Design and craftsmanship. A reflection on the value of local heritage and the transmission of knowledge

This paper examines key conceptual and practical approaches that have historically defined, and continue to shape, the relationship between design and craftsmanship in the Italian context. It highlights the interplay between design, production processes and innovation capacity, not only in relation to the product itself but also in terms of its connection to the territories from which it originates. The study then addresses the challenge of transmitting saper fare (know-how) and considers how this heritage can evolve, not only in response to new technologies but above all in relation to emerging social and environmental needs. Finally, it presents an educational research project conducted within two undergraduate programmes, in which students engaged with the production systems of two distinct yet comparable regions, both of which use natural plant fibres as their primary raw material.