DesignTalks 2024 - Where chaos is the norm and balancing an art
- Program
The international conference DesignTalks is DesignMarch signature event taking place for the sixteenth time on April 24th. This year DesignTalks welcomes guests to the circus!
In this seductive magical world, that is the circus, there is joy, beauty and bravery. Anything is possible and ideas are kept in the air, genius is fiery and flying is high. Anything is possible! But beneath the surface simmers the unexpected and, at times, the somewhat unpleasant. In this way our circus is reflecting our unbalanced and polarized world, but in the psychological swaying between modes of despair and repair there’s so much beauty to be found! And within the chaos, there’s constant movement, which in itself makes space for new learnings. New ways of rope-dancing. Our balancing act.
The programme addresses global imbalances and extremes while highlighting some of the many creative minds out there intuitively seeking balance. They’re making the world a better place by designing for dignity, actively breaking down stereotypes, fighting racism, striving for better spaces, discovering new (old) raw materials right beneath our feet and infusing our lives with astounding beauty. Extraordinary work that expands minds, reconnects us with our inner core and empowers that so much needed superpower within all of us: creativity.
Act I: 9:00 - 10:40
Let's talk about respect and resourcefulness
On designing for dignity, justice and reconnection with the earth right under our feet
With the important topic of healing architecture and meaningful reconstruction of buildings as well as communities, there’s Alan Ricks, Founding Principal and Co-Executive Director at MASS Design Group. MASS ( Model of Architecture Serving Society) believes that architecture has a critical role to play in supporting communities to confront history, shape new narratives, collectively heal and project new possibilities for the future. In line with this, Alan’s mission is to research, build, and advocate for architecture that promotes justice and human dignity. An incredibly important voice and a timely reflection today, in a world faced with diversified large-scale repairs and reconstructions. To deepen our quest into locality is Lonny van Ryswyck of Atelier NL. Together with her creative partner Nadine Sterk, they are very mindful of the values of the local environment, and believe that design has the ability to connect local communities to the valuable resources that surround them. Their work explores the potential of local sourcing and production by focusing on the subtleties of the earth right under our feet. Their work has been referred to as “powerful evocations of our intimate relationships with the primary materials of our planet“
Act II: 11:00 - 12:30
Let's talk about beauty and betterness
On design that outsmarts scarcity and excess, breaks down cultural barriers and infuses betterness
Robert Thieman is an interior architect, former editor of FRAME magazine and founder of BETTERNESS, a spatial consultancy driven by his passion for a better built environment. Robert recently stepped down from his role as co-director and editor in chief of FRAME, the interior design and architecture magazine, which he co-founded nearly three decades ago, so he has valuable insights into navigating changing communication landscapes and the excess of information. Design studio Flétta, Birta Rós Brynjólfsdóttir and Hrefna Sigurðardóttir have a strong voice when it comes to outsmarting scarcity, with the main pillars of their work being repurposing and the importance of local production. On the surface their work is playful but beneath it critical questions simmer. Graphic designer, turned stylist and art director Lisa Lapauw and photographer Mous Lambrat together create an exceptionally strong visual work. They are dedicated spokespeople for peace and human rights and commissioned by brands, films and institutions alike. Their creations are an ode to humanity with mind blowing visual statements defying stereotypes of all sorts and breaking down cultural barricades. A feast to the eyes and real food for thought.
Act III: 13:30 - 15:00
Let's talk about feelings and fantasy
On designing movement, change and the otherworld
Kicking off the afternoon is Sigríður Soffía Níelsdóttir, a choreographer, published author and a playwright holding a Master in Business Administration, currently working with fireworks and flora with her design project Fireflowers. This multi talent explores movement in all its forms and mediums. Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, author, speaker, filmmaker and sustainability leader draws on her broad-based and global experience. In her newly published book, InnSæi: Heal, revive and reset with the Icelandic art of intuition she champions that “our greatest hope for a bright tomorrow lies in shifting the centre of gravity by reconnecting within, to other beings and the natural world. She also touches upon the excess of information and what it is doing to our inner compass. Might we all be making intuitive decisions based on corrupt inner “data”? Ervin Latimer is a fashion and print designer, founder of ready-to-wear brand Latimmier. He also lectures and consults on the intersections of anti-racist practices, fashion, queer culture, and masculinity. This award winning fashion designer is also active in multiple cultural initiatives in Finland, where he is based. The third act concludes with visual artist and designer, James Merry, an “imaginarian” par excellence! He is widely known for his exceptional hand embroidery, mask-making and jewellery, and has collaborated with institutions such as the V&A, Gucci, The Royal School of Needlework, Tim Walker, Tilda Swinton, Opening Ceremony and Iris Van Herpen. James is also a long time collaborator with BJÖRK on her visual output. There is something otherworldly about his work and it will be a ride to get a peek into this fascinating mind
Act IV: 15:20 - 16:30
Let's talk about humour and humility
On designing for sensory responses and new learnings
Working on a variety of projects within the creative field, Rán Flygenring primarily focuses on writing, illustration and storytelling. She has held many exhibitions, published around 20 books and received numerous awards, most recently, the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize 2023. Clients include banks, magazines, publishing houses, media companies and both private and public institutions globally. It will be a pleasure to join Rán with her distinctive playful style and infallible analytical skills on a journey delving into her world and art. To conclude the day we brought in some magicians from London: Bompas & Parr. Or that’s at least how they get referred to a lot, while they themselves call themselves: Architects of taste; feeding minds and stomachs. Harry Parr, architect, inventor and executive producer founded the studio together with Sam Bompas a while ago. The collaboration started with them becoming experts in jelly making but has evolved into a studio recognised as the leading expert in multi-sensory experience design and now delivers emotionally captivating experiences across various industries. Their work continues to surprise and expand imagination. Fascinating manifestations of creativity that touch all senses.
