The Crescentia cujete (or ‘cuieira’ tree) has coexisted with humans for more than five thousand years. It was not domesticated for food or medicinal purposes, but because it produces objects: its fruits become ‘cuias’—lightweight, durable vessels common in many Latin American countries. In this workshop, participants will get to know this remarkable species and experiment with what it means to design with a tree rather than simply using it as a resource. 

The workshop will be divided into the following moments:
— introduction of participants, facilitator, and the tree;
— presentation of the Cuia Colab project (trees, artisans, Amazon Forest context) followed by a discussion on topics such as: multispecies design, pluriversal design, situated biodesign, ancestral knowledge, relational design;
— presentation of the assignment and collective ideation;
— development of the assignment, including hands-on experimentation;
— outcome sharing, exchange of ideas and collective documentation.

 Throughout the workshop, participants will not only explore the material qualities, but also intervene in and transform the ‘cuias de Santarém’—traditional Amazonian objects crafted by skilled artisans.

Andrea Bandoni is a Brazilian designer and educator, currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Lisbon, researching the connections between the Amazon Forest and biodesign. She believes design has to add something relevant to our saturated world, being a creative force for environmental and social change.