Equity-centered design, bridging communities and craft with Zinzi de Brouwer
Welcome to a new episode of Maker Stories.
As someone who grew up between these two cultures, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersections of community, creativity, and well-being. Zinzi de Brouwer brings a unique perspective, shaped by her experiences working with Indigenous and artisanal communities. Particularly, the Tsonga women in Mozambique, to foster design processes that focus on equity, restoration, and collective wisdom, instead of the dominant Western model.
In our conversation, we dig deep into the importance of caring for yourself and your community, and what it really means to decolonize design. We talk about the challenges, the triumphs, and the often-overlooked wisdom of Indigenous practices. Together, we question new trends like “regeneration,” and consider how these so-called innovations are rooted in ancient ways of living.
Join me for this heartfelt discussion about designing not just products, but human ecosystems, and how creative work can truly become a force for justice and collective liberation.
Want to know more about the designer:
Zinzi de Brouwer is founder of Studio Palha, an equity-centred community design studio based in Mozambique and the Netherlands. In which artisanal communities of the Global South take the central stage in bridging craft and design to form new fashion narratives.
More info:
www.instagram.com/zinzidebrouwer/
studio-palha.com/
De designers en ik zouden het geweldig vinden als je deze podcast steunt door de podcast te delen en de like op het platform waarop je luistert.
Wil jij meer makers stories horen of weten wat Design platform Rotterdam allemaal te bieden heeft. Neem dan een kijkje op de website van Design platfrom Rotterdam
CREDITS:
Host: Yophi Ignacia
Platform: Design Platform Rotterdam
Productie + montage (intro/outro): Kisha Canwood
Artwork: A.J. Mets
___________________
The designers and I would love it if you supported this podcast by sharing it and liking it on the platform you are listening to.
Do you want to hear more maker stories or find out what Design Platform Rotterdam has to offer? Then take a look at the Design Platform Rotterdam website.
CREDITS:
Host: Yophi Ignacia
Platform: Design Platform Rotterdam
Productie + montage (intro/outro): Kisha Canwood
Artwork: A.J. Mets
Maker Stories
Stap achter de schermen van design met Designplatform Rotterdam. Dit gaat niet over gepolijste eindproducten, het gaat om de rommelige, spannende en eerlijke reis van het maken. Van doorbraken tot twijfels, van experimenten tot mislukkingen, hoor hoe ideeën vorm krijgen, botsen en zich ontwikkelen.
Curator zeitgeist Yophi Ignacia spreekt met ontwerpers van nu over identiteit, technologie, duurzaamheid, gemeenschap en meer. Elke aflevering biedt nieuwe perspectieven: collectief werken, co-creatie, digitale innovatie, regeneratief design, storytelling en maatschappelijke impact.
Met stemmen variërend van opkomende makers tot gevestigde namen, biedt Maker Stories een zeldzaam kijkje achter de schermen van design als een levend, voortdurend proces. Laat je inspireren, verrassen en uitdagen en ontdek wat er écht nodig is om iets te maken dat ertoe doet.
Step behind the scenes of design with Designplatform Rotterdam. This isn’t about polished final products, it’s about the messy, thrilling, and honest journey of making. From breakthroughs to doubts, experiments to failures, hear how ideas take shape, clash, and evolve.
Join curator zeitgeist Yophi Ignacia as she talks with today’s designers about identity, technology, sustainability, community, and more. Each episode brings fresh perspectives: collective work, co-creation, digital innovation, regenerative design, storytelling, and social impact.
With voices ranging from emerging makers to established names, Maker Stories offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at design as a living, evolving process. Be inspired, surprised, and challenged and see what it really takes to make something that matters.