Design of a Modular Workbench for Artisan Leatherworkers in Kano State

Leatherwork is among Kano State's oldest and most economically significant craft traditions, supporting thousands of artisans in Kofar Mata, Kurmi Market, and surrounding workshop clusters. Despite the sophistication of their craft skills, most leatherwork artisans operate from makeshift workspaces that lack proper tool organisation, ergonomic working height adjustment, and hygienic surface conditions. This project develops a modular, adjustable workbench specifically designed for the workflow requirements of Kano leatherwork artisans. An ethnographic study involving structured observation and interviews with forty artisans across three leatherwork clusters documented tool usage patterns, working posture habits, and storage needs. The workbench design incorporates a height-adjustable main work surface, integrated tool rails and hanging points for awls, needles, knives, and clamps, a removable waste collection tray, and modular side extensions for drying and stretching operations. Mild steel framing with a treated timber working surface was specified to balance durability, cost, and local fabricability. Three prototype units were fabricated at a Kano metal fabrication workshop and installed in leatherwork studios for a six-week trial. Artisan evaluations assessed workflow improvement, posture comfort, and tool access efficiency. Results show a thirty-one percent reduction in tool search time and a significant improvement in reported back and shoulder comfort during long work sessions. The project recommends adoption through the Kano State Leather Products Development Project. Keywords: artisan furniture, leatherwork, workbench design, Kano State, craft industry.