Inspirational talk: Design beyond established norms

At our first Design-BAR event, Swedish and French participants share their experiences and ideas on the role of norms in the creative process. How can design step beyond existing norms?
Transformer and electric drill.

Most manufactured products are still designed for healthy, white, middle-aged, mid-income people. What can and must a designer do to avoid consolidating the forces of inequality at work in society? In Sweden, the concept of normkritik (criticising norms) is the focus of debate in many fields, including design and fashion. It expresses a wish to highlight and transform the hierarchies that cause structural discrimination. Many Swedish artists and designers are driven by this issue, whether it relates to gender, skin colour, class, religion or sexual orientation.

How can design step beyond established norms? During this evening event, the world of Swedish and French design will be analysed from this perspective, highlighting both challenges and success stories and offering fresh interpretations.

In the panel:

  • Karin Ehrnberger, designer and curator behind the Norm Form exhibition at Arkdes, see below.
  • Maja Gunn, designer and curator behind the Norm Form exhibition at Arkdes, see below.
  • Camilla Andersson, architect, researcher at Aalto University, and curator behind the Norm Form exhibition at Arkdes, see below.
  • and Matali Crasset, French industrial designer

Organised in collaboration with the ArkDes, national centre for design and architecture , which is presenting the Norm Form exhibition in Stockholm this autumn, showing that alternative design is possible.

Discussion in English. Moderator : Jurgen Hecker, journaliste, AFP.
Admission free while seats last.
Drinks may be purchased at the bar.
Event organised within the framework of Swedish Design Moves Paris.