The BERLIN DESIGN WEEK in a nutshell
The BERLIN DESIGN WEEK presents new approaches and trends in a design culture focused on innovation and sustainability. As an international podium for contemporary design from teaching, research and practice, once a year it gathers the industry players and their most exciting interfaces in the capital of creatives.
BERLIN DESIGN WEEK is a platform for showcasing the diversity and depth of design in full.
Design is seen in its entirety – not just as an aesthetic discipline, but as a means of offering solutions to social, technological and ecological issues. Design creates realities.
Here, designers and brands from around the world show how they can boost social change and innovation through their work.
Every spring, BERLIN DESIGN WEEK presents the work and ideas of international designers, companies, and educational and research institutions.
The festival programme comprises exhibitions, talks, presentations, workshops and networking events that are held at different locations in Berlin.
6 FESTIVAL FORMATS:
Our festival programme consists of free-form events that are organised and developed by the designers themselves, as well as structured formats in which we provide a set framework. Potential participants can apply to participate in any and all of the different formats.
The application phase starts in fall 2024.
1. PARTNER PROGRAMME
You are the program. If you do not find yourself in any of the other formats, you are completely free in what you offer within the framework of the BERLIN DESIGN WEEK – as long as the context of design is given and you demonstrate novelty value, relevance, quality and ethical responsibility. Typically, designers, brands, companies of all sizes, agencies, country representatives, museums, educational and research institutions present their own formats here, from exhibitions to talks, presentations and guided tours.
The partner programme often takes place in the locations of the participants, who thus become an integral part of the BERLIN DESIGN WEEK. However, we will be happy to arrange suitable rooms for you if required.
2. DESIGN+SCIENCE
Design is the bridge from research to application. With DESIGN + SCIENCE, we are creating a platform that focuses on the interplay between design, science and research. Through a series of talks, panels, workshops and exhibitions, we connect designers, architects, researchers, engineers, innovative companies and academic institutions. Our aim is to demonstrate the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration and to explore how these synergies can shape the future.
We shed light on how research and technology open up unlimited possibilities and how design makes these innovations accessible, gives them social relevance and creates an ethical framework. We want to inspire reflection and show how the influence of design and science can shape a positive future.
3. DESIGN POOL
The DESIGN POOL is a hybrid format of trade fair and market. Designers and producers are here to make deals: either to take home or for the order-book. The DESIGN POOL only lasts two days, but our participants are always on site to talk to shoppers and trend spotters. They are typically looking for small series, special editions, products with sophisticated craftsmanship or unique materials in the areas of interiors, furniture, fashion, jewelry and accessories.
4. BERLIN DESIGN NIGHTS
During the BERLIN DESIGN NIGHTS, a wide variety of locations celebrate a design event for two evenings (sometimes even nights) across the city of Berlin. Design studios, galleries, agencies and universities open their doors and invite the public from Berlin and around the world to get to know their work, engage in conversation and network.
Our visitors plan their tour de design with the help of our online and offline maps and are offered routes that are optimized by district and opening time.
5. BERLIN DESIGN DAY
Berlin Design Day kicks off the BERLIN DESIGN WEEK: The stage is yours! We want to learn from each other, get fresh inspiration and network. We will also be allocating 8 speaker slots of 20 minutes each.
The BERLIN DESIGN DAY has been the kick-off event of the BERLIN DESIGN WEEK since 2024 and is a cooperation between Berlin Design e.V. and the BERLIN DESIGN WEEK.
Our speaker session will be followed by an open networking session. In addition to Berlin designers, national and international trade visitors are invited. Participation is free of charge.
6. NEXT
NEXT presents young design talents from Europe who are committed to shaping a sustainable future. In cooperation with EUNIC Berlin and Berlin’s Museum of Decorative Arts (Kunstgewerbemuseum), NEXT is an opportunity to highlight the potential of European design to encourage societal change and as a catalyst for innovation. In this way, this exhibition not only spotlights the visionary work of young designers, but also demonstrates how design can serve as a driving force behind sustainable, future-oriented solutions.
EUNIC Berlin is in charge of the call for submissions and application process for the exhibition. The exhibition will be curated by Alexandra Klatt, Co-Founder and Programme Coordinator of BERLIN DESIGN WEEK.
