Making with… Design Driven Processes to Foster A Better World

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-620-3_13How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Collaborative Design; Design with Nature; Design for Social Innovation

Abstract

The fundamental premise of this approach is based on the concept that relational principles, both in relation to the natural and social worlds, drive design. In this article, we propose to explore these two aspects. The initial section, ‘creating with… non-humans’, considers the more-than-human perspective as a vital framework for rethinking species relations — connecting humans, animals, microorganisms and ecosystems. Through varied perspectives, it calls for new systems of knowledge and ways of life that promote fairer, more sustainable and interconnected bonds between all forms of life, living and non-living. The second section, “making with… people”, explores the social dimension of traditional crafts — particularly weaving and basketry — within an integrative cultural vision. Tracing the origins of craftsmanship in Portugal, it reflects on its historical depth, intercultural exchanges and symbolic resonances. Craftsmanship emerges here as a driver of community cohesion, knowledge transmission and local appreciation, supported by cultural policy and design. To illustrate entrepreneurial initiatives and promotional strategies, we present two case studies that demonstrate the potential of effectively linking design to traditional crafts. They exemplify innovative approaches to fostering collaboration, promoting local development, and improving education, highlighting the central role of design in the sustainability and appreciation of craft practices. In conclusion, the relationship between humans and more-than-humans requires an ethic based on interdependence and coexistence. Design strengthens this integrated vision, serving a pivotal role in promoting and valorising territorial identity. Craftsmanship represents a living cultural heritage, serving to enhance culture and knowledge. New generations and creative professionals are essential to its revitalisation, ensuring memory, identity and sustainable development.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Ana Thudichum Vasconcelos
AU  - Carla Paoliello
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/03/31
TI  - Making with… Design Driven Processes to Foster A Better World
BT  - Proceedings of the ATLAS International Design Conference 2025 (AIDC 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 205
EP  - 217
SN  - 2667-128X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-620-3_13
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-620-3_13
ID  - Vasconcelos2026
ER  -