What natural raw materials are modern designers forgetting about? The {tag:studenci} of Uniwersytet SWPS designed a wool carpet with unique properties and a symbolic message.
Alicja Kryczka's project - a modular carpet made from the wool of Polish mountain sheep - is primarily a reflection on wool in culture. The author has attempted to restore the value of mountain wool, which has exceptional thermal insulation values, and at the same time serves as a carrier of memory, tradition and local craftsmanship.
modular carpet
proj.: Alicja Kryczka
"Prosperity woven from tradition".
The design stage of the work under the title involved experimenting with different methods of working with wool such as felting, knitting and weaving. The result was a series of textile prototypes: a screen, a canopy, curtains, a kilim, a flycloth and insulating rollers.
These objects acted as research tools, allowing an in-depth study of the material and an understanding of its sensory and functional potential
- explains Alicja Kryczka.
fragments of the carpet
proj.: Alicja Kryczka
The final object - a modular carpet - was made from the undyed wool of Polish mountain sheep. The carpet is created from interwoven strips, which can be configured as desired. In addition to its basic function, the strips can be used as a head roll, a back support or a seat in the form of a pouffe.
modular carpet
design: Alicja Kryczka
design with which a relationship is formed
The author emphasizes the essence of the sense of touch, which is active while interacting with the carpet.
Wool, as a sensory material, builds a sense of safety, warmth and comfort, putting the user in a state of attentiveness and tranquility
- adds the author.
carpet fragments - detail
proj.: Alicja Kryczka
Wool not only perfectly regulates temperature, but is also characterized by high resistance to moisture and durability. In addition, its natural color palette, rich in shades of white and deep grays, is also valued.
fragments of the carpet
design: Alicja Kryczka
In Alicja Kryczka's design, the carpet also performs a symbolic function. The author understands the title well-being not as a superficial sense of comfort, but as a deep sensual relationship with the material and the environment. As she points out, design for her is a tool for building a relationship with place, matter and herself.
mockup
proj.: Alicja Kryczka
What's more, the work draws attention to local raw materials that are currently overlooked in design , which allow for sustainable and responsible action. The autoethnographic perspective of the author, who was inspired by her personal family stories related to the Żywiec Beskid and Chęciny, was also significant for the project.
sample - detail
proj.: Alicja Kryczka
The project was made as part of a bachelor's thesis, whose supervisors were Dr. Monika Rosińska and Jolanta Starzak. Other interesting graduation works made at the Faculty of Design at SWPS University were presented at the annual Graduation Show.
