On May 24, 2024, the Mikser Festival in Belgrade played host to the first out of five engaging and transformative Next Gen master class. On this specific occasion the topic was Circular Design and the class was led by the Professor Jelena Matić from the Faculty of Forestry in Serbia. The event brought together 16 passionate, young designers both local and international for an afternoon of learning, innovation, and sustainable design practice.
A Dive into Circular Design
The objective of the master class was clear: to introduce the fundamental principles and practical applications of circular design, providing participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to implement sustainable practices into their future designs. The session was structured into four comprehensive parts, ensuring a balanced mix of theory and practice.
Session 1: Unpacking Circular Design
Professor Matić introduced the ten principles of circular design through a succinct lecture followed by a stimulating discussion. Topics included the selection and use of materials, circularity, easy disassembly, quality, and durability, among others. Participants shared real-world examples and exchanged ideas, enriching the learning experience with practical insights.
If you are interested into the Circular Design Principles and want to implement them into your designs follow here
Session 2: Tackling Real-World Challenges
The next session made young designers dive into real-world challenges, such as the massive waste of wooden chopsticks and leftover materials from laminate flooring production. Divided into groups, participants brainstormed innovative and sustainable solutions, applying their newly acquired knowledge to practical scenarios. The collaborative problem-solving exercise fostered critical thinking and creativity, leaving participants better equipped to handle sustainability challenges.
Session 3: Presentations and Reflections
The final session allowed each group to present their solutions, highlighting key features and principles. Constructive feedback from Professor Matić and peers provided valuable insights, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Interestingly, many groups leaned towards tech-based solutions, proposing the development of apps for co-sharing, collecting, and connecting resources rather than concrete design solutions to manage wooden waste and leftovers. This trend suggests a shift in focus among the new generation of designers, who appear to be more inclined towards leveraging technology for sustainable solutions.
This inclination towards tech-based approaches might indicate a broader trend in design thinking, where digital platforms and tools are seen as pivotal in addressing environmental challenges. As we look to the future, it will be fascinating to observe whether this tech orientation continues to dominate or if a balance between digital and tangible design solutions will emerge.
The master class concluded on a high note, leaving participants inspired and equipped with fresh perspectives on sustainable design. Only time will tell how these young designers will shape the future of circular design, but their innovative spirit and technologically adept approaches certainly hint at exciting possibilities ahead.
