Woven Narratives: Immersive Rugs (WNIR)

The message of the project

Woven Narratives: Immersive Rugs (WNIR) is a visionary project that seamlessly combines the age-old artistry of rug-making with the digital era, igniting captivating aesthetic experiences within contemporary interiors. Anchored in four core principles—preserving cultural heritage, championing sustainability, harnessing digital innovation, and elevating everyday aesthetics—WNIR embarks on a mission to resurrect the ancient narratives woven into Anatolian rug patterns, creating spaces where cultural heritage thrives anew. Through a meticulous blend of tradition and technology, WNIR not only safeguards Anatolia's cultural legacy but also forges connections to European cultures through abstract symbolism. The project's sustainability ethos is equally profound, utilizing recycled, locally sourced yarns within Europe and fostering a zero-waste production system. By imbuing each rug with emotional resonance, WNIR extends their lifespan, transforming them from mere furnishings into cherished elements of daily life. This innovative fusion of artisanal design and creative technology positions WNIR at the vanguard, offering not just rugs but immersive encounters that enrich the aesthetic fabric of contemporary living spaces—a beacon of cultural preservation, sustainable ingenuity, and everyday aesthetic enrichment in a rapidly evolving world.

The idea behind the project

Dila, a Turkish textile designer deeply immersed in the world of Anatolian craft and weaving, finds her inspiration rooted in the captivating narratives concealed within the intricate patterns of Anatolian rugs. Her unwavering passion for these cultural treasures drives her to explore innovative ways of retelling these hidden stories. As a visionary in the realm of interactive textiles, Dila believes that sensory experiences can amplify the aesthetic journey, making it not just visual but tactile and auditory, enriching the very essence of these rugs.

In collaboration with her project partner, Vincenzo, a dedicated sound artist with an affinity for cultural stories, sounds, and the magic of storytelling through soundscapes, they embark on an extraordinary creative journey. Together, they weave their passions into a harmonious symphony, using touch and sound interactions to breathe new life into the Anatolian rug patterns. Their project, Woven Narratives: Immersive Rugs (WNIR), transcends the boundaries of tradition and technology, safeguarding Anatolia's cultural heritage while inviting individuals to immerse themselves in these tales through tactile and auditory encounters. With Dila's expertise in textiles and Vincenzo's mastery in soundscapes, they transform these rugs into living, breathing repositories of history, offering a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary, bridging the past and present in a truly mesmerising way.

What next?

During their time in the WORTH partnership, Dila and Vincenzo will diligently focus on perfecting the art of immersive storytelling through rug patterns, using the sense of touch to trigger intricate auditory interactions. Their pioneering efforts will lead them to explore advanced weaving techniques, ensuring that these rugs can seamlessly incorporate electronics while seamlessly integrating soft e-textiles into the fabric of rug-making. As they look beyond the partnership, Dila and Vincenzo's vision extends towards a thriving business plan. Their aspirations include fostering collaborations with women weavers' corporations in Turkey, promoting the participation of underrepresented communities in the workforce. Their immersive rugs, poised at the intersection of furniture for home decoration and interactive home devices, will find a home among a curious audience of individuals and families passionate about innovation and tradition. Through their pioneering work, they seek to not only preserve Anatolian cultural heritage but also redefine the way we interact with our living spaces, weaving a rich tapestry of history and modernity into the very fabric of everyday life.