Through globalization and the evolution towards a multicultural society, friendships and relationships, which are characterized by cultural diversity are created. This project is based on relationships between Western and Islamic communities. Members of these families and communities often disagree with the choice of a partner from a foreign culture. The difference in religion, with besides that the ignorance about cultural traditions, can be seen like a challenge. This project is created from this challenge.

This multicultural tableware is based on the Belgian and Moroccan food culture. The whole consists of a cake platter, plates, cups and napkins where both cultures are combined in to one product. Through the shapes and material used, both cultures can tell their own story and share the accurate information. With this, you can subtly start conversations and through this the process of acceptation becomes a central place in these objects.

MULTICULTURAL CUPS - A set of cups, each representing a particular culture through its shape and identity. From left to right: Turkey, Thailand, Morocco, Portugal, Greece and Italy. 

TURKEY - The country primarily known for drinking coffee also has a history of using tea. Earlier in history, it was encouraged as an alternative to coffee, but since the 20th century, tea has been widely used. It is usually drunk hot in small transparent glasses that inspired this shape. 

THAILAND - The "Ban-Bat bowl", the product this cup refers to, is originally made from metal plates by a Buddhist monk tribe in Thailand. The elegant shape is emphasized by the neck that of the cup, which narrows towards the top. 

MOROCCO - Mint tea is an absolute tradition in Moroccan culture. The cup resembles the typical tea glass with a rim around it in a metal construction
six to be able to transport. It is also called the "poor" 's tea glass. It was always produced with recycled glass and had no decoration. 

PORTUGAL - This bag with a twisted bust refers to a rare shape of a ceramic cup. Drinking a "Bica", a small cup of coffee, and a "Pastel de Nata", a crunchy creamy pastry, is the start of the day for the inhabitants of Portugal.

GREECE - The stately character and the long carved structure of this cup refers to the typical Doric columns of Greek architectural architecture. By reducing these heavy construction characteristics, the cup gets a graceful shape. 

ITALY - One of the pioneers in coffee making could be Bialetti's Moka express. The Italian cup therefore gets the allure of the octagonal design of the Moka express. "La vita inizia dopo il caffé"

All photos by Ilse Raps