Fall 2023
Nik Hafermaas, Michael Sans, Rob Ball, Alex Janvier and Roman Gebhard
Sitting around a table, drinking, eating and discussing issues in their village – and the world, usually once a week. This is what theGerman word “Stammtisch” describes. It’s been a tradition for centuries, most and foremost found in small German villages. Belonging to a “Stammtisch” means belonging to a community.
But what does a community in a typical small German village –or elsewhere – look like? Does it still exist? This studio took a closer look at what “belonging to a community” means. Here, it is about traditions, about craftsmanship, about old trades – and most importantly about contributing, sharing, and depending on each other. It’s also about sustainability and long-lasting products, methods and services, all creating a true “together.”
In our world, we are very much connected through social mediaa nd the internet. We build virtual communities all the time. But we are often only connecting via Zoom, TikTok or Instagram. Are we missing an important point?
How can we learn from German traditions? How can this influence our design? How can it influence and maybe change our notion of“together?” How can we give a soul to products or services?
Students were tasked with these questions - and many more -in developing designs within their own “Stammtisch.”