African Design Wave. Paradigmi estetici, materici e identità di un sud glocale

Contemporary design shows a constant and deep interest in “other” and “exotic” linguistic, typolo-gical, technological traditions, coming from places that have been little explored, but rich in “nar-ratives” and identities. African production and cultural scenarios, in particular, suggest analyses aimed at breaking down stereotypes, labels and identities, and at re-discussing the relationships between local production processes and global consumption, and between the concepts of “South” and “North” as both physical and symbolic entities. This glocal South has recognizable aesthetic, material and technical profiles, is capable of intervening on global consumption, spreads worldwide by placing itself in mature markets, and reaches appealing positions, without risking to homologate, as it has strong morphological and typological traditions. Hybrid objects, glocalization, and plural narratives meet and participate in the development of productive and multicultural consumption contexts, in which design proves to be a valid vehicle for experimentation and dialogue between cultures, places and traditions that merge in a new model of identity, “human” and ethical space.