Inspiration from Dutch Design Week 2024
A week-long festival dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design, creativity and ingenuity, this year’s Dutch Design Week embraced the theme of ‘Real Unreal’.
This theme addresses the notion that modern society is massively complex, and that a wide range of diverse but often conflicting perspectives can make it difficult to tell what’s real and what’s not. This offered designers the opportunity to challenge and unpack the things we often unquestioningly accept as the truth, encouraging us to question preconceived ideas and seek out new solutions.
Throughout the exhibition, participants were invited to peel back layers of conventional thinking and explore the vast possibilities that lie beyond – limited only by our imagination. The displays may often come across as radical or even perplexing at first sight, but there’s a wealth of inspiration to be uncovered here, encouraging visitors to rethink their approaches to design and problem-solving. In a world where our daily routines can become monotonous and formulaic, the innovative ideas showcased in Eindhoven serve as a refreshing reminder of the power of creativity to challenge norms and expand our horizons.
Dutch Design Week is also an invaluable opportunity for attendees to witness new products and concepts at an embryonic stage of development. This early access allows designers, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike to engage with emerging trends and ideas, fostering a collaborative spirit that can lead to exciting breakthroughs in the design industry. As visitors navigate the various installations and exhibits, they are not just spectators – instead they become part of a larger conversation about the future of design, encouraging a mindset that embraces curiosity and experimentation.
Polluted Plants to Pottery
Phytoextraction is a regenerative process which uses plants to draw heavy metals like lead, zinc and cadmium out of polluted soil. At De Ceuvel, a circular innovation hub in Amsterdam, Anke Wijnja has been using this technique for years to help rehabilitate the area’s soil. Once these plants absorb the contaminants, they are harvested, analysed and archived. Designer Marte Mei, seeking a thoughtful way to repurpose the material, created a unique collection of ceramic tools using ash from the plants.
Flow
Created by London-based studio Inneract, Flow is an interactive digital art installation that mimics the movement of water, responding to the viewer’s gestures and expressions.
Dreamgaze
Launched in 2024, Dreamgaze is a mobile app designed to let users record, analyse and visualise their dreams as a tool for self development and personal growth.
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POND light installation
POND (‘Power of Nature-based Design’) is an outdoor light installation aiming to “give water a voice” by analysing its health and converting this data into mesmerising colour displays at sunset.
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