From Friday until Sunday, DesignXPO puts designers from Groningen in the spotlight. Visitors will get an impression of how a design is created.
During the Open Design Days people can walk along open studios, shops and workshops on 25 and 26 May from 11.00 to 17.00 hrs. Meet the designer and discover the special techniques and stories behind a design object. You can construct your own route or download one of the ready-made routes at www.designexpo.nl. The routes are also available at the starting point on the terrain of the Ebbinge quarter.
The theme this year is Biobased Design. More and more companies take on the production of biobased materials. They are mostly used in trade and industry. Designers have been experimenting with these materials over the last month, to create products for the interior. During DesignXPO you can see, feel and smell this. Are we for example walking around in 3D printed shoes made from potato starch in the near future? Or will we put laminate on our floor next year that is made from potato peelings? These techniques are closer than you might think.
House of Design has organised DesignXPO in cooperation with the Groninger Museum, Syntens, Vos Interieur and Academie Minerva. During the Open Design Days, you can visit the best design spots in Groningen, and a major challenge could be tackled in the project ‘Roller Suitcases and Cyclists’. Can we think of something that will help cyclists who want to take along their roller suitcase while cycling? A handy basket? Or maybe even a suitcase tow bar? The challenge will be met in a cooperation between Pezy Product Innovation, House of Design and Platform GRAS. Designers, cyclists and inventors will be working on a neat solution. Feel free to walk in on 25 May and watch the design take shape.
Children can sign up for a 3D printing workshop on 26 May and check out the printing process from up close at the Groninger Museum. Parents are most welcome as well; they can attend a lecture on biobased products in history and/or join one of the guided tours in the museum that afternoon.
(Source: Groninger Gezinsbode 23 May 2013)