itthon.

DESIGN: Adrienn Kiraly, Balint Szalai / Itthon Studio

Hungary

make me! 2021

Many people leave the city of Ada in Vojvodina, the hometown of Bálint and its effects are being felt on economical and social levels. Meanwhile the possibility is given to bring positive changes with the help of strengthening local values.

With itthon. we intend to broaden the possibilities of craftsmen living there, while relying on the traditions and know-how of small-scale industries. We address low-technology workshops that have accumulated huge experience and expertise, to create a collection of objects together.

Our first collection contains small series of handmade home goods made of natural materials. Like wood that was cut out in the neighbourhood, homegrown cane and clay that’s been the material of pots and cookware for centuries. The collection is inspired by the moderate common sense of peasants’ culture and the colours of the land. The objects combine local values and know-how with the tools of contemporary design, which creates new market opportunities for the community. But more importantly we aim to form a community of object makers. Given that, the creation of a single product may consciously call for the joint work of various workshop.

We are convinced that designers can play a catalytic role through community projects that create positive social impact. Throughout our project we aim to motivate the community to use their artisanal heritage. We want to highlight their opportunities to turn this know-how for their advantage, prospering in a more sustainable future.