Master Thesis Defense: Rezzan Hasoğlu
Artisans in Istanbul: Evaluating Sustainable Solutions for Artisans in threat of disappearing
Rezzan Hasoğlu
VACD, M.Sc. Thesis, 2015
Thesis Jury
Hüseyin Selçuk Artut(Thesis Supervisor), Onur Fatih Yazıcıgil, Ayşe Orlandi, Murat Germen , Zuhal Ulusoy (Substitute Jury)
Date &Time: May,26th, 2015 – 13:00
Place: FASS Art Gallery
Abstract
“Technology” derives from the word “technē” in Greek, which means “craftsmanship.” The suffix “-logy” derives from “logos” which means “to reason.” The meaning of the word “Technology” resides in its roots: a way of knowing by making and crafting. This article aims to find a sustainable solution for the artisans of Istanbul whose story appears to constitute a noteworthy example to a much wider spread, seemingly global, problem: The location of artisans in the city, a failing system of apprenticeship, and the lack of a critical role of artisans within industrial production systems has led the author to a search for solutions regarding the future welfare of their livelihoods. Artisans are professionals who stand outside mass production systems in that they hand-manufacture individual products, mostly through traditional techniques that are handed down from master to apprentice. Designers, on the other hand, are professionals who are the first links of a chain of mass production. Unlike artisans, designers mostly do not directly manufacture their creations themselves but instead develop prototypes / templates that are to be turned into products by others who are the further links of the above the mentioned chain. Yet, craftsmen demonstrate the ability to adapt to new technologies and new procedures. This leads the author to query whether designers, who have formal knowledge (logos), can be an instrument of social / professional change for artisans who have tacit knowledge (technē). Through collaboration between these two seemingly disparate professions, a joint strategy whereby artisans can readapt their traditional handcraft oriented skills towards autonomous unique design processes and small-scale productions may be developed.