2018

@ RECIPROCITY FRAGILITAS

RECIPROCITY

RECIPROCITY design liège, the triennale of design initiated in 2002 by the Provincial Deputy — President in charge of Culture in collaboration with OPMA and Wallonie Design, perfectly fits into this context of dialogue and sharing. Design is a subject born from a direct and necessary connection with people, local industry, artisans and schools. Its aim and ethics are based on a profound link with contemporary society. And it is no coincidence that the themes of this edition highlight the responses of international designers, architects and graphic artists to the fragility of the human being, as well as places of learning as privileged spaces of sustainable and ethical research.

For the first time since its reopening (2016), La Boverie will host a chorus of reflections on international contemporary design that will occupy all the rooms of the museum. In the glazed wing, monumental installations will enhance its scale and emphasise the link between the museum and the city, between a place of culture and the public space. In short, culture as a common good.

An innovative creative force often comes from a moment of crisis; a turning point; a change; a conflict. It can be transformative for both the individual and communities.

FRAGILITAS

FRAGILITAS is one of the main thematic cores of this edition. Its raw materials are the crucial points of our existence, and the changing needs these provoke. By nature wide-ranging, this is a reflection on the way design can lead us towards a more equitable society. Here, the creativity of design translates challenges into opportunities.

Whether it is issues faced by an ageing population, people experiencing all types of disabilities, or the fragile existence of those forced to migrate because of conflict or natural disaster, FRAGILITAS explores both mundane and life-changing circumstances. The very fragility of the human condition is framed as a ‘positive’ theme, one to analyse and divest objects and services with improved meanings in new paradigms.

FRAGILITAS is a three-part exhibition that focuses on design’s (products, prototypes, graphics and architecture) engagement with different aspects of human fragility. Three insightful observers guide each segment, with a scenography that orchestrates a seamless journey and creates a dialogue between the exhibitions, involving visitors in an active reading of design and an educational narrative.

DESIGN FOR [EVERY]ONE @ FRAGILITAS

The second part of Fragilitas considers design as a means of co-evolution, a dynamic approach that builds upon co-creativity and allows objects to be adapted. This takes into account the person, their characteristics, and what they want to create. Guided by mass production, design that seeks to be universal gives rise to objects that must be suited to the greatest number of people. Some overcome fragilities, disabilities and a range of challenges, and are created in order to fulfil a function that is out of reach. But this universality does not mean that they are appropriate for everyone. Indeed, the needs of some people are not the needs of others, what's more, the aspirations of some people are not those of others.

Design for [every]one shows design that goes beyond mass and standardised production exists. It presents an ‘open design’ which hacks, adapts, corrects, rethinks and/or redesigns, in order to give to each of us, whatever our backgrounds, the opportunity to do what we would like. Through many objects, devices and personal testimonies we discover two viewpoints that are closely linked, which dialogue and complement one another: one focuses on the technical side of the process, the other on the human side. From its simplest forms (tape, screws, bolts, cable ties, etc.) to the most evolved ones (such as 3D printing), the technique serves the human being, increases their possibilities and capabilities. By shaking up and evolving existing designs in this way, individuals can fulfil their desires and aspirations; do the kind of activities they want to do.

2019

@ KORTRIJK CREATIVITY WEEK

KORTRIJK CREATIVITY WEEK

Kortrijk Creativity Week (formerly Design Week) has been highlighting the added value of design thinking for education, industry and public space since 2004. With the recognition of the Kortrijk region as a Kortrijk UNESCO design region, the 16th edition of Week van het Ontwerpen is renamed Kortrijk Creativity Week.

The new city site Kortrijk Weide will be a creative discovery site for designers, entrepreneurs, students, children and citizens from 23 to 27 October 2019.

DESIGN FOR [EVERY]ONE @ KORTRIJK CREATIVITY WEEK

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