Published 02 November 2023

8 min read
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Resourceful and responsible mindsets underpinned this year’s Dutch Design Week (DDW) (October 21-29), with designers taking practical measures towards improving our material futures. Waste was addressed with rigour, and natural and bio-based resources were embraced with force. Escapism and self-expression were other key themes, manifesting in curious aesthetics and playful craft.

Summary

In Tune with Nature

The rhythms and nourishing qualities of the natural world were a key focus at DDW. Designers are seeking to work in harmony with nature via materials and systems that positively give back, while biophilic design cues help to restore balance.

Natural & Bio-Based Materials

The use of natural, organic and bio-based materials is burgeoning, thanks to their low-impact, low-carbon and regenerative qualities. Solutions for the construction, packaging and fashion industries all feature.

Curious Narratives

An unwavering need for moments of wonder, stimulation and escapism transpire in illusory and otherworldly aesthetics. Fantasy and digital worlds are having a huge influence on colour, material and finish, materialising as surreal forms, dynamic surfaces and sensory-rich textures.

Smart & Resourceful Thinking

To help progress sustainability, savvy designers are scrutinising existing and overlooked materials. Waste streams are tackled with creativity and rigour, while undervalued and secondary materials, like paper, are reinvented as simple but smart solutions.

Personal, Meaningful & Uplifting Craft

Craft serves as a crucial tool for self-expression, as designers delve into their personal experiences, histories and heritage. And a palpable love for creative exploration gives way to joyous, playful designs.

Dutch Design Week 2023: Colour & Materials

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