Chapter 1
Media Concept:
Media explores how contemporary Russian designers are reinterpreting traditional forms, materials, crafts, and other visual motifs in modern design.
Primary Goal:
To develop an understanding of the Russian cultural code as a relevant source of ideas for contemporary product design, while also re-examining stereotypical perceptions of Russian art.
Tasks:
— Introduce students to contemporary Russian designers, brands, and workshops
— Explore the connection between historical sites and modern design solutions
— Popularize local brands and independent designers.
The main theme, the overarching narrative thread within the media:
Contemporary Russian product design rooted in the interpretation of Russian cultural heritage.
Design Disciplines:
— Product and Industrial Design
— Furniture and Interior Design
— Architecture and Spatial Design
— Fashion and Apparel Design
— Textile Design
— Jewelry Design and Accessories
— Contemporary Applied ArtsCultural Disciplines:
— Folk Crafts and Artisanal Techniques
— Russian Architecture and Timber Construction
— Ornamentation
— Traditional Costume and National Fashion
— Russian Applied Arts
Tone of voice
We use relevant industry design language, fact-check our content, and explain complex cultural phenomena in simple terms.
Chapter 2
Categories:
Publication cadence:
Primary Platform: Telegram
- Static cards (3–4 times per week)
- Short videos (1–2 times per week)
- Video material (1 time per month)
All material is duplicated in the VK community for individuals who find that platform more comfortable.
Half-Year Thematic Plan.
Period: November 1, 2026 — April 30, 2027
The thematic plan encompasses product and industrial design, architecture, interior design, fashion, textiles, jewelry, and contemporary applied arts. The primary focus is on Russian designers, local production, and modern interpretations of cultural heritage.
Publications are grouped into weekly thematic blocks. Current news and cultural happenings are curated independently of the weekly theme, as their content is usually driven by timely events.
November. Everyday Objects and Daily Culture.
In November, the focus shifts to traditional items of Russian daily life and their contemporary reinterpretations. Topics covered include furniture, tableware, storage systems, household tools, and decorative objects.
Thematic Weeks:November 1–7. History of wooden benches, chests, and traditional household furniture. Comparing historical structures with contemporary furniture and storage systems. Introduction to Russian furniture designers who utilize traditional forms and materials.November 8–14. The history of spinning wheels, yoke carts, and other domestic tools. Investigating their construction, function, and potential interpretations in contemporary product design.November 15–21. The history of samovars, wooden, and ceramic tableware. Modern tableware collections, artisanal ceramics, and design objects connected to the traditions of Russian dining.November 22–28. Wood carving, birch bark, and willow weaving. Contemporary workshops and designers employing traditional techniques to create furniture, accessories, and interior decor.November 29–December 5. The history of folk toys and traditional methods of decorating household items. Modern collectible sculpture and decorative arts.Podcast Topic: «When Craft Becomes Design?». Discussion of the differences between traditional craftsmanship, contemporary product design, and applied arts
December. Traditional Materials, Textiles, and Festive Culture.
December is dedicated to historical methods of working with textiles, decorative objects, and elements of traditional holiday costumes. While some publications relate to winter cultural practices, the main focus remains on design history and contemporary artist projects.
Thematic Weeks:December 6–12. The history of Russian shawls, felting, and textile production. Contemporary clothing and interior textile collections that utilize traditional materials and technologies.December 13–19. The history of Christmas ornaments and decorative embellishments in Russia. Modern designer collections of glass, ceramic, and textile decorations.December 20–26. Traditional headwear, embroidery, and decorative elements in clothing. An exploration of their application in contemporary fashion collections and accessory design.December 27 — January 2. The history of fur coats, scarves, and traditional methods of insulating clothing. A comparison of historical silhouettes with modern outerwear design.Podcast Topic: «Why are contemporary designers returning to traditional crafts?» A discussion on cultural heritage as a source of materials, technologies, and design solutions.
January. Architecture, Furniture, and Space Organization.
The January module is dedicated to traditional Russian architecture and its influence on contemporary interior design. The topics covered include wooden architecture, structural solutions, residential space design, interior ceramics, and lighting.
Thematic Weeks:
January 3–9. Traditional housing structures, the role of the stove, zoning features, and built-in furniture. Contemporary architectural and interior projects that utilize comparable spatial and structural solutions.
January 10–16. Traditional wooden structures, carved window casings, and architectural decor. Their interpretations in modern architecture, furniture, and interior objects.
January 17–23. The history of Russian tiles, stove ceramics, and decorative interior finishes. Modern tile collections, ceramic panels, and bespoke interior design.
January 24–30. Historical lighting fixtures and their evolution. Contemporary Russian lighting design—working with materials, form, and lighting organization.
January 31 — February 6. Arches, vaults, wooden ceilings, and other historical constructions. Their application in contemporary architectural and object design.
Podcast Topic: «How to work with historical heritage in modern interiors?». A discussion of architectural references, reconstructions, and the adaptation of traditional solutions to modern spaces.
February. Industrial Design and Construction.
February is dedicated to the development of industrial design in Russia, historical manufacturing technologies, and constructive principles. We will examine metal objects, industrial furniture, Constructivism, Soviet object design, and contemporary experimental production.
Thematic Weeks:
February 7–13.History of art casting and metal household objects. Contemporary metal objects, designer furniture, and decorative items.February 14–20.
The influence of Constructivism and Russian Avant-Garde on architecture and industrial design. Contemporary furniture, lighting fixtures, and spatial solutions that employ constructive and geometric principles.February 21–27.
History of mass production of furniture, household appliances, and everyday items. Contemporary projects that reinterpret Soviet object aesthetics.February 28–March 6.
Historical technologies of glass and stone carving. Contemporary design objects, experimental materials, and authorial finishing methods.Podcast Topic: «Soviet Industrial Design and Its Influence on Contemporary Projects.»
Discussion of the material heritage of the Soviet period, mass production, and the modern interpretation of historical forms.
March. Fashion, Textiles, and Jewelry.
In March, we explore the influence of historical Russian costume, traditional decorative techniques, and jewelry forms on contemporary clothing and accessory collections. The focus is on construction, materials, ornamentation, and original interpretations.
