Not North

A compass is meant to show us direction. Its needle, physically oriented by ubiquitous earthly forces, points north from wherever we stand – as long as it is not distracted by momentary, stronger forces in its close vicinity. Relative to our current position, a compass indicates an external point of reference, to deduct personal relevant information therefrom.

Inspired by ancient compass objects, we propose to create a crafted compass. Its coming into being is influenced by ornaments and craft traditions meeting here, in the middle of east; their form directs our view. Where it points to and what patterns evolve is the result of their local anchoring, (mostly) invisible local and global forces that influence them, and the personal interpretation of the viewer.

Designers: Irene Posch and Talia Mukmel – Part of the Jerusalem Design Week’s international teams program