DDF shows the future of design during NYCxDESIGN 2019

Dutch Design Foundation (DDF) presents the potential of design - which transcends aesthetics - at NYCxDESIGN. Design is production, strategy and marketing - but, above all, design is a tool for radical innovation in systems, materials and underlying processes. DDF has entered into a cooperation with Ventura Projects and has selected four unique design talents for Ventura New York – the Dutch edition. ‘Jalila Essaïdi, Lilian van Daal, Nienke Hoogvliet and Rick Tegelaar are the forerunners of this new movement: design-driven innovation’, says Martijn Paulen, director DDF. The Ventura New York – the Dutch edition at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF, 19-22 May) during NYCxDESIGN. Explore their ideas at NYCxDESIGN (19 - 22 May) during the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF).

World-changing perspectives

Can industrial insulation material be converted into an interior product? Are waste water and faeces useful raw materials in the fashion industry? And is the current supply chain for furniture and soft seating sustainable? This select group of designers have reviewed the current production processes and see multiple opportunities. Their inquisitive approach and multidisciplinary collaborations with biologists, scientists and engineers have led to horizontal innovation. There is no hierarchy in their ideas. This is the future of design.

Revolutionary materials

If anyone is an example of out-of-the-box thinking and the ability to tangibly manifest it, it is Jalila Essaïdi. Her bulletproof skin made from cobwebs attracted the attention of CNN, the BBC and others, and was also displayed in museums like NOMA (New Orleans) and the Victoria and Albert. What else can we expect? One example is ‘Mestic’; the result of putting together her creative vision and the manure problem. Mestic is a cellulose fibre made from cow manure that can be used as a raw material for paper, cardboard, building materials, plastic and textiles. The first dresses made from Mestic have already made it to the catwalk. The material also numbers the H&M Global Change Award and the Chivas Venture Award for Social Entrepreneurship among its accolades. She is also a finalist for the prestigious EU Prize for Women Innovators 2019 and one of the ambassadors of Dutch Design Week 2019. 

Nienke Hoogvliet's ‘Kaumera’ is another vitally important innovation. She entered into a cross-disciplinary collaboration with the Dutch Water Boards to breathe new life into the waste generated by water treatment plants. And her work paid off! Nienke made an impressive discovery: this waste can be converted into an absorbent alginate. Kaumera reduces water consumption when integrated into paint production processes. In addition, two natural dies that may change the textile industry forever can be produced from the waste. Her work was exhibited previously at the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial, in the V&A, in the Centre Pompidou and other respected museums.

New systems, new markets 

‘Radiolaria #1’ is a soft-seating concept that uses 3D printing to produce organic structures from recycled material. Biomimicry expert and designer Lilian van Daal has spent years researching how natural structures can steer product innovation. Her concept innovates processes throughout the supply chain: from global to local and from diverse materials to just one material. She won the Volvo Design Award for her contribution and her work was purchased by the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Product designer Rick Tegelaar has transformed innumerable consumer brands. He is known for his refined designs for MOOOI, a world-famous interior design label, and is one of the go-to designers when it comes to aesthetic innovation. Besides the Meshmatics Chandelier from the MOOOI collection, Rick will also present the results of his latest collaboration with B2B brand Low&Bonar at NYCxDESIGN. His vision and hands-on approach have helped the brand develop a range of products made from a technical textile called Colback. This collaboration has led to the rediscovery of existing materials and created new application opportunities. 

Practical information Ventura New York - the Dutch edition

All images can be downloaded (high res.) from our Flickr Page

Opening hours (Trade Only)
Sunday, May 19 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
Monday, May 20 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
Tuesday, May 21 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
Opening hours (Trade & Public)
Wednesday, May 22 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Address
ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair):
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 
655 West 34th Street New York
NY 10001 (11th Avenue at 38th Street)
Booth 1827

Ventura New York - the Dutch Edition

For more information, contact: Anoek Hagenaars, (Inter)national PR & Business Development