Supporting a Creative Economy: Munich und Bayern, February 7-12, 2012

As national and cultural entities thrive in a globalised economy, they face an interesting balancing act between being reaping the benefits of diverse voices and influences while highlighting their assets and identity. Many advocates of economic development are turning to Design for affirmation. XCD continues to follow the interaction between municipalities and engaged citizens using design. Our latest article covers the Munich Creative Business Week (MCBW) scheduled for February 7-12, 2012 and is based on an interview with Bayern Design, the principal event organiser.

If you’re cruising through The Continent looking for Design Inspiration or have some frequent flyer miles you need to cash in, this might be worth checking out…

Continue reading »

The Power of Window Dressing

In this 7 metre wide textile work named Grisgris-Blanc, Abdoulaye Konaté reflects on Malian writer Massa Makan Diabaté’s comment, “the guinea fowl spreads out its colours over its plumage and man keeps them in his heart”. Grisgris-blanc merges political commentary and traditional craftsmanship using inspiration from the striking plumage of the Guinea Fowl, famous in Malian tales, legends, theatre and literature. The artist sees this treatment as a commentary on the ambiguous position heads of governments take with respect to religion.

Continue reading »

XCD does Taipei: Taipei101 & Damper Babies!!

In our previous post you probably noticed the elegant spire rising out of the sky. That’s Taipei 101, the City’s Pride and Joy–especially on New Year’s Eve. Until the January 2010, Taipei 101 was the Tallest Building in the World.

Aside from the obvious publicity effort that goes with a unique landmark, how do you assure the Public that this feat of engineering ingenuity is safe in earthquake-prone Taiwan? The Answer: Damper Babies!

Check out how the Tapei 101 communications team translates hard engineering data and dry facts into an endearing, loveable animation that is appreciated by young and old alike.

ps: Can you say Brand Extension? These Babies get around! Follow their adventures in shopping and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Robert Peters Does Taipei: 早安 Taiwan!

As part of XCD’s series in covering Design in Taiwan, we go to Robert L. Peters, past President of Icograda (2001-2003). 謝謝, Rob!

Continue reading »

What makes a World Design Capital? Part 2

What does it look when Design is part of your City’s Urban Fabric?
Capitalising on craft and design in Cape Town, South Africa.

Cape Town is the fourth city to hold this biennial appointment after Helsinki, Finland, WDC 2013. XCD also covered the activities of a previous WDC nominee, Turino. We will be following Cape Town’s progress in making Design Matter to Cape Townians and the CT Creative Community.

In this sequel to our series, XCD covers the Cape Town’s Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI). CCDI partnerned with a number of South African organisations for the 2014 WDC designation and is immensely proud that Cape Town was shortlisted along with Dublin and Bilbao.

CCDI talks to XCD about their efforts galvanising Cape Town creatives and the support they received in creating The Fringe, a hub zoned specifically for the creative community.

XCD asks: is promoting a creative class a viable tool for local economic development?

Continue reading »

XCD, un entretien… Francis Kéré: The Power of Vernacular Architecture

Architect Diébédo Francis Kéré shares the secret of his success with stakeholders unfamiliar with architectural jargon and other notions of  maintaining a professional practice in Africa.

“Education”, “development” and “upliftment” best describe the principles that drive Francis Kéré’s work. Born in Burkina Faso and educated in Germany, Kéré considers it his duty to use his skills to benefit his home continent. His work promotes sustainable architecture in Africa through adapting technology from the industrialised world, considering climatic conditions and using local materials. Kéré’s portfolio includes the Women’s Community Centre in Gando, Burkina Faso; the Museum and Centre for Communication in Mopti, Mali; school projects in Burkina Faso; the National Park in Bamako, Mali; and an Opera Village in Laongo, Burkina Faso.
Continue reading »

Lightspeed and the Human Hand, No. 5

Jonathan Arena explores art, craft and design in Japan: Entry # 5

Plato once observed that “although craftsmen are all poets … they are not called poets, they have other names.” This centuries old statement is very telling about the design industry today – a semantic notion that allows people to classify and assume, which skips process.
Continue reading »

Lightspeed and the Human Hand, No. 2

Jonathan Arena explores art, craft and design in Japan: Entry # 2

The United States experiences Japan, in large part, through its design culture — from ancient ceramic traditions and minimalist architecture, to today’s high-tech gaming, fashion, and technologically driven lifestyle. Design is a traditional and necessary function of everyday life – fully ingrained into Japanese lifestyle. This is what makes design in Japan so dynamic, and allows creativity to permeate the society in a way that is unique to the Archipelago.
Continue reading »

Lessons Learned from Michael Bierut @ Pentagram

XCD caught up with Pentagram partner Michael Bierut in South Africa and picked his brain about Design. Here is a lively discussion about his experiences with New York City’s Library project.

Continue reading »

Continuing Education 2010

Last year Maryam Hosseinnia shared her thoughts about inspiration and design during a 2-week workshop in Basel. This year, her adventures in recharging and expanding horizons take her to Den Haag in the Netherlands.

Click here to download Maryam’s report

Maryam Hosseinnia is the Program Lead and the full-time faculty at The American University of Kuwait. She has been working in Kuwait for four years.