„-Can I help you?“, ask the speakers of ONE DESIGN WEEK 2016’s forum

On June 18, Plovdiv welcomes leading professionals from the realm of design.

“Design that helps. Design that is innovative and alternative. Design that changes lives and worlds. Design which is open and accessible to all. Design that serves society “- these are the main themes of this year’s professional forum, part of the international festival ONE DESIGN WEEK 2016.

The forum, which will be held on June 18th at the House of Culture “Boris Hristov”, traditionally gathers leading experts in the field of design, presenting their different perspectives and innovative projects.

This year is no exception and the six speakers arriving in Bulgaria arrive represent the top international practices and current trends in the sector. Tickets for the upcoming event can be found on the Web at Ticketlogic at:goo.gl/lE5DPm.

Specially coming to Bulgaria to present is  Alice Rawsthorn – the most preeminent, acclaimed, and relevant design critic. She studies the subject’s history, juxtaposes important developments with their reflection in the present, and forecasts their future influence. Her work clearly shows how design changes and optimizes our lives into being more meaningful, resistant, optimistic, and well-functioning.  She participated in the jury of a number of prominent and popular awards for art, design and architecture (Turner Prize, Stirling Prize, PEN History Book Prize, Buckminster Fuller Challenge, BAFTA). Her efforts are attributed for a record increase in the public funding of visual arts as chief consultant for Arts Council England (2007-2013). Lecture: 14: 30 to 15: 30

 Eisuke Tachikawa is the founder of the multidisciplinary studio Nosigner. He represents a new generation of Japanese designers who work with the aim to create social innovations. His projects have enjoyed international acclaim and numerous awards, including: Design for Asia Grand Award, iF Design Award, PENTAWARDS PLATINUM, SDA Grand Award and others. He comes to Plovdiv with the support of EU JAPAN FEST and in partnership with Plovdiv 2019. Lecture: 11: 00 to 12: 00.

Adam von Haffner is representative of the Danish NGO INDEX: Design to Improve Life®, which presents one of the most important design awards in the world – INDEX: Award. It is awarded every two years, featuring projects using design as a tool for dealing with major global challenges. Lecture: 12:00 to 13:00.

Peter Marigold, the creator of FORMcard, graduated from product design at the Royal College of Art. His unconventional and innovative solutions are concentrated in a variety of projects including the design of furniture, interiors and products. Peter has a number of awards and his work has been exhibited in the MoMA, Holon Design Museum and 20_21 Design Sight in Tokyo. Lecture: 15:30 to 16:30.

Stephen Serrato graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena (California) and Werkplaats Typografie (Netherlands). His studio specializes in projects for cultural institutions and independent record labels. Among his clients are: The Amsterdam School of the Arts, de Appel Arts Center, Kunstverein Publishers, Kindred Spirits Records, Warp Records and others. He comes to Bulgaria with the support of the US Embassy in Bulgaria. Lecture: 17: 00 to 18: 00.

Pieter-Jan Pieters graduated from Design Academy Eindhoven (Netherlands). He is the founder of the studio OWOW (The Omnipresent World of Wiz Kids). His work skillfully combines innovation, design and technology with entertainment. OWOW creates a wide range of products ranging from musical instruments to advertisements for medical devices. He comes to Bulgaria with the support of Creative Industries Fund NL. Lecture: 18:00 to 19:00.

Moderator of the event is Matylda Krzykowski – designer, curator, co-founder and a director of Depot Basel – space for contemporary design in Switzerland.