Brussels is preparing to welcome design enthusiasts and industry professionals to its 18th edition of Brussels Design September (BDS), one of the world’s most engaging design festivals this upcoming fall. Starting September 12 to 30 BDS will present hundred Belgian and international artists and their latest creations.
This year’s theme is all about sustainability, which will be represented in the exhibitions, open workshops, installations, conferences, and lectures—all to encourage the dialogue between the creators, artists, craftsmen, and design connoisseurs.
BDS aims to not only show the trends of tomorrow and represent the contemporary design of today but also to explore issues in the design field and engage all parties around the subjects of the role of design in creating a better future by exploring the functionality of trends and aesthetics. Organizers state that they desire to boost the image of Brussels as a dynamic city by bringing forward the innovations of young designers “to enhance the commercial attractiveness of the city”.
Design September is an event that not only focuses on the design scene but also the city and the promotion of its talents. Brussels is proud of its reputation as a city with diverse and popular design—something that this event aims to further explore by highlighting various forms of design, from urban furniture to lights and installations.
Among those noticing the importance of this event and its contribution to the prestige and status of the city and its economy are not only the event organizers but also the Brussels-Capital Region, the City of Brussels, and many institutional and private partners who participated in bringing on this year’s edition.
This year’s concept ART + DESIGN will be focusing on the intersection of the two in Belgium by examining local creations and designers. You can expect works that explore artistic expression and reflect a diversity of materials and techniques.
A multifaceted event Renewal by Duplex Studio in collaboration with MAD Brussels and BDS will present a designer exhibition, material library, conferences, and workshops for guests to attend. It will further explore design’s contribution to the circular economy and its use of sustainable, recycled, and biomaterials.
Among the topics that the event will be focusing on are Urban Transformation: Inclusive and Resilient Design, which examines the innovative solutions of urban design for better urban life; and Collectives, Craftsmanship, and Social Design, which will explore the role of design in social transformation, as well as how it can create works uniting aesthetics, functionality, and authenticity.
In addition to the wide range of exhibitions and workshops, the commercial design competition Commerce Design Brussels will spotlight creative projects innovating commercial design’s impact from 34 design candidates. The jury has chosen 11 winners, but the final choice is after the audience, as they will get to vote online for their favorite choice till the end of September.
Finally, the famous Brussels Design Market known for its vintage and contemporary design pieces, was postponed to 16 and 17 November. Gare Maritime will host vintage pieces from the 20th century, while Hôtel de la Poste will present works of young designers.
With less than a month left until the beginning of the event and with more surprises to come, BDS is the event worth booking a trip to Brussels for. Here you will find design professionals and emerging talents working to push the existing boundaries of the design world, developing new techniques, and exploring new craftsmanship values and innovative design practices.
