African print fabric in the context of African communities is a material that is acquired and used according to local customs and traditions but also a product that is increasingly driven and shaped by a global commercial market.
Tracing the history of print fabric and examining local perspectives on its meaning through the Mozambican case study has revealed a pattern of changing consumer demand towards satisfying a more global virtual identity. Although changes throughout time have undoubtedly been part of continuously evolving cultures, it is questionable whether the increasing speed of production and consumption will allow communities to adapt in the same way to find expressions of their cultural identity.
The use of emerging technologies and the potential to design not only products but meaningful processes provide new opportunities in the field of textile design. Designers have the ability to use a mainstream commercial market to circulate meaningful print patterns that impact positively on changing consumer behaviours and counterbalance an increasing commercialisation of material culture. By designing fabrics not merely for consumption but as a means for communities to increase their level of awareness, creativity and ability to communicate amongst each other can be seen as an essential contribution to human well being and sustainable development.
‘Cultural sustainability emphasizes well-being, creativity, diversity and innovation and the role of cultural vitality in communities as part of sustainable development.’ (Stuedahl and Mörtberg, 2012:110)
Rather than defining clearly emerging problems and solutions, this project has put forward suggestions to design for cultural integration and has pointed out the potential for design to inspire the preservation and re-creation of living heritage practices. It has sought to provide a fertile ground for further discussion and opportunities to exchange ideas, thoughts and insights.
How to participate
To share ideas and thoughts on supporting cultural sustainability through the design of African print fabrics, users of this website are encouraged to get involved and participate…continue reading
Ways forward
African print fabric in the context of African communities is a material that is acquired and used according to local customs and traditions but also a product that is increasingly driven and shaped by a global commercial market.
Tracing the history of print fabric and examining local perspectives on its meaning through the Mozambican case study has revealed a pattern of changing consumer demand towards satisfying a more global virtual identity. Although changes throughout time have undoubtedly been part of continuously evolving cultures, it is questionable whether the increasing speed of production and consumption will allow communities to adapt in the same way to find expressions of their cultural identity.
The use of emerging technologies and the potential to design not only products but meaningful processes provide new opportunities in the field of textile design. Designers have the ability to use a mainstream commercial market to circulate meaningful print patterns that impact positively on changing consumer behaviours and counterbalance an increasing commercialisation of material culture. By designing fabrics not merely for consumption but as a means for communities to increase their level of awareness, creativity and ability to communicate amongst each other can be seen as an essential contribution to human well being and sustainable development.
‘Cultural sustainability emphasizes well-being, creativity, diversity and innovation and the role of cultural vitality in communities as part of sustainable development.’ (Stuedahl and Mörtberg, 2012:110)
Rather than defining clearly emerging problems and solutions, this project has put forward suggestions to design for cultural integration and has pointed out the potential for design to inspire the preservation and re-creation of living heritage practices. It has sought to provide a fertile ground for further discussion and opportunities to exchange ideas, thoughts and insights.
How to participate
To share ideas and thoughts on supporting cultural sustainability through the design of African print fabrics, users of this website are encouraged to get involved and participate…continue reading
Bibliography
Acknowledgements