Second Ideas Lounge Event 23 July 2009

EDC hosted the second “Ideas Lounge” Event as part of the ECONetwork feasibility study. The event was held at the Café Bar of the Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff on 23rd July 2009. The aim of the event was to bring together leading designers to continue the discussion on how a network on ecodesign and sustainability could be developed for Wales.

The event was divided up into a keynote speaker and a number of shorter presentations delivered during the ‘open space’ session. Leyla Acaroglu (Eco Innovators Pty. Ltd) opened the event with a keynote presentation on planned obsolescence and design. Julian Skyes (Hoffi), Angela Gidden (attic 2)and Luke Palmer (Orangebox) gave presentations related to sustainability and design. Julian made a presentation on a project exploring the possibility of opening a retail space dedicated to cradle-to-cradle products. Angela gave a personal reflection on design and role of brands in consumption. Luke made a presentation on the ARA chair and how Orangebox have implemented sustainability into their product design processes. 

Simon O’Rafferty (EDC) closed the event with a personal reflection on the debate and discussion on the role of design in sustainable development. He also made a presentation and facilitated a discussion on the main elements of the ECONetwork funding proposal.

Many of the suggestions and ideas provided by the attendees were inspiring and showed the potential of such a design network in Wales. Some additional themes that the network should consider included; 

• develop a strong “made in Wales” brand defined by sustainable principles
• demystify the definitions, language and jargon of ecodesign
• improve public understanding of good design (ecodesign) and sustainability
• use good design to drive economic resilience and growth of the Welsh economy
• use good design to develop local economies
• drive the renewal of the design sector

Some of the real value of the Econetwork events will be the connections made within the network and how the network maintains momentum over the coming years. EDC will strive to improve the collaboration across the network as it develops.

The next phase of the ECONetwork is currently subject to a Welsh Assembly funding application. EDC will inform results as the project progresses.

To get more details about the ECONetworks feasibility study and outputs from the “Ideas Lounge” event please visit the ECONetworks blog http://econetwork.wordpress.com

To see the speakers’ presentations please visit http://www.slideshare.net/EcodesignCentre

To download the flyer from the event click here. 

To see some images from the event visit EDC's Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecodesigncentreimages/sets/72157621931088386/

July 2009