Design 21: Social Design Network

Camboo

A design program to elevate the standards of bamboo artisans in Cambodia.

Jagadha Sivan from World of Good has helped this project, as a very helpful research and resources advisor. She also introduces me to know many different organizations that work with artisans’ communities. Jessie McComb, a programs & new business coordinator from Aid to Artisans, teaches me the whole business process of an oversea design program. I’m also currently working with Heang Sarim, an executive director from Cambodian NTFP Development Organization (CAN-DO), which is an organization works with rural communities of Cambodia live. Bamboo artisans from this organization are actually experiencing my new designs.

Although the Kingdom of Cambodia is rich in natural resources, decades of war and internal conflict have left it one of the world’s poorest countries. The pressures of a fast-growing population contribute to poverty. Because of a lack of education and skills training, people have low capabilities and inadequate employment opportunities. The cycle of poverty, ill health, and high health care costs cripple poor Cambodian families economically.

The Cambodian bamboo artisans from CANDO are producing traditional woven baskets and cotton fabric for local markets. By analyzing the possibilities of the existing materials and craftsmanship, I’m designing a line of products that elevate their existing work into lighting fixtures. The new designs production is providing them a new w...

“CANDO” stands for Cambodian NTFP Development Organization (CAN-DO), which is one of the non-profit organizations I’ve been contacting with. They work with rural communities of Cambodia live in prosperous and dignified condition through sustainable forest resources management, community economic development and promotion of social well-being.

They are basically the group of people I have been working with, and designing for. In order to understand their abilities and crafts clearly, (without visiting there physically) I have asked them to ship me some of their existing products.

And now, I finally got them! These are two of their bamboo baskets and natural dyed fabrics.

“CANDO” stands for Cambodian NTFP Development Organization (CAN-DO), which is one of the non-profit organizations I’ve been contacting with. They work with rural communities of Cambodia live in prosperous and dignified condition through sustainable forest resources management, community economic development and promotion of social well-being.

They are basically the group of people I have been working with, and designing for. In order to understand their abilities and crafts clearly, (without visiting there physically) I have asked them to ship me some of their existing products.

And now, I finally got them! These are two of their bamboo baskets and natural dyed fabrics.

C o r e P r o b l e m Although the Kingdom of Cambodia is rich in natural resources, decades of war and internal conflict have left it one of the world’s poorest countries. The World Bank estimated 35% of the population living under the poverty line in 2004. It is highest in rural areas and lowest in Phnom Phen. While the country’s economy has grown in the last few years, It’ll still take a long time to escape poverty.

The pressures of a fast-growing population contribute to poverty. Because of a lack of education and skills training, people have low capabilities and inadequate employment opportunities. They are insecure, excluded, and vulnerable. Poor health, lack of education, poor infrastructure and low productivity lead to deeper poverty. The cycle of poverty, ill health, and high health care costs cripple poor Cambodian families economically.

T a r g e t a u d i e n c e Producers: low-income bamboo artisan families in Cambodia Buyers: global customers

M i s s i o n • improve the quality of life for struggling low-income families in Cambodia, by investigating the country’s available natural resources, • create opportunities for the production of responsible design products to sell in the global marketplace, • practice production and consumption in a more sustainable manner. • educate consumers about the producers/artisans backgrounds

As I believe, these individuals in Cambodia have their abilities and advantages to create wealth, and to creat...