Slow Local Open Connected – Designing regional and small-scale manufacturing processes

Based on the SLOC paradigm (Small Local Open Connected) by Ezio Manzini, we researched alternative design and manufacturing methods in the context of current transformation processes: International supply chains are disintegrating due to multiplying crises. Conventional business models and production methods are not only becoming more expensive, but are increasingly being evaluated on the basis of criteria such as resource efficiency, common good and manageable supply chains.

The initial focus was on analysing existing networks and production sites such as open workshops, small and medium-sized enterprises, fab labs, makerspaces and craft workshops. The next step was to develop designs for products that are no longer manufactured in outsourced and anonymous production facilities, but are open source, adaptable and locally produced and distributed within small communities or manufacturing networks.

Field Trips: Beta Konferenz – Weißwasser 
UMPRUM, Robot Lab, Kunsthalle, Prusa – Prague
EOOS Next, MAK Design Lab, Design in Gesellschaft – Vienna

Individual field trips: Studio U&N Jahnsdorf, Paul Uebel Wirk- und Strickwaren Limbach-Oberfrohna, Meisterinstrumente Kroning Chemnitz, Holzkombinat Chemnitz, Holzkistenfabrik Zschopau, Umtec Halle, Jakob Winter, Formteile & Koffer Marienberg, Marions Strickmaschinen Chemnitz, Weberei Kreißig & Sohn St. Egidien, Reifen Recycling Schkopau, Glasbläserei Axel Rohmer Leipzig, Metalldrückerei Pusch Leipzig, ZOM Oberflächenbearbeitung Magdeburg, Schwarzmeier Raumausstattung Arnsdorf, Deutsche Werkstätten Hellerau, Blaudruckwerkstatt Pulsnitz

Guests: Gerhard Zschau – Kiep it Real, Andi Wagner – BURG Material, Martin Büdel – Designhaus Halle, Eva Howitz – lokaltextil, Martin Patze – Photo shoot

Students: Emma Brix, Johanna Eger, Mareike Galle, Camille von Gerkan, Friedrich Gerlach, Max Greiner, Claus Hahn, Marvin Kasper, Emil Löber, Magdalena Meißner, Benjamin Neubauer, Sophia Reißenweber, Lion Sanguinette, Rosalie Schmuck, Sol Song, Jonathan Stein, Catherina Stuckmann, Cornelius Thomas, Marie-Luise Trabandt, Chenghan Yuan