English

Linda Baissero

in tola!

Project

The “in tola!” collection was developed in response to superficial souvenirs that are often produced far from Istria, the region they are intended to represent. Designed for visitors and Istrians living abroad, it takes the form of tableware that evokes togetherness and the richness of local produce.

The collection comprises four sets: tongs inspired by olive leaves, spreading knives shaped by the form of sardines, stirrers based on wild asparagus and spoons referencing mussel shells. Their form and function derive from the morphology and gestures associated with typical Istrian dishes.

Local residents were involved in the design process, contributing drawings of characteristic products that became the basis for the utensils. Although the pieces share a coherent design language, they include subtle variations reflecting individual interpretations and the diversity of the Istrian community.

Made from stainless steel using simple production methods, the utensils are durable and suitable for local manufacture. Conceived for Istria and developed with its residents, the collection offers a contemporary souvenir that conveys local culture and a sense of belonging.

Year

2026

Mentors and collaborators

Despina Christoforidou, Lecturer (mentor)
Doctoral student Sheida Amiri Rigi, Assistant Professor (co-mentor)

Institution

Lund University, School of Industrial Design

Author

Linda Baissero is a product designer from Novigrad, Istria. Born in Rijeka, she grew up on the Istrian coast and attended local Italian-language schools. In 2023, she graduated in Product Design and Visual Communication from the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. She subsequently completed an internship at Studio Veronika Wildgruber in Berlin, contributing to furniture, eyewear and visual communication projects. She continued her education at Lund University in Sweden, completing a master’s degree in Industrial Design in 2026.

During her studies, she organised exhibitions and presented her projects at events including Stockholm Furniture Fair, Milan Design Week and Lifestyle Vietnam Fair. Although she has gained experience across different fields, her practice is primarily focused on product design, particularly furniture, lighting and tableware for domestic environments.

Her creative process is grounded in dialogue with the local context. Her projects combine cultural heritage with observations of human behaviour, creating playful reinterpretations of everyday objects, details and gestures.

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