Das Handwerk der Zukunft (The Trades of the Future) is the title of a
book∗ by Christine Ax, our discussion partner in the following interview,
and defining this concept was perhaps the most ambitious phase
in researching the examples compiled in this volume.
The future we had in mind, however, was one in the sense of innovative
strategies for trades and crafts, which we sought to find in present
practices of exemplary initiatives and enterprises in Europe. We have
chosen solutions that have in a striking way proven their effectiveness
over many years, but at the same time we are also showcasing outstanding
prototypes: we are tracing visions of the future that have just begun
to manifest themselves and reporting on small projects whose concepts
could prove inspiring to many sectors and regions.