Introduction
Did you know the Alps hold a hidden textile heritage—rich, diverse, and deeply connected to circular practices?
Through the AlpTextyles project, this MOOC invites you to explore the living textile heritage of the Alpine region. You’ll discover how historical techniques, aesthetic traditions, mapping strategies, and the digitalization of archives can be reactivated to support sustainable innovation, local economies, and institutional development.
Welcome to a journey where fibres tell stories—and sustainability meets culture.
Target group
This course is designed for a diverse audience interested in textiles, sustainability, and cultural heritage in the Alpine context, including:
- Students and educators in design, fashion, textiles, heritage studies, or sustainability-related disciplines;
- Professionals working in museums, archives, or cultural institutions seeking to reactivate textile heritage through digital tools and public engagement;
- Designers, artisans, and creatives interested in traditional techniques, circular design practices, and regional materials;
- Policy-makers and regional stakeholders involved in cultural, environmental, or rural development initiatives;
- SMEs from the textile sector that aim to bridge economic gaps and find inspiration from existing networks;
- Researchers and enthusiasts eager to explore the intersections between textile culture, history, and innovation.
No prior expertise in textiles is required—just curiosity and an openness to discovering how the past can inspire a more sustainable future.
General aim of the course
This course aims to deepen your understanding of the Alpine textile environment while exploring how historical knowledge and contemporary practices can converge to inspire new forms of cultural production, education, and circular economy strategies.
It encourages learners to reconnect with local resources and traditions in innovative, sustainable, and digitally enhanced ways.
Course-specific objectives
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Analyze the historical, aesthetic, and cultural aspects of Alpine textile traditions and understand their intrinsic value;
- Interpret textile mapping data and networks, recognizing key actors, institutional dynamics, and regional specificities;
- Explore and activate the living textile heritage, including crafts, techniques, and community-based practices;
- Understand how digitized textile archives can be used across institutions, education, and creative sectors;
- Apply circular economy principles to textile production chains—such as reuse, material regeneration, and traceability;
- Design cultural, educational, or creative initiatives rooted in sustainability and local Alpine heritage.
Let’s get started!
Course overview
Click on each module to access its sections and learning materials.
To navigate the menu, scroll down through the list of modules.
At the end of each module, use the “Previous lesson” and “Next lesson” buttons to move between lessons, and the “Back to course” button to return to the course homepage.
