MAK DESIGN LAB

Design has a duty to improve our lives. In this day and age it is faced with the challenge of reconciling individuals’ pursuit of prosperity with long-term social interests. This includes sustainable development, social cohesion, and lifelong learning. Digitalization is opening up new possibilities, which should be used for positive change.

The MAK DESIGN LAB is founded on this modified role for design. Simultaneously it expands the concept of design that was coined in the 20th century by taking previous centuries into consideration: the function and use of objects take center stage, which in turn means that historical arts and crafts become the subject of present-day questions.

The design of the MAK DESIGN LAB by the design studio EOOS makes use of modular units and enables to quickly adjust to subjects and developments. The MAK DESIGN LAB will constantly change and will consequently always have something new to offer its visitors.

We understand design as an open and globally interconnected lab that works toward solutions with the participation of consumers. Accordingly our visitors are invited to actively share their experiences with the MAK DESIGN LAB, as well as contribute their own questions and suggestions.

A key role is played by the MAK FORUM. As a multi-purpose and flexible communication area, it provides a space for activities and debates with representatives from design, research, art, and business.

Positive Change
We understand “Positive Change” to mean the development of new models for solving important issues of our future. Among them are topics such as production, nutrition, and the impacts of climate change, but also gender relations and the democratization of knowledge.

What form could our joint transition into a socially and ecologically sustainable society take?

Interventions by the IDRV – Institute of Design Research Vienna in the exhibition provide suggestions and thoughts on the topic “Positive Change.” These can be identified by the red hatched markings near each intervention.

http://www.mak.at/makdesignlabor