NEXT GEN DESIGN 2025 in Vienna drew hundreds of visitors to designforum Wien, where they
explored the winning projects, met the designers in person, and joined guided tours during VIENNA
DESIGN WEEK and ORF Long Night of Museums. The exhibition offered a unique opportunity to
experience Europe’s next generation of changemakers in action that sparks conversation about a
sustainable future.
From 26 September to 5 October 2025, the winning projects of the NEXT GEN DESIGN 2025
competition were on display at designforum Wien in the MuseumsQuartier during VIENNA DESIGN
WEEK, and particularly during the ORF Long Night of Museums on 4 October. The exhibition
attracted more than 800 visitors, who had the opportunity to gain fresh insights into a vibrant spectrum
of creativity, and vision from Europe’s next generation of designers. Each winning project
embraced circular design principles, presenting sustainable, inclusive, and impactful concepts that
engaged audiences and sparked conversations about the future of design.
Alongside the exhibition, a residency for young design professionals and a complementary
program fostered networking, exchange, and inclusive design practices. The residency was mentored
by Sigrid Bürstmayr, author, designer, and lecturer for sustainable design at the FH Joanneum,
Institute of Design and Communication, who guided the participants through group assignments. The
central residency task combined best-practice inclusive design with the unique local context of the
MuseumsQuartier, asking participants:
“Every day, many different people come together at the MuseumsQuartier – museum visitors, tourists,
locals, employees, café guests, and passers-by. They all use the space in very different ways. How
can it be made visible and tangible that collaboration achieves more than individual effort?
Christoph Pauschitz, managing director of industrial design company GP design partners, co-
mentored the residency, sharing insights from his 30+ years of industrial design practice with global
clients, emphasizing strategies for inclusiveness. David Jablonski, designer, climate activist, and
board member of designaustria, also supported the residency as a co-mentor.
Severin Filek, managing director of designaustria, led a masterclass on intellectual property rights
and copyright calculations. He emphasized that a professional, business-oriented approach is a key
skill alongside creativity for sustaining a designer’s career.
The residency program combined site visits, workshops, concept development, presentations, guided
tours through the exhibition, and many inspiring interactions with new people.
As a knowledge centre and interest association, designaustria underlined during these days that
the future of design depends not only on professional expertise but also on social skills and empathy –
essential competences for Europe’s next generation of designers. The NEXT GEN DESIGN 2025
exhibition and residency exemplified how the New European Bauhaus principles of sustainability,
inclusivity, and aesthetics can come to life through collaboration and experimentation.
We hope to see you in Vienna in Autumn 2026!