Design will take over València's cultural and professional agenda throughout September, extending until mid-October. This year, València stands out as the European Green Capital and a UNESCO City of Design. The festival's program includes exhibitions, conferences, editorial presentations, workshops, audiovisual screenings, and more. It will run alongside major events like Feria Hábitat, Abierto València, and Valencia Disseny Week.
The festival, organised by the Fundació del Disseny, aims to further project the Valencian Community as a national and international hub for creativity and design. The 2024 València Design Fest was presented today, attended by Jorge Fombellida, the General Director of Feria Valencia. He highlighted the joint celebration of events such as Hábitat, Textilhogar, and Espacio Cocina SICI, alongside Iberflora and Eurobrico, featuring over 1,500 international brands from September 30 to October 3.
'Time and Matter'
One of the standout initiatives in the program is the second edition of 'Time and Matter', curated by Estudio Savage in collaboration with the Valencian Museum of Illustration and Modernity (MuVIM) and the Irthi Contemporary Craft Council. The project seeks to bring contemporary craftsmanship closer to the public, highlighting its potential for development and the preservation of materials, techniques, and processes alongside design.
The festival opens on September 13 with the inauguration of the exhibition "Crafting Connections: Exploring Collaborations in Contemporary Crafts" at MuVIM. Accompanying this, Estudio Savage will curate several activities in collaboration with Camper, Fundación Loewe, and Domaine de Boisbuchet, including talks and workshops centered on design's cultural influence.
'The New Habitat'
On September 18, the study 'The New Habitat 25-26: How Our Spaces Are Changing' will be presented. Conducted by APE Group and Futurea, the study explores how interior design, product design, and architecture connect with sociocultural trends. A panel discussion will follow with experts from Clap Studio, Samaruc Studio, and El Departamento.
Talks and discussions
The festival will host several talks (September 19, 26, and October 3) open to the public, focusing on design, architecture, and urbanism. Speakers include experts like Erik Harley, Nuria Moliner, and Juan Ferrero, among others.
Sustainability focus
On October 8, Benjamin Wilson, Braun's Global Technology & Design Communications Lead, will present the book Braun: Designed to Keep. That same day, Jesús Llinares, CEO of Andreu World, will join Wilson in discussing the need for a new industrial revolution focused on responsible innovation, circular economy, and product design sustainability.
'Night at the Museum'
In the exhibition Night at the Museum: When Nature Awakens the Senses, held at the Museum of Fine Arts (starting October 2), nature-inspired design will transform the museum's interior using biophilic design, integrating natural elements into architecture and interior design.
Local meets global
Ikea Valencia will host two events: a panel with its design team discussing the creative process, and the exhibition I Can't Live Without You, where local artists present two indispensable household products.
The festival also offers a wide range of other activities, including children's workshops, the TotCor exhibition at the National Museum of Ceramics, film screenings, and roundtable discussions on art and craftsmanship.
València Design Fest 2024 is set to be an inclusive celebration of design in all its forms, aiming to inspire and engage the public with creativity, culture, and sustainability.
More information:
FHaV
www.feriahabitatvalencia.com