FabChallenge 2023 #Bhutan

by claudia simonelli

BHUTAN, Fab Challenge AUG 2023 | Cultural Preservation.

Together with RTA Bhutan & JNW Bhutan Super FabLab, #Fabricademy co-hosted the FabCity Global foundation Challenge tackling the topic of cultural preservation: Future Fabrics - Weaving Technology Into Tradition 💡🧵

During the 5 days of challenge in Thimphu, Bhutan, a group of international and local participants immersed into the local tradition of weaving, learned from the experts, conducted a series of interviews to understand the local needs and necessities of the Bhutanese weavers.

The challenge solutions were oriented towards three main scopes.

  • How can we preserve traditional arts, culture & crafts
  • How do we make art and culture more accessible
  • Can we foster knowledge exchange and upgrade traditional tools?

The group developed:

  • A downloadable digital vector pattern library of bhutanese symbols
  • An educational weaving kit for kids of 5 to 8 years old
  • An assistive solution for the traditional backstrap loom


Learn more about the project at:

Project Developed With the support of RTA Weavers, The Craft Gallery, Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, Green Weaving Centre, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory.

FabChallenge 2023 Cultural Preservation was awarded with the Challenge Experts' Choice Awards 2023.

🏆 We couldn't be happier to win this #Fab23Bhutan Challenge and we invite all to discover, learn more and contribute to our accessible repository, ready to download at GAWA Loom

More updates will be released soon on the development of the project. Stay tuned to find our more on our #Fabricademy social media accounts and on FabCity Foundation and on JNW Bhutan Super FabLab.