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India matters: leather from production to co-design

Schaber, F. (2013) India matters: leather from production to co-design. In: Sugiyama, K., Kobayashi, A., Takatera, M., Zhang, J., Shiraishi, M. and Kobayashi, N. (eds.) Consilience and Innovation in Design. Tokyo: International Association of Societies of Design Research. 9784998077633. pp. 5733-5740.

Item Type: Conference Proceedings
Abstract: This investigation of communities working with leather in India is based on case study research consisting of tanners, artisans and entrepreneurs. Beyond the stereotype of a polluting industry where child labour is considered to be rampant, we find approaches to ecologically and socially responsive design. This is informed by a recent survey of the leather trade in India and current interactions with the subcontinent, including a live client project with a partner institution in the United Kingdom. Focusing on a particular material and trade, the research aims to shed light on the contribution of design networks in the transformation of the Indian and British shoe and leather industries, by means of mapping the interactions. We find that designers work with artisan collectives in an effort to remake traditional objects such as footwear and fashion accessories, and, in doing so, stimulating local economies. These makers display entrepreneurial behaviour and are incorporating innovation, collaboration and networking. The paper concludes with a discourse around socially responsive practices that will impact on the production, reception and consumption of design.
Uncontrolled Keywords: India, leather, footwear, socially responsible design, co-design
Subjects: T Technology > TS Manufactures > TS155 Production management. Operations management > TS171.4 Industrial art and design management
T Technology > TS Manufactures > TS990 Footwear
T Technology > TS Manufactures > TS940 Leather industries. Tanning
Creators: Schaber, Friedemann
Editors: Sugiyama, K, Kobayashi, A, Takatera, M, Zhang, J, Shiraishi, M and Kobayashi, N
Publisher: International Association of Societies of Design Research
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > China and Emerging Economies Centre
Research Centres > China and Emerging Economies Centre

Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Design & Photography
Date: August 2013
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 5733-5740
Title of Book: Consilience and Innovation in Design
Event Title: 5th International Congress of International Association of Societies of Design Research (IASDR)
Event Dates: 26-30 August 2013
Place of Publication: Tokyo
Event Location: Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo
Event Type: Conference
Number of Pages: 8
Language: English
ISBN: 9784998077633
Media of Output: Book, USB
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
Related URLs:
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6092

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