Discover Peace Industry’s Reversible Softblock Rug: A Sustainable Blend of Tradition and Modern Design
Peace Industry has launched a colorful reversible rug called the Softblock. This rug uses an endangered Iranian felting technique known as namad. It features a unique pattern on each side and is made from 100% raw lamb’s wool. This method is becoming rare due to the rise in popularity of knotted rugs.
Founded in 2002 by Melina and Dodd Raissnia, Peace Industry aims to preserve the art of felt-making. They set up a workshop near Esfahan, Iran, where local artisans create these rugs. Half of the workers are hearing-impaired, helping to provide them with sustainable employment.
Namad is the oldest rug-making technique and has declined in quality and popularity over the years. Dodd Raissnia stated that their high-quality rugs blend ancient techniques with modern designs to counter this trend. The process involves layering loose wool over a pattern made from dyed yarn. Boiling water is applied, and the rug is then rolled and kneaded to compress the fibers.
Peace Industry uses natural vegetable dyes for coloring, avoiding any chemical processes. The Softblock rug is versatile; one side features colored bands merging together, while the other side displays a large red rectangle.
How does Peace Industry ensure sustainability in the production of their rugs?
Interview with Dodd Raissnia of Peace Industry on the Launch of the Softblock Rug
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dodd. Peace Industry has just launched a new product, the Softblock rug. Can you tell us what makes this rug special?
Dodd Raissnia: Thank you for having me. The Softblock rug is truly unique, as it utilizes a rare and endangered felting technique known as namad. Namad is the oldest rug-making technique, and it’s becoming increasingly rare due to the rise in popularity of knotted rugs. Each side of the Softblock features a different design, showcasing a colorful band pattern on one side and a bold red rectangle on the other.
Interviewer: Interesting! What can you tell us about the materials used for the Softblock?
Dodd Raissnia: The Softblock is made from 100% raw lamb’s wool, and we employ natural vegetable dyes in our coloring process. This means there are no chemicals involved, making our rugs not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. The wool is sourced from local suppliers, and we’re proud to support sustainable practices.
Interviewer: Your commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials. Can you explain how your workshop in Iran contributes to this mission?
Dodd Raissnia: Absolutely. We established our workshop near Esfahan, Iran, with the goal of preserving the art of felt-making. We employ local artisans, with about half of our workforce being hearing-impaired. This initiative provides them with sustainable employment while also ensuring the continuation of this ancient craft.
Interviewer: You mentioned that the namad technique is declining in quality and popularity. How does Peace Industry address this?
Dodd Raissnia: We focus on high-quality production by blending ancient techniques with modern designs. The process involves layering loose wool over a dye-patterned base, using boiling water, and then rolling and kneading the rug to compress the fibers effectively. By maintaining this high standard, we strive to counteract the decline of namad and showcase its value.
Interviewer: The Softblock rug seems quite versatile. What are its practical advantages?
Dodd Raissnia: Yes, the Softblock is designed to be both stylistically and practically advantageous. It’s durable and low-maintenance, offering customers two looks in one rug. Felt has wonderful properties too; it’s naturally non-absorbent, stain-resistant, and fire-resistant. Also, the material is effective at dampening sound, which can greatly enhance acoustics in a room.
Interviewer: Lastly, the Softblock rug has been shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards 2024. What does this recognition mean for Peace Industry?
Dodd Raissnia: Being shortlisted is a tremendous honor for us. It highlights our dedication to design innovation and cultural preservation. We hope this recognition will bring more attention to the art of felting and encourage others to appreciate and support traditional craftsmanship.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dodd. We look forward to seeing how the Softblock rug performs in the marketplace.
Dodd Raissnia: Thank you! We appreciate your interest in our work.
This double-sided design makes the rug durable and low-maintenance. Raissnia commented on the benefits of its reversible nature, allowing customers to change the look of their space easily.
The Softblock rug also provides practical advantages. Felt is naturally non-absorbent, stain-resistant, and fire-resistant. It can dampen sound, enhancing acoustics in a room.
This rug has been shortlisted for the textile design category in the Dezeen Awards 2024, alongside other innovative design projects.