What do we do?

We recognize that fairly recent European interiors are rapidly disappearing due to fashion-driven rigorous renewal and a lacking sense of cultural continuity, especially for interiors of the post-war period, in particular the 1970s and 1980s. Not only does this threaten a sense of local ‘belonging’, but it also conflicts with a sound use of resources and an increasing awareness of sustainability. Revintage aims to understand the dynamics of 1970s and 1980s European interiors by looking into local case studies, uncovering a network of local stakeholders, and identifying practices of care and destruction that impact a part of our daily life and communicating this to an interested group of learners on VET level. We will be looking into aspects of design, but most of all we focus on recognizability, use, a sense of belonging and cultural continuity. This project is a mapping/quick scan that could prepare for a more extensive collaborative project with multiple partners but with its own usable results. It should help to clarify and define the ‘problem’ of reflexive interior renewal, but mainly how to bring this to the relevant target group. Output of this research will be:

  • A description of Interiors as cultural heritage. What is the life cycle of ‘living’ interiors to becoming cultural heritage and what phases can be identified that have an impact on these interiors? What are general tendencies, and what are specific influences on this part of our culture, either pan-European or local.
  • A mapping of the network. What is the network around post-war interiors in the broadest sense and how do groups in this network impact the life-cycle of the interiors mentioned?
  • An investigation involving the relevant players in the VET sector. This includes both the training courses in the field of construction and craftsmanship as well as in the field of restoration. What is happening already and what is needed?
  • A structured merging of the above. Bringing together knowledge and needs. What could be the role of the VET sector and heritage institutions in preserving interiors? Researching the resources and collections of a selection of educational institutes, museums, archives, and national sectoral institutes.
  • Finding ways to effectively and inclusively share the outcomes with the players involved, using their input in a meaningful way, providing high-quality learning opportunities.
  • Making a European-wide curriculum description for the VET institutions consisting of a structured set of knowledge, skills and competences at the appropriate EQF level.