Dutch Design Week 2024: Isola Design community in the heart of Eindohoven Strijp-S. The international events agenda of Isola Design launches with the sixth consecutive participation in the Dutch Design Week which will take place in Eindhoven (Netherlands) from October 19th to 27th, 2024. This year, Isola Design is on a journey to prove that design is more than just sustainability, it’s a powerhouse for tackling real-world issues. The strength of communities serves as a guiding light for designers, who embrace experimentation and collaboration across all fields and disciplines. They seek innovative solutions while remembering that design should have a collective impact on both the planet and humanity.
The ever-growing design platform will take over Area 51 – Netherlands’ largest indoor skatepark in the heart of the Strijp-S. Area 51 is a unique and one-of-a-kind venue where Isola Design is set to transform a few main areas into inspiring design showcases. With more than 100 exhibitors, the four exhibitions inspired by Isola Design’s theme of this year, This Future is Currently Unavailable, will coexist with the lively community of skaters and their regular activities throughout the event, creating the perfect playground for design.
“This year we’re taking a bold step into the heart of the Dutch Design Week, expanding our global reach by showcasing independent design studios from around the world. We’re also bringing the “Routes to Roots” exhibition to the Netherlands, following its success in Saudi Arabia and Milan, in collaboration with Ithra. Our goal is to build bridges between cultures, celebrate the diversity of global design, and continue strengthening our growth year after year.”
— affirms Gabriele Cavallaro, co-founder and CEO of Isola Design Group.
In the basement of Area 51, Isola Design will present “Disclosure”, the ground floor will host “Forms Unfolding” and “Routes to Roots”, while “The Floor is Yours” will be on the first floor.
Disclosure
With an iteration of the Milanese showcase, Disclosure will take over a 350m2 space in the basement of the skatepark. The exhibition will feature more than 40 between independent designers and design studios showcasing unique collectible pieces and contemporary products including those mixing digital craft and innovation.
The industrial space will be divided into thematic sections where selected studios will offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into their craft through live performances and workshops throughout the design week. The innovative 3D printed exhibition plinths by Vertico 3DP, leading Dutch company in the 3D printing sector, will add a cutting-edge dimension to the setup. As the heart of the Isola Design event, Disclosure will also host talks, panel discussions with industry professionals, networking opportunities, and various events and parties.
Additionally among the participants are:
Aga Blonska, Alejandra Hermida, Amber Grothe, Apol Objects, Aster Verrier, Aufgabe Null, Bhulls, Burkhard Schittny, Catalin Filip, Clasik.studio, Daniel Elkayam, Elaine Chan Perryman, František, Jungvirt, Giovanna Sposato/signora Luna, Halle Design, High Sense Products Design Services, Junghoonkoo, Lucrezia Venturelli, Ma_st_ar, Malin Dittmann, Marianne De Cock, Mati Sipiora, Natasja Alers & Alfhild Külper, Nowo By Oliwia Ledzinska, Only One Yes, Patch Design, Shenhuan Lu, Somyeong-lee, Stijn Van Aardenne, Stryd, Studio Lionne Van Deursen, Studio Soozo, Sung Jin Kim, Teo Rhe / Sheyang Li, Toi Haus, Vank, Yet Architecture + Binderman Architects, Ying Zheng, Yvonne Mak, Zumra Yagmur Cetinler And Damla Ertem.
Forms unfolding
Forms Unfolding will focus on the essentials of functional product design and on pioneering solutions in this field, highlighting the principles that define exceptional products spanning from complementary furnishings and decor, such as lighting and seating, to tableware and more.
Featuring a curated selection of participants who are experts in rethinking the use of traditional techniques, the exhibition will present a wide array of pieces, from traditional and industrial design to cutting-edge innovations and customizable solutions, offering a comprehensive overview of current and future trends. Dutch radical innovator Cooloo will tie the exhibition together with flexible and circular finishes and upholsteries created from recycled residual materials with their patented Endless Life® technology.
Among the participants are: Atelier Leda, Atelier Ostyn, Atelier Robotiq, Atelier-aw, Bluba Studio, Daniel Van Dijck, Erico Gondim + Ratorói Studio, Flatflat, Homenkà, Jelmerreus, Judith Van Lamoen, Kefino Studio, Kogl, Marta Pascual/u-ak, Nella Figueroa, Orfeo Studio, Paulina Nowbachtian, Ramon Nelissen, Ritsert Mans, Senselink, Shape & Shade, Social Label, Studioblauwe | Nils Rolli, Tenam, Tomas Schats, Vanplestik X Blom&blom.
Routes to roots
On the practice grounds of the skatepark, Isola Design will present the travelling exhibition Routes to Roots, a journey through designs from MENA regions and the world that preserve heritage and the Earth. Seen first in Saudi Arabia for Tanween 2023 and in Milan for Design Week 2024, the exhibition is the result of the ongoing collaboration between Isola Design Group and The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture – Ithra.
The show focuses on products that blend ancestral inspiration and expertise with cutting-edge craftsmanship, demonstrating how emerging talents can revitalise the design landscape by bridging tradition and innovation. The exhibition is organised by Isola Design Group’s new consultancy lab for design brands, organisations, and institutions, Isola Studio. The pedestals of the exhibition are produced by the Portuguese leading cork brand Sofalca, made with 100% natural expanded cork.
Among the participants are:
Bachir Mohamad And Ahmad Al Emadi, Boo Design Studio, Dahr, Doodle And The Gang, Hall Haus, High Sense Products Design Services, Ibkki, Ihab El Riz, Manahel Al Qassem, Majdulin Nasrallah, Marwa Samy Studio, Maryam Al-homaid, Mina Abouzahra, Pilgrim, Samer Selbak, Shepherd Studio, Studio Saffar, Thaqeb Design Studio, Zineb Kertane.
The floor is yours
In a vibrant dance studio on the first floor of Area 51, Isola Design is showcasing a dynamic blend of designers, design studios, and production companies. Interior architect Karel Bodegom, stylist Anya van de Wetering (Kamer465), and curator Wisse Trooster have collaborated to create a styled room and exhibition space featuring contemporary design products, predominantly featuring Dutch design.
The dance studio will be transformed under the supervision of Karel Bodegom. Acoustic wall panels from Akupanel will adorn the walls, while their newly released Velvet Stone panels will shape the display blocks. An original carpet design by Karel Bodegom for Desso will guide visitors through the exhibition space, featuring a design inspired by the visual interplay of unfolded paper clips. Fabrics from The Romo Group will complete the ambiance.
Among the participants are:
Barbara Nanning, Daphnehobbelen, Filip Pista, Fransje Gimbrere, Hanna Marije Kooistra Kooistra, Inge Bečka Art & Design, Iris Megens, Karel Bodegom, Kineco, Maria-patricia Lupascu, Mickey Philips, Primoarets, Samuel Szraga, Studio Toimii, Tom Schoonhoven Studio, Tonone, Wisse Trooster, Yamuna Forzani & Céline Hurka.
Area 51 cafe
Moreover the Area 51 café, on the first floor of the building, will host the Isola Design meeting and talk area. Among others, designer Ritsert Mans will replace existing chairs with his CBAR chairs, a homogeneous lightweight aluminium chair built from 4 sheets. Visitors will also experience and play with the Shuffleboard by Shuffly. As the backdrop of the area, Moooi Carpets will produce a custom tapestry designed by Ivi van Keulen. The piece is part of the Tangible Intangible art tapestry project curated by Wisse Trooster that will be on display at Sectie C.
The social hub
In addition to the exhibitions at Area 51, Isola Design will collaborate with The Social Hub Eindhoven, a hybrid hotel and an inclusive community with a fun-loving attitude. Social Label founders Petra Janssen (studio Boot) and Simone Kramer (C-mone) will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Dutch brand in Eindhoven. Over the past decade, Social Label has successfully created meaningful design collections and built a large community dedicated to care, education, and reintegration. Their installation “Too Big to Fix” will transform the lobby of The Social Hub into a contemplation space for dialogue.
About Isola
Isola Design Group provides visibility and opportunities to independent designers, design studios, and brands worldwide. The venture runs both Isola Design, the community platform featuring profiles, project portfolios, and direct messaging for the exchange of ideas, and the recently launched Isola Studio, a consultancy studio for future-thinking design brands and organisations. Isola Design is the world’s first digital and physical platform bringing visibility to independent designers and design studios, by connecting them to design professionals, companies, curators, journalists, and potential clients. Its dedicated curatorial team selects projects with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and handcraft. Founded in 2017 in Milan, Isola Design District immediately became one of the main official areas of the Milan Design Week, with special attention to international and emerging designers. Isola Design also organizes various in-person events under the umbrella of Isola Design Festival, which takes place throughout the year, hosting dozens of exhibitions, hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of visitors. Since 2019, Isola Design has participated in the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, becoming the first Italian design district to participate in a foreign event. Isola Design expanded its borders even further in 2022, when for the first time it led a curated group of designers to the United Arab Emirates for Downtown Design during Dubai Design Week, and in 2023 by taking part in Material Matters at the London Design Festival and Tanween, Ithra’s Conference of Creativity, the largest creativity platform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2021 with more than 1.500 designers from 65+ countries and 2,450+ projects published, Isola Design offers a community for creative people around the globe through its digital platform, with dedicated profiles and portfolio pages. The digital platform aims to spark direct community interactions, discussions, and the sharing of expertise. In 2024, Isola Design Group founded Isola Studio, the new consultancy lab for design brands, organizations, and institutions. Dedicated to creating innovative solutions, Isola Studio shares its multifocal vision with design professionals, startups, companies, and event organizers. Already active in a hybrid form across many countries that are part of the global Isola Design community, Isola Studio has initiated international calls to connect design brands, from lighting to product design, with emerging talents. It has also crafted special setups for Italian companies with branches in Europe and the Middle East, as well as international organizations such as B&T (Turkey), iGuzzini (UAE), Ithra (Saudi Arabia), Masquespacio (Spain), Monkey47 (Germany), Re-Mat (Italy), The Good Plastic Company (Netherlands), to name a few. Moreover, via the upcoming Marketplace by Isola, each verified designer and creative studio will get the chance to sell their physical products, digital assets, and NFTs.
Facts & Credits
Event: Dutch Design Week 2024
Location: Eindhoven, Netherlands
Duration: 19—27 October 2024
Opening hours: 11:00—18:00
Institutional partner: Ithra
Text: Provided by the authors
Partners: Akupanel, Area 51, Cooloo Endless Life®, Desso, Dutch Design Week, Social Label, Sofalca, The Social Hub, Vertico 3DP, Wisse Trooster
READ ALSO: Designer Talks Χ INTRO Papadatos