What happens when we design for attachment rather than replacement? Research shows that products that evoke strong emotional bonds are more likely to be repaired, maintained and kept—and therefore live longer. Circular economy is about keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible through care, repair and reuse.
From the “Belongings” exhibition at the Design Museum Denmark (January 27 to May 31, 2026)
Allen leads each session as an exploration—of the chairs each apprentice brought with them, of the skills required to tackle each piece, of the self-trust inherent in pursuing an artform. The tangible output belies the bonding that has happened between participants and their products. More than a cohort, the apprentices have created a community for themselves, teeming with possibility and empowerment.