Archeo Design - La cura
Innovative design products inspired by archaeological artefacts
Description
The second edition of Archeo Design is a project of research, begun in 2022, which is part of the more extensive collaboration between the National Museums of Perugia - Regional Direction of Museums Umbria, in particular the National Archaeological Museum, and the Academy of Fine Arts “Pietro Vannucci” of Perugia.
Archeo Design was born as a project methodology that connects the discipline of design with archaeology. The contemporary design becomes a tool for re-interpreting ancient culture to stimulate new reflections. In fact, the deeper study of the past offers the opportunity to outline the contours of a more sustainable future, not only from an environmental point of view, but also and above all from a human and cultural one.
After the first edition dedicated to the study of the Etruscan banquet, the students of the 1st Level Academic Diploma in Design at ABA Perugia this year are confronting the rituals and tools dedicated to body care, another fundamental aspect of ancient culture.
The Etruscan civilisation was known for its elegance and refined tastes: women and men alike paid great attention to their physical appearance, an expression of ‘decorum’ understood as awareness of one’s own worth, especially in old age.
Through the study of objects and gestures of care, the Etruscans tell us the importance of recovering a deeper connection with our being, with our inner rhythm and its nature. In the mirror of the past, we can in fact find an invitation to improve our present, particularly with ever-increasing life expectancy.
In the culture of Etruscan cosmetics and skincare, the use of natural raw materials, vegetal cosmetics - today we would say vegan -, solid and biodegradable detergents to increase the biocompatibility of the most sensitive skins, refillable ‘refill’ containers and reusable tools to reduce environmental impact is extremely topical.
Among the products created by the young designers, in collaboration with craftsmen and manufacturers, we find perfumers to accompany moments of care, designed to enhance the ritual aspect of using fragrances, as well as massage sets to share moments of relaxation and exchange with other people.
The beauty-cases designed by the students for the contemporary home, as in the ancient one, become furnishing objects with which to display and no longer hide the instruments of care.Finally, small accessories and complements, to be worn or displayed as modern amulets, combine functionality with the decorative aspect.
Through these projects that reinterpret the past, in the hustle and bustle of our everyday life, design invites us to recover slow and conscious rhythms of life, more in tune with those of nature, for an authentic connection with ourselves and a more sustainable, long-term lifestyle.
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