"Woven Hills" is created by the "Răchițele" Team: Haritonova Daria, Homițchi Olga, Istratenco Elena, Matei Ana, Proscurina Daria (students at the Technical University of Moldova, Industrial and Product Design); Mihai Stamati (project curator, Industrial Designer) and is presented as part of the Romanian Design Week with the support of Artcor.
“Coline țesute” (Woven Hills) is an artistic and functional installation that brings to the forefront the shared cultural identity of Moldova and Romania by reinterpreting the traditional craft of carpet weaving through the lens of contemporary design. This project seamlessly blends natural elements, inspired by the country’s gentle landscapes, with the industrial aspects of design, offering visitors a space for rest, meditation, and creative interaction.
In our culture, carpet weaving is a profound symbol of identity, with Moldovan homes having always been adorned with these richly meaningful works of art. The project reimagines this tradition through a modern visual language, using perforated metal as the warp and intertwining wool threads, leather strips, and other textiles to recreate the decorative motifs of traditional carpets. At the same time, the shape of the installation draws inspiration from Moldova’s rolling hills and the fact that Chișinău is built on seven hills, forming a bridge between nature and the industrial structures of the installation.
Our space is composed of modular elements that can be reconfigured in various ways, making the installation not just a static object but a flexible composition that adapts to different locations and contexts. Each module consists of a metal frame and perforated metal sheets, providing both structural support and an ideal surface for weaving. This approach allows for the recreation of traditional motifs while also leaving room for new interpretations.
By weaving threads directly into the metal perforations, we use fibers of varying thicknesses, textures, and colors. In certain areas, the threads remain loose, inviting visitors to engage in the continuous completion of the installation. They can tie a knot, weave their own pattern, and leave a personal mark on this collective work, symbolizing the continuity of tradition in a modern setting.
“Woven Hills” is not merely an exhibition piece—it is an immersive experience. Visitors are encouraged to sit or even recline on the modules, transforming the installation into a place of relaxation and contemplation. At the same time, they can interact directly with the textile threads, experimenting with the art of weaving and actively contributing to the evolving design. This interaction symbolizes how each generation plays a role in preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage. In this way, the exhibition becomes a living space where tradition and modernity coexist in a continuous dialogue.
"Woven Hills" is part of RDW Design Flags.