What role does design want to – and is able to – play in the future? Drawing on the concept of the Five Stages of Grief, experts reflect on the place of design in society.

In addition to a range of other anniversary events, the 20th edition of the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK also provides an opportunity for a discursive reflection on the current situation and the sociocultural position of the design sector. Against this backdrop, the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK – in its role as a leading international and local platform – is hosting an in-depth anniversary symposium.

Drawing on the popular concept of the Five Stages of Grief developed by the Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the symposium outlines a kind of step-by-step model for addressing and overcoming challenges in a discipline that seeks to maintain its capacity for action amid the climate crisis, the rapid spread of artificial intelligence, and growing sociopolitical uncertainties. The anniversary thus becomes a moment of self-reflection: What role does design want to – and is able to – play in the future?

Moderation: Matylda Krzykowski

Limited number of places
Registration at rsvp@viennadesignweek.at 

Schedule

1pm–1.15pm – Welcome and introduction

1.15pm–2.05pm – SHOCK, DENIAL, IGNORANCE

Pete Fung (nominated by the Nieuwe Instituut)

2.05pm–2.15pm – Break

2.15pm–3.05pm – ANGER AND BARGAINING

Amelie Klein and Vera Sacchetti

3.05pm–3.45pm – Long break

3.45pm–4.35pm – DEPRESSION AND NOSTALGIA

Mário Moura

4.35pm–4.45pm – Break

4.45pm–5.35pm – ACCEPTANCE

Juli Gudehus (TUQTULI)

from 5.40pm – Informal finale as part of the Spotlight on the Festival Headquarters

Between the talks, short films exploring design utopias will be shown, created by students of the Regenerative Design Lab as part of the “Design Revolution Now!” project within the Debut festival format.

A workshop by Juli Gudehus (TUQTULI) will take place throughout the entire duration of the symposium.

 
Festival Headquarters, Blue Area (Talks)
13., Hietzinger Kai 101