From within the design world, there is a growing readiness to tackle the big systemic problems of our time: scarcity of raw materials, growing social inequality and increasing migration due to conflicts. For designers, these problems are not a threat but rather an opportunity to create something new. This series features seven interviews with ‘changemakers’; designers who adopt a critical stance and appeal for urgent change.
Arne Hendriks has been exploring the notion of downsizing for more than seven years. With his project The Incredible Shrinking Man, he is attempting to change ideas about growth and to encourage the notion that smaller is better.
Jólan van der Wiel researches natural forces and uses them for his designs. Rather than fighting against climate change, Van der Wiel embraces the consequences of global warming. In Tropic City – Rotterdam, he shows that the heavy rainfall and rising temperatures
can be the starting point for solution oriented design.
If we don’t dare to talk with other people, social cohesion will break down. With the Boijmans
Launderette, Manon van Hoeckel has created the ultimate waiting room in the hope of creating
unexpected encounters and conversations.
How can human muscle power provide us with energy? Melle Smets and Kris de Decker think the solution to energy problems can be found when we change our behavior.
Eric Klarenbeek (1978) is product designer and considers himself ‘designer of the unusual’. With his partner, Maartje Dros, he is looking for new, organic-based raw materials that, in the long term, can completely replace plastic.
Elisa van Joolen explores clothing, the layer between man and the outside world. In her work she attempts to unravel fashion and tries to uncover the hidden connections within the fashion industry.
Atelier NL tells the story of sand. With each wave of research and design, Atelier NL breaks ground for essential dialogues
on production methods at the crossroads of design and science.