafted by local artisans. More information here.
O Porco integrates three levels of sustainability in design: environmental, social, and cultural. By applying Cradle to Cradle principles for sustainability, participatory design for community engagement, and cultural heritage for preservation, the project embraces a holistic sustainability model, fostering ecological integrity, community involvement, and local tradition celebration.
2018 | MATASH
Revitalisation concept of MATASH rehabilitation centre located in Neve Eliezer neighborhood, Tel Aviv, Israel.
In continuation of the proposal presented at the beginning, another meeting was held with Yafe, the head of the Tel Aviv Employment Center, along with Anat, the manager of the Zvia Lovtec Center and the manager of the "Second Love" store.
We decided that the work would focus on two main directions:
Organization of the sorting and storage system of clothes in the warehouse to enable a sorting and arrangement process based on seasons, types, sizes, gender, pricing, and non-wearable items.
Upcycling clothes collected in large nylon bags over an extended period into raw materials for sustainable products, which will be crafted by the participants. We plan to design a variety of simple objects gradually introduced to the participants for implementation. These products will serve both as personal expressions for the collaborators and will be displayed and sold in the store.
On January 16, 2018, we conducted a demonstration of the clothing sorting and arrangement process in the warehouse in the presence of Anat. We proposed to clear the shelves from bags containing clothes, distribute empty shelves into clothing categories (jeans, knits, woven fabrics, coats, women, men, and children), and demonstrated and guided Marina, the warehouse supervisor, and Anat, the center manager.
Topics for presentation:
1) Lack of acquaintance of the store with local residents and the surrounding area.
2) Lack of promotion for the store, lacking a precise conceptual understanding of its nature, customers, and needs.
3) Aesthetic and functional flaws in the store and merchandise warehouse.
4) Branding of the "Second Chance" organization as an important, unique, friendly, and contributing entity to the community.
5) Attention to the participants working in "Second Chance" for their creativity and personal expression.
Solutions presented:
Mobile store - transit or bus/mobile store operated by an external volunteer organization with representatives from the participants, addressing needs 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Preparation of products from second-hand clothes by the participants, addressing needs 4 and 5.
Assistance with marketing and advertising, addressing needs 1 and 2.
Introduction of an organizational and storage method in the warehouse, addressing needs 3 and 5.
Considering the timeframe, we chose to implement the sorting, organization, and storage of clothes (4), as well as creating a collection of products composed by the participants (2).
The outcomes to be presented:
1) Three examples of products created by the participants.
2) Instruction document and training for the organization, sorting, and storage method of clothes in the warehouse, based on what we have already started in the warehouse.
3) Construction of a mobile attraction to attract considerable attention and help market the "Second Chance" store in Lovnek.
4) An extravagant and interestingly dressed mannequin using clothes, accessories, and items from the store.
The design approach used for this project is participatory design, focusing on engaging the community and involving them in the design process. It also incorporates elements of sustainable design by repurposing secondhand items and training center patients to refurbish them, aligning with principles of social and environmental responsibility.
