Craftsmanship today is much more than just making unique products, it is also a statement about quality, sustainability and respect for the environment. The reassessment of traditional production methods and materials underlines the relevance of age-old techniques in addressing the challenges of mass production and environmental issues. Moreover, craftsmanship - at a time when everything must move faster and faster - is a call for patience and restraint. Craftsmanship is not just a trend; it is essential for the future and is alive and kicking in Bokrijk.
The Bokrijk open-air museum in Limburg reminds us that everything used to be created and sourced locally. With today’s ever-increasing focus on sustainable materials and techniques, this approach is more relevant than ever. Bokrijk shows how craft skills, local production and historical knowledge inspire contemporary innovations in design and production on an international level.
Moreover, the Open Air Museum is accredited by UNESCO as an expert organisation on intangible cultural heritage. This accreditation is an important recognition of the museum's efforts to preserve, enhance and evolve craftsmanship and heritage. The status allows Bokrijk to act as an adviser and service provider on a local, national and international level, playing an essential role in future-proofing intangible cultural heritage.
Besides the nationally recognised Open Air Museum, Bokrijk is also home to the national service role ‘Craftsmanship & Heritage’, a platform for historical and contemporary craftsmanship in Flanders. This platform is the point of contact for anyone in the broad heritage sector and conducts research on topics such as historic restoration techniques.
In addition, Bokrijk is also home to VAKlab, the operation that links craftsmanship with entrepreneurship and innovation. VAKlab exploits Bokrijk's expertise on craftsmanship, shares this with its community and beyond, and uses the knowledge to come up with innovative solutions. The pavilion and objects presented in Milan are a modern interpretation of traditional craftsmanship and align with Bokrijk's mission not only to preserve craftsmanship, but also to evolve and apply it in a contemporary context.
Bokrijk is a major tourist attraction in the province of Limburg. Limburg is a dynamic and innovative region where tradition, design and craftsmanship go hand in hand with new techniques and technologies. Local design studios, craft workshops, internationally renowned manufacturing companies, as well as new business parks, innovative campuses and spatial master plans make Limburg a unique environment for product development, thanks to its excellent location and accessibility in Europe.