Rural Design Exchange with Konstfack University of Art, Crafts and Design - KF Huset
In June 2021, Konstfack University’s Department of Interior Architecture and Furniture Design organised a collaborative project in Klöse to explore interactions between architecture and rural environments. The initiative brought together Ledusjö Timmerhus, invited artists, biologists from Umeå University, local farmers, representatives of the forestry industry and Konstfack students, researchers and teachers. Their objective was to explore and use timber and bio-composites made of rest material from the forest industry and co-design an installation that reestablished a connection between abandoned farms along the Lögde River and the community of Klöse.
Lasting a total of four weeks, the project involved a combination of field studies and construction work. The students resided in KF Huset facilities for two weeks, immersing themselves completely in their studies. The project taught its students traditional timber housing techniques, contemporary design and local cultural production, reconnecting the youth population with local craft techniques and agro-ecological practices specific to the territory. The students were encouraged to engage in dialogue about the ideas of rural architecture and territorial identity, considering what it means to be a part of the rural.
Craftspeople were selected through the Confederation of Villages partnership, which facilitated their participation, including travel arrangements and ongoing support. These craftspeople helped the students achieve their goals of creating a site-specific construction that benefited the Klöse community and generating new ideas surrounding rural architecture. KF Huset also invited an artist-in-residence from another of their programs, who contributed to the students’ understanding of regional art. The Film Academy was invited to document the entire process.
Through this craftspeople exchange, KF Huset and the Confederation of Villages fostered collaboration between local youth, artists and craftspeople, ultimately revitalising the community and its cultural heritage. The project established a lasting appreciation of art, craft and design in its participants, encouraging them to continue connecting with rural environments in meaningful and creative ways.
Funded by the European Union
In June 2021, Konstfack University’s Department of Interior Architecture and Furniture Design organised a collaborative project in Klöse to explore interactions between architecture and rural environments. The initiative brought together Ledusjö Timmerhus, invited artists, biologists from Umeå University, local farmers, representatives of the forestry industry and Konstfack students, researchers and teachers. Their objective was to explore and use timber and bio-composites made of rest material from the forest industry and co-design an installation that reestablished a connection between abandoned farms along the Lögde River and the community of Klöse.
Lasting a total of four weeks, the project involved a combination of field studies and construction work. The students resided in KF Huset facilities for two weeks, immersing themselves completely in their studies. The project taught its students traditional timber housing techniques, contemporary design and local cultural production, reconnecting the youth population with local craft techniques and agro-ecological practices specific to the territory. The students were encouraged to engage in dialogue about the ideas of rural architecture and territorial identity, considering what it means to be a part of the rural.
Craftspeople were selected through the Confederation of Villages partnership, which facilitated their participation, including travel arrangements and ongoing support. These craftspeople helped the students achieve their goals of creating a site-specific construction that benefited the Klöse community and generating new ideas surrounding rural architecture. KF Huset also invited an artist-in-residence from another of their programs, who contributed to the students’ understanding of regional art. The Film Academy was invited to document the entire process.
Through this craftspeople exchange, KF Huset and the Confederation of Villages fostered collaboration between local youth, artists and craftspeople, ultimately revitalising the community and its cultural heritage. The project established a lasting appreciation of art, craft and design in its participants, encouraging them to continue connecting with rural environments in meaningful and creative ways.
Funded by the European Union
