[CALL] ABC’s of Design: eco-design

Who are designers and what makes good design? What is ecologically sustainable design? Can we – and if so, how – eliminate the negative environmental impact of products, tools or services through thoughtful design?

We’ll explore these and many other questions in a fun and creative way – by defining challenges, understanding our own and others’ needs, discussing potential solutions and ideas, and sketching a possible prototype.

What’s it about?
Together we’ll discover what makes good design. Design decisions are made every day all around the world, which is why it is more important than ever to raise awareness of its significance and its responsibility to follow ecological principles and align with the sustainable development of individuals and their environment. Through this Design Starter workshop, we learn about that importance together through real-world examples of good practice.

What’s in store for you?

• an introduction to design and key concepts
• a discussion on the importance of social responsibility in design
• inspiration from examples of good practice and ecologically sustainable solutions
• working on your own design challenge – conceiving a prototype of an eco-friendly piece of furniture

We’ll have the opportunity to explore the EMPA table and chair set – practical and environmentally conscious. Together we’ll think about how we too can create something similar: a product that is not only functional, but also ecologically responsible.

Why take part?
As well as gaining insight into the world of design, you’ll have the chance to contribute to building a future where design goes hand in hand with sustainable development. Your creativity can shape a better world!

Challenge accepted?
Great! The workshop takes place at Sonda (Vižinada) on 2 December 2023, starting at 10:00, with an expected duration of one and a half hours (10:00 – 11:30). The workshop is free of charge and held in a group of 10 participants. It is aimed at young people aged 14-18, regardless of prior knowledge or experience. All working materials are provided.

To participate, an application form must be completed. Parents and/or guardians are required to sign a consent form for their child’s participation and send it to you@sonda.hr. The consent form can be downloaded within the application form. Transport to Vižinada is the responsibility of participants and their families.

The application deadline is Monday, 29 November 2023 at 15:00.

About the mentor:
Sean Poropat is Creative Director, owner and one of the founders of Studio Sonda, an independent creative studio for design and communications, established in 2004. A champion of the idea that design and communication must be logical, honest and intuitive, he believes that the best catalyst for creativity is a meaningful and fulfilled life. In the inspiring setting of the small town of Vižinada on the Istrian peninsula, at the Sonda Creative Centre, overlooking green rolling hills, he and his team create globally recognised projects in design and communications – with the aim of demonstrating the high effectiveness of creativity by making it accessible to all.

About the programme:
With the goal of encouraging artistic expression, creative and conceptual thinking, and developing observational skills, Sonda – in collaboration with the Croatian Design Society – runs a workshop programme in which children explore the basics of design, the importance of design as a whole, and its impact on everyday life, through creative processes and the practical realisation of solutions. The workshop concept draws on specific types of tasks and themes. The programme is carried out with the support of Istria County – Regione Istriana.