Studies: innovative design disciplines, courses and schools 2016-17!

Image above from: M.Des program,Toy and Game Design, National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, India.
http://www.nid.edu/education/master-design/toy-game-design/p-overview.html

Choose a career in design? Here follow the courses of the most aspiring design fields, in the design areas that are already shaping the future of the industry, in a world going through dramatic changes.

The M. Des programme in “Toy and Game Design” at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, India aims to develop a professional and creative approach to the growing needs and aspirations in the field of education and entertainment. Super-interesting part of the curriculum, (among others) : an active student exchange programme with Dept. of Play and Learning, Burg Giebichenstein, School of Art and Design, Halle, Germany as well as collaborative classroom projects with industries provide a rich exposure to students. 

http://www.nid.edu/education/master-design/toy-game-design/p-overview.html

Adaptive Hypermedia Architecture is the apprehensive model of designing/creating an environment adopted to the user's goals, preferences and knowledge, thus providing links or content most appropriate for him/her. The University of Technology in Eindhoven (TUe), Netherlands, offers a variety of graduate/post graduate courses rotating around Design and Information Technology- all highly specialized and in three academic levels. For strong minds, with an edgy, technical flair.

https://educationguide.tue.nl/programs/graduate-school/pdeng-programs/

Automotive design is always a hit, Colour & Trim courses in design schools are quite demanding, in a future society that will (soon) impose vehicles, as part of the artisan spectrum of manufacturing ("Internet Of Things"). Check the Automotive and Transport Design MDes/Ba(Hons) in Coventry University, UK, for precise information on the modules and the course infrastructure.

http://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/arts-and-humanities/undergraduate-degree/2016-17/automotive-and-transport-design-mdes-ba-hons

http://www.carbodydesign.com/directory/design-schools/top-design-schools

Textile engineering/Textile DNA Design are two disciplines aquiring  intense attention, since they show a ferocious evolution the last decades and enjoy an enormous appeal to the fashion/garment industry. The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, (of the State University of NY), USA offers a comprehensive Textile/Surface Design course that combines manual work and theoretical study modules, plus excellent networking capabilities for the student.

https://www.fitnyc.edu/textile-surface-design

There is practically NO school (:university educational rank), specializing in Eyewear Design. Odd but true. Your best bet is to combine an Industrial design course with a Cast & Mold/ Industrial Molding Major. Some ideas: the Industrial Design program of a top school like Design School Kolding, Denmark, operates as a good base for learning, experimentation and extra research activity on the subject (including Licensing).

https://www.designskolenkolding.dk/en/industriel-design

Talking about casts and molds in a wide-industrial caliber, The National School of Architecture in Nancy, France- presents some very interesting orientations/specializations in their Master's degree program "Design Global" (Global design): a)Environmental Architecture and Modelling, b)Glass Design and Architecture. Just follow the link for more info:

http://www.nancy.archi.fr/fr/specialite-vda.html

Educational technology, especially in second language learning, is definitely a lead in many famous Polytechnical schools in Europe, Asia and US: you won't need to travel far?-)) Just visit Arizona after your Humanities degree for a Master in Language Learning and Educational Technology in the local University Of Arizona South. The curriculum offers modules on Design and Implementing language content courses taking into account current second language acquisition theoretical frameworks as well as current learning theory and instructional design principles in educational technology. A fascinating course.

http://edtech.arizona.edu/content/ma-second-language-learning-and-educational-technology

In the 17th century in the Amalfi coast, Italy, local lace merchants use to trade one roll of hand-made lace with a frigate! Interested in learning to design patterns and weave them into lace? On French territory:

http://www.ville-bailleul.fr/index.php/Ecole-de-dentelle?idpage=261

Production design is wanted, no matter the platform of the medium- digital or analog:
If you are about to visit London, stop by the The London Film School:

http://lfs.org.uk/full-time-study/ma-filmmaking/areas-study/production-design

An abundance of so many engaging courses, is currently available. It just takes a decision to dive in and dedicate your self to a lifelong learning experience: design.

Warm regards
A4D-D4A

DESIGN 4 KIDS: ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN IN CITIES AROUND THE GLOBE....

Picture above from: Kulturfenster, Heidelberg, Germany
http://kulturfenster.de/familien-workshops/seifenkistenbau-und-rennen-fuer-vaeter-und-kinder

The schools are about to open soon in most areas of the world but parents certainly need to emphasize on extra-curriculum educational programs and workshops, to stir their toddlers imagination and inspire them to create and ignite ideas/solutions! Follow the links bellow to find out super amazing activities in interesting cultural spots and cities of the world...If you travel with the familly or if you just want to compare - take your child to chose from a selection of places, you propably have n't heard of: 

1. Ecology and science creative workshops and programs from 4 years old onwards, in Granada's Science Parc, Granada, Spain:

http://parqueciencias.com/export/sites/default/comun/galerias/galeriaDescargas/educacion-formacion/Programas/programa_verano_16_DEf.pdf
Furthermore, in Spanish territory: robotics lessons and creative workshops by:
www.rockbotic.com
http://www.dfcspain.com/dfc-espana-i-can-school-challenge/
http://www.colectivotandem.com/actividades-extraescolares/

2. You search for recycling crafts, teenage beautician courses, manga, graffiti, mask making in the UK?! Click on, (and select your territory in England): 

http://nugenteducation.co.uk/portfolio-item/mask-making-crafts-workshop/

3. One of the most impressive Science and Technology centers in E.U focusing on experimentation and showcasing all sorts of scientific devices/projects for children, teenagers and adults, the Experyment Science Center, in Gdynia, Poland:

http://experyment.gdynia.pl/pl/oferta/dla-szkol-i-przedszkoli/zajecia-dla-klas-i-ii-szkoly-podstawowej/artykul

4. Heading up north with your smallies? Helsinki (Finland) is propably the world capital in quality and quantity on children's creative recreation and learning- please check the tourist city map, re-designed entirely and focusing on kids (crafting) leisure:

http://www.visithelsinki.fi/sites/default/files/legacy_files/files/Liitteet/lasten_hel_kartta_eng_2016.pdf

5. The Smithsonian Foundation in the U.S covers a wide range of legendary museums, with leading creativity programs for children- a true pioneer on the field. Check for instance the list on National Postal Museum, full of amazing philatelic apps for kids!!!

www.si.edu/Kids
http://postalmuseum.si.edu/activities

The U.S offer highly innovative workshops in art and design, focusing on youngsters and families, in different corners of the country- check Milwaukee Art Museum in Winsconsin:

www.mam.org/learn/youth_family.php

6. Pottery is an activity that offers a unique sense of balance, since a very young age! You are in France with your kids? Visit the Pink City, as Toulouse is usually called and click for info on:

www.wondercity.com/activite-enfant/toulouse/ateliers-creatifs/
https://poterieauzeville.wordpress.com

7. Fathers co-create fantastic cart cars, while helping their kids conceive, design and construct a wooden vehicle in Heidelberg, Germany: 

http://www.kulturfenster.de/familien-workshops/seifenkistenbau-und-rennen-fuer-vaeter-und-kinder

8. In Hong Kong, kids visit the HK University of Science and Technology and learn to build water rockets! One of the projects run by The Hub:

http://www.thehubhk.org/#!Make-Your-Water-Rocket/c1t5g/578701ba0cf25aa82d56bce1

9. Various, excellent drawing, painting, pottery, fabric painting classes etc. for teens- you can certainly find in the black continent- visit Nairobi, Kenya and: 

http://nairobiartcenter.org/kids-workshops-2

You might as well think to pack your bags and then offer your kids a unique, learning and creative experience- inside or outside your homeland. Ready, steady, design!

A4D-D4A?-))

SUMMER NEWS: PART B?-)))

Image above: 3M: The company’s modular architectural lighting system known as Lightfalls, designed by Todd Bracher.

http://www.toddbracher.net/work/lightfalls 

More news and updates in the developments of the design sector, now and during the forthcoming months. Please note:

- The IMM 2017 exhibition edition in Cologne, Germany has a very special guest: after

the modernist, warm practicality of Sebastian Herkner in 2016, FX Awards 2015 International Designer of the Year- the American Todd Bracher will recreate "Das Haus", (created anew every year at IMM by a different designer), in the 200-square metre area in the popular “Pure Editions” area in Hall 2.2. A walk-in, almost habitable, fully-fitted and furnished house. The Aeon Flux aesthetics, combined with the high-tech conformities but also the undiminished idealism of the international design-super star, will certainly create immaculate impressions from next year's IMM fair. Anticipating- to say the least- for upcoming January.

http://www.imm-cologne.com/imm/index-2.php

- The Web Summit 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal is approaching, having 15 stages of content over the three days at the event, attracting more than 1200 Media from more than 100 countries world-wide and a list of attendees from all possible areas of professional activity: from José Manuel Barroso, president (2004-2014) of the European Commission, Eric Wahlforss, co-founder and CTO for SoundCloud and Luis Figo, co-founder of Football Dream Factory- to the musician Tinie Tempah and Australian supermodel Andreja Pejić -the list is up to 34000 people and the number is rising every minute. A4D-D4A will be PRESS present, covering the event, exploring some of the areas of its interests, already being featured on the blog- plus more of the most interesting evolutions in technology and humanities. Be ready to follow us here and on Pinterest!

https://websummit.net

https://gr.pinterest.com/katerinamourgin

- Munich Fabric Start 2016 is the key manifestation of the year, concluding the summer with the most groundbreaking  events, seminars, exhibitors, workshops, partners - around the fashion AND textiles sector. Amongst them- new applications and facilities, focusing on the garment professional, like the Sourcebook: a one-stop digital networking service, where fashion brands, garment manufacturers, service providers and fabric mills - interrelate, so one can get information updates about the industry's global and current ventures. On late August, Munich, Germany- check out the dates on: 

http://www.munichfabricstart.com/exhibitor/public/en/premium/profile/ex/3911

- Unstoppable Migliore & Servetto architectural duo, sign the exhibition design of a master photographer's showcase: William Klein retrospective in Palazzo della Ragione, Milano, Italy. The curator Alessandra Mauro creates a unique narrative, supported by a flawless, intriguing navigation through space, photos and print. Simply wonderful, open until mid-September 2016.

http://architettimiglioreservetto.it/william-klein

- It is on the media for a while, for being unanimously, one of the best deeds of the last years- enjoying recognition about its importance and perspective as an educational program. Ever so charismatic 24-year old American, Karlie Kloss, (:known initially, as a member of the international supermodels' elite), launched the KodewithKlossy project, supporting female youth to start up in coding and launch a career in app building, new technologies and hypermedia. The camps run several times per year, in different cities in the U.S and for eligibility to the scholarships you need to be a U.S citizen. (p.s. Karlie we need you desperately in E.U, as well). For more explicit information, please check on the website and blog:

http://kodewithklossy.com/career-scholarship

https://blog.kodewithklossy.com

You can check similar initiatives of groups/collectives, organizing and providing coding workshops for women, on:

http://www.codeitlikeagirl.com

Enjoy- and always check for more: on FCBK (https://www.facebook.com/all4designandbloodymore) and on Pinterest!

Warm regards?-))

A4D-D4A

Le Corbusier, the architect present? An imaginary conversation with A4D-D4A.

Image above: Photograph by Courtesy of the Le Corbusier Foundation, from a collection shown at the exhibition The Summer of Mr. Le Corbusier, Benaki museum, Peiraios avenue, May 2016, Athens, Greece. 

www.benaki.gr 

http://www.dezeen.com/2016/07/19/unesco-adds-17-le-corbusier-projects-world-heritage-list/

Further references and publications:

www.fondationlecorbusier.fr 

*Le Corbusier, Jean Jenger, Thames and Hudson/ New Horizons, 1996. 
Le Corbusier, La Charte d’Athènes, Le Cercle Points/ Essais, 2016. 

The most prominent architect of the New Age* Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris, aka. Le Corbusier, has left this world in 1965, but still he manages to speak out his mind, like he actually did throughout his life and work. This year marks great manifestations around his legacy, like a) the Umberto Riva – Proposition for a Bolt Hole  installation at STANZE exhibition, XXI Triennale, in Milan this April 2016, based on Le Corbusier Cabanon  b) the exhibition The Summer of Mr. Le Corbusier, at the Benaki museum, (Peiraios annex), on May 2016, in Athens –where the actual Cabanon was reconstructed and presented through a stream of photographs from the Le Corbusier Foundation archives c) and finally the 17 buildings he designed and created and the ones UNESCO added to its World Heritage list this July 2016.  

The architect’s never-ending popularity seems to increase even more, in times as complex as these, when the public understands more about truths and search eagerly to discover them. It’s the Return of Le Corbusier , not in flesh but in spirit, where he revendicates his name and his work against his fiercest critics. It is a triumphal come-back and in order to celebrate it, A4D-D4A stages an imaginary interview with the architect, around 5 fundamental questions (and its orbital issues) in architecture, thus means also in life.

Enjoy?-))! The interview is based on facts, but it is conceived on a script-writing approach. (The idea came from the famous, imaginary interview by Karl Lagerfeld to Gabrielle Chanel - her voice being incarnated by the French actress Jeanne Moreau-staged as a sound installation at the Art Space of Le Bon Marché department store in Paris, around 2004).  

All4design-design4all: So, is it true then? I mean, that you are a misogynist?(laughs). 

Le Corbusier: I forgot my Greek, since I have n’t been in Greece in quite a while …but I can see what you mean (laughs). I know why you ask this though (he turns serious). It is this old incident when Charlie (Charlotte Perriand) came to the office for the first time….she left without me really speaking to her, because I was busy, we were building an entirely new business for architecture at the time, it was not really an office, it was what you young people call today, a “lab” or a “collective”…I guess I was a bit abrupt but no harm was intended, I was stressed also…You have to understand I was born  in 1887. Those times when a woman was losing her wallet and she was going to the police to declare it, they were telling her: “Madam, by law, you and the wallet, you stand for the same thing. Please tell your husband to come and register  the loss of HIS property”. As a child in Switzerland, I was used to energetic women, doing things- and cooking vegetables- and running households. An energetic woman is NO feminist though. Those days in 1926 the movement was starting to grow, and we men were stunned…we did not know how to deal with the transition. A young girl storming into the office, telling you that she CAN and WANT to showcase the same work you produce as a man…Finally, I engaged Charlotte in 1927 and in a way I made amends towards her as one of my principal collaborators throughout my career, not because of anything else but strictly because she deserved it. She was an amazing designer… But going back to your misogyny remark or question- I am not against females nor alienated from them, their beauty, their intelligence- never was. My spouse ( : Yvonne Gallis) was a professional model. She is my rock. Furthermore, in my work I learned to listen to my women customers /my customers’ wives, especially when building residences…it would be unreasonable and catastrophic not to do so. 

A4D-D4A: Where do you stand politically, which are your political views? 

L.C.: Now, that question is like asking me what do I think about God (sigh)… It is complicated you see. The reason is simple- it was a complicated century, and I had to surf through many waves….What drove me was the passion for my work, the passion to create, to follow MY personal vision, and not the vision of a specific government or a political party. People jump to conclusions, ready for aphorisms…when you talk with Nazis, in Vichy about hosting half of a city in conditions of war, you become a Nazi for their opponents. When you argue with the Left about fair distribution of apartments with novel comforts to all social groups (and not the “fillets” to the fellow Socialists and the un-accessed guetto areas to the low-end working classes), you become Bakunin for the Conservative party. The only way to win is try to do you job, undisturbed and uncorrupted, faithful to you principal and forget administrations. After your self, people-and history- will give the final verdict and eventually decide for your penalty or your reward.  

A4D-D4A: Since you mentioned it, what do you think of God- I mean do you believe in God, after all? 

L.C.: (He thinks). When we finished and delivered the project in Ronchamp (: the pilgrimage church Notre-Dame-du-Haut), there was a blast. People- vicars, civilians, journalists, fellow architects, the higher clergy, ministers and politicians- were coming to me to say: “Sir, you are truly a man of God. This is a masterpiece.” Or, “Sir, this is not what a church usually looks like, but it does n’t matter- you proved you are a man of Faith, a fellow Christian”. The truth is I do not function this way in regards to my work process. I did not affiliate to God, or spirituality or faith, or Christianity. I just focused on the ASSIGNMENT and provided an indepth analysis of its factors and conditions- and therefore the final plan. I considered God as my COMMISSIONER NOT AS MY GUIDE, whatsoever- and I tried to convey the commissioner’s guidelines, as well as my personal aesthetics – please note that I use the term “aesthetics” following the Aristotelian principle AND NOT as a synonym  of TASTE, as it is commonly done today. That does not mean I do not apply to ideology and conviction, as a human being. The Cabanon , down in Cap-Martin, is the result of my ageing self, contemplating on human life, on casualty, (I am half blind, as I am sure you know),  and the importance of it- what a human being really NEEDS to be happy. I am a philosopher yes, but not a mystique. Maybe I am a Buddhist, who knows…but now it is too late to find out (smiles). 
In every succesfull work of design, the crowd tends to identify YOU, the designer with it, thinking of you like you are an artist. They would say: “ Oh! This is a Le Corbusier’s building”. Only that it is not mine. It is The Project’s. In design and architecture there is NO OWNER. There is a PROBLEM, A SOLUTION and the guy who provides that solution.  

A4D-D4A: Are you happy with your choice of materials in the buildings you produced throughout the years? 

L.C.: Let’s  try and put the record straight with that, (in the past I used to go ballistic with that type of questions…). First of all I used a WIDE range of materials in my constructions, not to mention I introduced an even WIDER range of NEW materials in my era. The problem of course lays in politics. I was not aware 65 years ago in Marseilles, that in 50 years of time, multinationals of fossil fuels would turn the planet into an oven, and therefore the energy certificate of my buildings would get such a low score, for them even to be considered unsuitable! I did not imagine that post-colonialism and its corrupted agencies will turn urban areas into war zones, that poverty and unemployment could potentially turn every pilotis of a residential block into a drug-and-collective-rape hub…Maybe I am too Swiss, but that entirely escaped me. We used concrete for walls and sculpted areas and we bent pipes to create lighter, more ergonomic furniture, acrylic for paints because it was weather-proof and installed hot and cold water showers in every residence, in order to improve public hygiene. I used wood for villas and cabins but also I insisted on green areas and public transport. I grew up in the country side and I like to walk. It is so good to be ABLE to WALK IN THE CITY, from home to work- and vice-versa.  I am adamant about that … 

A4D-D4A: You said earlier, that you have n’t been to Greece for many years now…Are you planning a visit in the near future? 

L.C.: I am bit confined right now and it is not easy for me to travel, as I used to. Nevertheless I would love to make a tour of the Mediterranean and eventually end up in Greece…I loved the area as a youngster, I conceived some of my very best ideas in Greece…I would love to visit Mount Athos again but also check on new constructions, the Niarchos Cultural Foundation site for instance…I heard access is difficult and one cannot have a stroll by the bay area that lays next to it and enjoy the sea- there is no direct connection to that?….That’s quite a shame, but I guess it is worth the effort.    
       

ÑU-RBAN SPACES: The Kitchen-Dom (featuring Big Chill).

This summer the message is clear: unite your senses in your kitchen, the center of the habitat,  the hub connecting  to urbanity. The kitchen Kingdom is the colony of an all inclusive space , liaising our activity with our energy management.  A place for fooding, relaxing,  leisuring and documenting the world- but also the headquarters of our environmental waste disposal (grey water) and therefore our energy footprint (ex. geothermal energy recommended use for electricity supply and ventilation). 

Ñu-rban (nju?/?/??b(?)n/) Spaces: The Kitchen-Dom revolves around a new perception of the Kingdom called kitchen, with a series of objects, tools, furniture and appliances that create a fresh approach to the room’s interactivity with the individual and the outer world. The final image is attractive, welcoming and very distant to the morose feeling of a place due to cooking only. It is a universal living interior ready to serve a family in Osaka, a young professional in Madrid, a company’s team in Indianapolis, a retired couple in Athens or Krakow. Take a mind tour through  the artefacts, the design objects and the electrical appliances (inspiringly smart, ergonomic and reliable stoves and fridges by Big Chill and its Retro colour scheme), carefully chosen  to accommodate the needs of the urbanistas of the 21st century. It’s a 6m by 4m space, (with a small 1.5m x 1.5m balcony): your future kitchen. (Note: 1 meter= 3.28 feet). 

Follow the numbers in the picture bellow, to discover the A4D-D4A selection, (plus sources): 

Refrigerator and stove ( the latter available in Natural Gas NG or Propane LP) by Big Chill: 

*  https://bigchill.com/shop/refrigerators/retropolitan-big-chill-refrigerator  
   (in turquoise)


*   https://bigchill.com/shop/stoves/retro-stove-30-inch   (in turquoise)

Check Big Chill retro colour palette on:

 https://bigchill.com/shop/swatches/retro-swatch/#  

1.White tiles, vintage marble sink and grey water Hughie kitchen sink (respectively):

http://www.ceramicasantagostino.it/en/collezione/74

http://www.vemat.gr/projects_det.asp?project_id=12#!prettyPhoto[gallery]/11

http://www.hughiesink.com

2.  “Whale” wall bottle opener, AFAM, NY: 

http://shop.folkartmuseum.org/products/ship-bottle-opener 

3.  Iosif light by MiloDaMalo for Artemide: 

http://www.artemide.com/prodotti/scheda-architectural.action?data.catalogoId=0&idSubfamily=1773930

4. Pleat-Box pendant lamp by Xavier Maňosa & Mashalla for Marset: 

http://www.marset.com/en/lamps/pleat-box-suspension 

5. Alseda outdoor stool, banana fiber: 

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20033919 

6. Felt Two clock by Sebastian Herkner for Leff Amsterdam: 

http://leffamsterdam.com/product-category/felttwo-us/?lang=us 

7. Aura island ventilation hood: 

http://www.mieleusa.com/domestic/hoods-2484.htm?mat=09545730&name=DA_7000_D_Aura_AM

8.  Ceramic vase by Beatrice Wood: 

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/vases-vessels/vases/beatricewood-foamy-blue-lava-vase/id-f_1201526 

9. Biography, ”I shock myself” by Beatrice Wood: 

http://www.beatricewood.com/gift_shop/book_i_shock_myself.html 

10. Beoplay 2  wireless speaker by Bang & Olufsen: 

http://www.beoplay.com/landingpages/collection#A2grey

11. Remo plastic chair in white by Konstantin Grcic for Plank: 

http://www.plank.it/product/remo-plastic-chair

12.  Pole table by Sebastian Herkner for Morgen Collection: 

http://www.sebastianherkner.com/index.php?article_id=345  

http://www.archiproducts.com/de/produkte/255036/pole-table-rechteckiger-tisch-ausholz-pole-table-tisch-morgen-interiors.html 

13. AVITAR yoga stool by Rebecca Schonherr (for the “SETZ DICH MAL  ANDERS” project, by the students of the Fakultat  Angewandte  Kunst in Schneeberg):  

http://www.sitzperspektive.com/#!bodensitze/bqy33 
  
14. Tatami mats in stone, yellow and indigo: 

http://nanimarquina.com/design-rug/tatami-natural/200:300: 

http://nanimarquina.com/design-rug/tatami-yellow/170:240: 

http://nanimarquina.com/design-rug/tatami-indigo/170:240:

Have fun 2 the max! 
A4D-D4A?-))    

ENLARGED VERSION OF THE PICTURE ABOVE FOR PARTIALLY-SIGHTED READERS:

A4D-D4A 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY (THANK YOY ALL):-)))

A4D-D4A completed a two-year life duration. I wish to thank all the PEOPLE - readers, interviewees, companies, studios, trade organisations and institutions - from Europe, Asia, US, India and the UK (the list is long;-)) - for their SUPPORT and their encouragement. 

This blog started as a depository archive of my seminars workload, in order to support my students but soon through passion, faith and perseverance - turned to an almost full-time job. One last thing I would like to express, along with my gratitude- is that a blog is nothing else but CONTENT. 

Truth, eclecticism and relevance is what made this small, independent design gazette a secure, quality read for the design savvy and the design interested - away from frivolous yet glossy aesthetics.

With the promise to continue the effort with all my heart and means. 

Warm regards and salutations. 

Kat Mourginaki, ‪#‎Editor‬-in Chief, A4D-D4A

Some (summer) Notes on Exhibition design OR Design and Exhibitions.

Picture above : A compilation of the following two images:  

On the left half, Ole Worm’s Cabinet of curiosities (Cabinet de curiosités): the frontispiece in the book of Musei Wormiani Historia. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Musei_Wormiani_Historia.jpg

On the right half: Interior, panoramic view of the Schaudepot, Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany. 
https://www.facebook.com/VitraDesignMuseum.Weil/

With the opportunity of the recent discussion at the Vitra Design Museum on the 30th of June 2016, regarding the inauguration of the Schaudepot annex -a new building designed by the Basel -based architects Herzog & de Meuron, to host the museum’s  renown collection of various design objects and furniture -a fascinating, new agenda is emerged. 
Designmuseum 2.0 – The Rennaissance of Collections was realized with the contributions of Martin Roth, Director of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, Director of the Austrian Museum for Applied Arts in Vienna -both successful in attracting millions of visitors to their outstanding international collections. Together with the Director of the Vitra Design Museum, Mateo Kries, they discussed how their collections are helping them to reinvent the design museum for the twenty-first century.

Many developments in the sector were brought to light, starting with a key-term, mentioned a few times, since it was one of the inspirational points for Vitra’s new venture, the Schaudepot: museum & collections 100% openness to the visitor/user. The education -science -technology triathlon is there not as a separate entity, but it is implemented as part of the collections’ communication process. The ultra-dynamic network of co-operations and synergies that every large, design cultural institution is establishing -gets real through a holistic strategy of multi-implementation of institutions, factors and local services in the community (“global goes local/ local goes local”). 

We are talking about design, therefore also  aesthetics, making, production, commerce, economy and work. The need to understand how we will produce in the future is a part of the design museum narrative in the following years. In a digital society, curating is not ONE specific profession of a so-called specialist per se, but it will depend a lot on the future ability to illustrate the collections on a digital platform, suitable to fully communicate their significance to the public. A curator masters many disciplines or he/she can come from various disciplines as a background as long as he /she can fulfill that task. A design museum is not a trade fair as it is not an elitist niche, reserved to a selected part of the society or to the design field professionals. The elements of creativity, fun, euphoria are fundamental to the success and sustainability of the museum space -provided the collections’ high conservational and logistical costs, two areas that also rapidly evolve. The spirit of Renaissance spreads throughout the design museum so it becomes a joyful, interesting and useful experience. 

Check all futher details of the discussion, (produced and published in german) on:
https://www.youtube.com/user/VitraDesignMuseum

…“ Better than promoting  the Feast of Music (FR: Fête  de la Musique) and the Museum Nights, should n’t we ought to create one night without, lights, facades and signs- one night when the city( Paris) would be in a total black-out…just to remind its inhabitants once in a while, that the sky still exists upon their heads and that they can like Dante, escape Inferno?”…(La nuit des étoiles, Été, JOURNAL ATRABILAIRE, p.187, by Jean Clair, L’un et L’autre, Gallimard). 

Warm regards 
A4D-D4A?-))