This research-based design project within the University of the Arts' Integrated Design programme traces the journey from harvesting the material, through the creative and craftbased process, to its presentation at Milan Design Week. At the center of this holistic exploration lies a conscious approach to material, time and provenance.

Over the course of a year, more than 50 students actively harvested, prepared and processed natural materials such as sedges, rushes, willows, silver grass, water lilies or bark. These linear materials are particularly well-suited to textile techniques. In workshops with experienced basket weaving designers/craftspeople, the students learned the basics of textile techniques such as weaving, plaiting, wrapping, coiling, sewing and twisting in three-dimen-sional space. Direct contact and hands-on engagement with the raw materials shape the entire design process. Growth, structure, texture and other material properties become factors that determine the design.

The works range from body–related accessories to furniture and interior objects. ● FARM TO FORM TO FAIR ● makes design processes visible and conceives a space where cultural origin, design and craftsman-ship come together as a narrative.

The exhibition will take place as part of Milan Design Week ALCOVA 2026.

Jens Hansemann

Current courses

Farm to Form to Fair – Textile Practices at the Intersection of Product, Interior & Fashion Desig