A labour of love

A Labour of Love, a 448-page publication by design curators and authors Lidewij Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano. The book's title refers to craftsmanship as an alternative form of pride and fulfilment. It comes at a unique time in history when principles are evolving and a more mindful, altruistic approach is needed in design and manufacturing. Divided into 12 themes that reflect current materials and techniques, this bold book introduces the new makers in contemporary design, previewing a future of responsible production, circular thinking, ethical practice and organic aesthetics. It offers insight into how designers are giving shape to materials and process, from reviving the loom and recycling waste to social inclusion and growing matter. Their conscious philosophies will change our world with careful and considered choices that can ultimately reconnect us to nature and guide us towards a better tomorrow. As Edelkoort observes "People know they need to slow down the pace of overconsumption and overproduction; otherwise our planet will be lost. The creative world gains insight and invents systems where values shift and design plays an activist role, developing ideas about sharing between designer and the worker, designer and the underprivileged, designer and the amateur, designer and the designer... This new era gives hope for other ways of perceiving what is considered success, renown and profit. Here, capital is strictly human." Exhibition: part of Lille Métropole 2020, World Design Capital: Gare Saint Sauveur, Lille, France (09.09.-08.11.2020).