Internoitaliano: Place-Based Design. Local supply chains, distributed design, and resilient knowledge for a circular future

This paper investigates the Internoitaliano project as a design-driven model integrating distributed manufacturing, local supply chains, and principles of circular design. Within the broader context of the ecological transition, design is increasingly called upon to develop production systems capable of combining environmental sustainability, cultural identity, and economic resilience. In this perspective, place-based design approaches emphasise the importance of territorial knowledge, local resources, and collaborative production networks. Founded in 2013 by Italian designer Giulio Iacchetti, Internoitaliano operates as a distributed factory connecting designers with artisans and small workshops located across di!erent Italian regions. Through this decentralised structure, the project activates local craft knowledge, promotes short and traceable supply chains, and supports small-scale manufacturing ecosystems while maintaining a coherent design identity. The research adopts a qualitative case study methodology based on project documentation, interviews, and literature addressing sustainable design, craftsmanship, and territorial innovation. The analysis highlights how Internoitaliano redefines the relationship between designers and artisans by recognising craftspeople as co-authors of the products and by integrating material knowledge into the design process. The study argues that the Internoitaliano model represents a significant example of place-based circular design, demonstrating how distributed production systems can contribute to more resilient and culturally embedded forms of sustainable innovation.