The Origem Comum initiative is a natural progression of The Home Project Design Studio’s work. Since 2004 we have been working alongside artisans to preserve and develop vernacular practices. This sustained work of permanence and immersion in different territories has taught us a lot about our relationship with the natural landscape, the climate and the people who live in those territories. The knowledge that derives from this relationship goes well beyond the theoretical: it manifests itself in the way things are done, the way surroundings are interpreted and how we attribute meaning and value. The traditional arts express knowledge and perseverance that improve with time. We have learnt a lot from potters, basket-makers, weavers, carpenters, tinsmiths, anthropologists and scientists about technologies, natural materials and their corresponding work processes, as well as their contextualised design and respective market, local economy and inherent respect for nature.

Our journey has taken us throughout Portugal (Cultura Intensiva 2009, Algarve; Projecto TASA, 2010-11, Algarve; Pescarte, 2014, Alentejo; etc.), Spain (Oficis Singulars – Artesania Catalunya, 2008-10, Catalunha), Cape Verde (Kutxi, 2017, CNAD – São Vicente) and the Azores archipelago (2017-19, CRAA). In all these places we have worked in workshops developing skills, tools, services and products, but also with local, regional and state public and private bodies, studying the sector and developing new strategies for market positioning, production and consumption.