Session 1. Future Living: Inside Green Design

At Dutch Design Foundation, we believe that designers' optimistic and problem-solving capacities can improve the world. In this 1,5 hour session, we will explore nature-based solutions for the urban challenges of the upcoming 100 years. How can design help in our battle against climate change? How can we design products to enhance biodiversity instead of harming it? And what resources do we have to develop circular materials that contribute to the environment? Together with designers, experts on bio-design, and design researchers, we will introduce the wondrous world of design and show you where it meets with tech and nature.

Speakers line-up:

Matilde Boelhouwer

Biodiversity Designer at Atelier Boelhouwer

Kim van den Belt

Bio-Inspired Product Designer and Innovator at Studio Kim van den Belt

Koert van Mensvoort

Creative Director at Next Nature Network

Marsha Simon

Moderator

In Matilde Boelhouwer's work the boundaries between art, design, science, and biology seem to fade. Her project 'Insectology: Food for Buzz', is an award winning urban intervention to maintain our insect population and stimulate new ones.

Kim van den Belt considers nature as an inexhaustible source of inspiration for her work in product and material design. Kim will focus on her project 'Kaia', a living lamp that filters CO2.

Koert van Mensvoort is an artist and philosopher. He is best known for his philosophical concept of Next Nature revolving around the idea that our technological environment has become so complex, omnipresent and autonomous that it is best perceived as a nature of its own. Next Nature is part of the Floriade with the 'Nature Loves Technology' pavilion.

Marsha Simon works as Dutch Design Foundation's eyes and ears in the design community. With a background in social design, moderating and presenting, she is the perfect host for this day.