Psychological research shows that handicraft activities have a prophylactic effect, protecting against
stress and environmental harm. Creating with our hands is a form of knowledge that has recently
been gaining increasing importance. The brand Wood Like was dreamt up by six collaborating
partners with the aim of communicating the joy and beauty of working with wood in every possible
way.
The Wood Like programme debuted at Construma - Home Design exhibition in April 2016 with a large-scale, modular and spectacular exhibition stand designed by the Institute of Architecture at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design using a crate system of plywood and galvanized metal elements manufactured by Nyír-Demonich Zrt. On closer inspection, Wood Like is not merely an exhibition stand, but rather a well-equipped workshop space and a series of Do-It-Yourself workshop sessions where lay people had the opportunity to create design objects under the guidance of professionals.
Inspired by its great success, Wood Like was relaunched in September 2016 as part of Design Week. During the course, participants had the opportunity to create their own unique wooden storage items and take home all kinds of "storage boxes" they created.
In 2017, the organisers added up-to-date content to the brand, and put it at the service of promoting vocational training, a key focus of Construma. To make woodworking and furniture making more attractive, the Wood Like logo was used to present a spectacular installation and workshops, especially to young people about to choose a career, along with their parents and those attracted by the beauty of working with wood.
The stand's spectacular workshops featured ongoing professional demonstrations by high school students, engaging the onlooking audience in the world of handicrafts. Visitors were able to join in hands-on activities and take their creations home, while the similarly ongoing WordSkills demonstrations gave a taste of the skills of students who had achieved international success. In addition, a mini exhibition showcased the graduation projects of Budapest-based vocational schools and technical colleges for the general audience.
The organisers are not thinking in terms of a pop-up campaign, but rather of a brand that is sustainable in the long term, and which is updated from time to time with topical content. One ingredient is definitely a constant: wood, beloved by all.
