Crossing Parallels explores the interaction between the basketry technique of hand coiling and 3D-printing. Both techniques build objects through the same construction principle, laying one filament—whether natural fibre or melted plastic—on top of another. By conducting material research at the crossroads between handicraft and digital craft, this project aims to contribute to a more nuanced definition of craft as collaborative practice.
    This research benefits from the contribution and technical mastery of basket weaver Esmé Hofman and 3D-printing artisan Joris van Tubergen. The goal is to give value to the collaboration beyond the production of the final object, to involve and challenge the knowledge of the craftsmen from the outset, and to encourage creative experimentation between the two techniques and between craft and design.

in collaboration with

Esmé Hofman
basket weaving master

Joris Van Tubergen
3D printing artisan

↑Graduation project, Design Academy Eindhoven, Social Design Master 
Photo ©Design Academy Eindhoven - Ronald Smith

↑Crossing parallels pieces in Esmé Hofman workshop


↑Rotary 3D-printing & coiling process 

Crossing Parallels is built upon an ecosystem of diverse artefacts, ranging from samples and failed experiments to tools and final products. Each element is considered as one intersection of human knowledge. The installation describes the connections between different communities of practice, looking into the entire process to identify and document creative opportunities for further exploration. By mapping discoveries at each stage, this project considers design not as a path towards a single outcome, but as a rich territory for collaborative investigation.

↑Mapping the collaboration


↑Library of failures - extract
Photo ©Lucas Dubois