Karwan. Textile object/carpeture

Abstract

My master’s thesis „Karwan“ combines traditional craftsmanship, modern technologies, and sustainable design methods into a hybrid object that bridges the gap between carpet and furniture. Inspired by my cultural heritage and an analysis of various seating cultures, I developed a concept that transforms 2D carpets into 3D seating furniture. The starting point was the exploration of historical floor-sitting traditions and their evolution through industrialization, ergonomic standards, and developments in craftsmanship. Complemented by interviews with craft businesses in Switzerland, Italy, and Tunisia, I analyzed the interplay between tradition and innovation in the design process. My theoretical work examined the development of craftsmanship in the Arab world and its relevance for modern, sustainable production methods. The practical outcome of this research is a prototype: an inflatable wool carpet enriched with cultural symbolism through natural dyes and patterns. The patterns, inspired by Tunisian carpets, blend traditional elements with minimalist, modern designs. My project proposes a new product category, „Textile Object/Carpeture,“ which integrates functionality, aesthetics, and cultural values while offering innovative approaches to modernizing traditional techniques.