Daily Rituals, Ancient Roots
A Contemporary Altar, Inspired by Pre-Hispanic Principles
David Dávila, 2025
Thesis - Master in Industrial and Product Design at Pratt Institute
Pratt Show 2025
This project explores the integration of Pre-Hispanic Andean design principles into modern furniture design, focusing on the creation of a Personal Altar. Drawing inspiration from the Andean Cosmovision, which emphasizes balance, duality, and the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and the cosmos, this project reimagines sacred spaces for contemporary use.
The altar, a modular and adaptable furniture piece, blends symbolic meaning with practical functionality, offering users a space for mindfulness, reflection, and personal ritual within the home. By incorporating sustainable materials and modular design, the Personal Altar fosters a connection to cultural heritage while addressing modern needs for emotional well-being and intentional living. Through this project, I argue that design can serve as a tool for cultural preservation and emotional resilience, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary practice.
