SICIW 2011: Dutch Design Thinking
Dutch Design Thinking at Shanghai International Creative Industry Week from 26 to 29 October 2011 brought a rich programme of Dutch design exhibitions, displays and talks, showcasing innovative and clever solutions whilst sharing and exchanging ideas about design principles. This varied programme about Dutch design mentality won the “Best Innovation and Practice Award” at SICIW 2011.
Design thinking is rooted in the DNA of the Dutch. In the Netherlands design is everywhere: in the social refinement and sustainability of Dutch urban planning, in the simplicity and functionality of Dutch products and interiors, in the clarity of all forms of public communication, and in the precision and constructivism of Dutch fashion. Their integral and multidisciplinary approach to complex issues yields new ideas, new technologies, and ultimately new and sustainable solutions.
The programme included: Connecting Concepts, a large scale travelling exhibition displaying the best of Dutch design, organised by Premsela together with Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAI) and Design Cooperation Brainport Eindhoven; the Dutch Design Workspace Display, showcasing leading Dutch designers active in China; and works by the eminent architect and artist Daan Roosegaarde.
A selection of Dutch Profiles, mini-documentaries featuring leading designers such as Rem Koolhaas, Marcel Wanders and Alexander van Slobbe, and the Best Book Lounge, where visitors admired the latest trends in Dutch book design, complemented the exhibitions.
Dutch Design Thinking included a conference day on Friday 28 October 2011 (13:30 – 19:00). Talks zoomed in on the changing role of Graphic Designers in relation to information, communication and brand design. Key Dutch speakers were Thomas Widdershoven (founder-director of Thonik) and Joost Grootens (founder-director of Studio Joost Grootens), Zou Zhengfang (Studio Dumbar China) and Li Degeng (Designer, researcher, writer, and curator). The official opening of the exhibitions and presentations by leading Dutch designers concluded the programme, followed by a network reception.
Dutch Design Thinking was proudly presented by Premsela, Netherlands Institute for Design and Fashion, the Dutch Design Workspace Shanghai, the Dutch Design Fashion Architecture (DutchDFA) programme, and the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai.
