SDW: Imagining DES-topia

Saudi Design Week 2018 (SDW 2018), the premier festival celebrating great design in the Kingdom and the region, is back. For its fifth anniversary, SDW will raise the bar by creating a diverse program that will tackle design and creativity in all its forms.

Held be held at the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue from October 4-7, this year’s theme, DES-topia, explores the concept of “Sustainability in Design”. Designers and creative practitioners are invited to examine the different ways that sustainability is a driving factor in their business, processes, practices, and products. This exploration can take a variety of forms: from design-driven social solutions, examining material choices, to creating sustainable practices within creative industries.

Delving into this year’s theme, Saudi Design Week has invited local and international thought-leaders to be part of the conversation. With over 40 exhibitors set to showcase, design installations, and interactive sessions, this year’s festival is giving creative producers and talents a space to share in their common passion as one community.

Saudi Design Week has also partnered up with the British Council, the Embassy of France-Riyadh and the Embassy of Hungary-Riyadh to create an enriching program that elevates and highlights the importance of good design. Some names to watch out for:

Andre Le Masurier, Executive Creative Director, Google
Xavi Cortadellas, Head of Innovation and Design, Gatorade
Patrick Le Quement, Former Chief Designer, Renault / Founder, Sustainable Design School
Rita Szerencsés, Director Operative, MOME EcoLab, Budapest
Charlie Paton, Founder and Director, Seawater Greenhouse

The fair’s programme is divided into curated exhibitions, workshops, a design forum, design market and several activities all taking place within the context of design. Temporarily transforming the Kingdom’s capital of Riyadh into a dynamic platform to discuss, judge, and admire good design.

www.saudidesignweek.com