Orange peels are a food waste residue abundant in the Mediterranean diet, and we can give them another life: many things are possible with what we consider “waste” today.
Squeeze the Orange is a research project on the reuse of orange peel to make biodegradable and compostable materials for the fashion industry.
Through the work and knowledge shared between makers and designers, they investigated orange waste to design a material that all fashion designers can use. The project was developed in collaboration with restaurants in the Poblenou neighbourhood in Barcelona. Its purpose is to manufacture a completely biodegradable or compostable waterproof bioplastic using dehydrated orange peel to produce clothing and accessories for the fashion industry.
Ressaca is an immersive installation that takes the viewer into a dystopian world where humanity’s only remaining natural resources are its own waste and dross. Broken and sharp glass is the main construction element of what we intuit to be an eccentric room that sparkles with danger. Vila pushes to the limit a set of semi-utilitarian furniture that threatens and provokes, invites and prohibits in equal parts, an exercise in speculative design that reflects on the future of society.
Founder and Head Designer of Aparentment, Josep Vila Capdevila (1976) is a multidisciplinary designer that has been linked to fashion, advertising, photo-journalism and even music. In 2012, he launched his first collection of objects, Marblelous, which had an impact nationally and internationally. Since then, he has followed a design path towards experimentation and innovation working with noble, robust and lasting materials.
matapalo, by Unlable Design Studio, is a brand from Algiers that markets biophilic pots and installations made of flexible and innovative composite fabrics that stand out for their design, lightness, durability and recyclability.
The product was presented during Underground BDW, a new collective and immersive exhibition during the Barcelona Design Week 2024.
At Skopje Design Week 2024, Severin Filek, the managing director of Design Austria since 1992, led a pivotal workshop titled “How Do You Calculate Your Individual Hourly Rate? “ Known for his advocacy for the professionalization of the design industry, Filek shared his vast expertise on crucial business practices for creatives.
The workshop explored topics essential to designers, including determining individual hourly rates, understanding pricing strategies, and navigating copyright issues. Participants engaged in practical exercises to develop the skills needed to fairly and competitively price their services, while also learning about the legal frameworks that protect their creative work.
“This workshop gave me the confidence to charge what my work is truly worth”, remarked one emerging designer, emphasizing the practical and empowering nature of Filek’s approach to financial and legal aspects of the creative industry. Another attendee described the hands-on exercises as transformative, explaining that they finally understood how to calculate rates based on actual costs and value.
The session highlighted the importance of valuing one’s work and recognizing intellectual property as a key asset in the creative industry. By offering actionable insights and clear methodologies, Filek equipped attendees with tools they could immediately apply to their professional practices.
A Commitment to Empowerment
Severin Filek’s contribution underscored Skopje Design Week 2024’s dedication to supporting designers in building sustainable and successful careers. By addressing the often-overlooked business aspects of the creative industry, the event empowered participants to navigate its financial and legal challenges with greater confidence.
This session, like others during the event, exemplified the synergy between creativity and entrepreneurship. Skopje Design Week continues to strengthen its role as a hub where designers gain both inspiration and practical knowledge to thrive in a competitive market.
As one of the most awaited lectures at Skopje Design Week 2024, Nikola Radeljković’s masterclass, titled “In Praise of Bastardy,” delved into the power of creative hybridity and unconventional collaboration in design. Drawing on his vast experience as co-founder of the renowned Numen/ForUse collective, Radeljković challenged traditional design norms and celebrated the beauty of cross-disciplinary experimentation.
The session explored how blending diverse influences, materials, and approaches can lead to groundbreaking design solutions. “The idea of ‘bastardy’ as a creative force was revolutionary,” shared one participant. “It encouraged us to embrace imperfection and unexpected combinations in our work.”
Radeljković highlighted examples from Numen/ForUse’s portfolio, showcasing projects that fused seemingly disparate elements into cohesive, innovative designs. He emphasized how breaking away from rigid methodologies can unlock new creative potentials.
“I found his approach liberating,” said an emerging designer. “The masterclass showed us that the most exciting designs often come from stepping outside traditional boundaries.”
The discussion also addressed the cultural and organizational challenges of integrating varied influences within a team. Radeljković provided strategies for fostering synergy and harnessing the strengths of diverse perspectives. “Collaboration doesn’t have to be uniform,” noted one attendee. “It’s about finding harmony in difference.”
Another participant remarked, “This wasn’t just about design—it was a call to embrace the messy, chaotic process of creation. That’s where innovation truly happens.”
By the end of the session, attendees left inspired to approach their work with boldness and an open mind, ready to celebrate the “bastardy” in their own creative journeys. Radeljković’s masterclass exemplified Skopje Design Week’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional design thinking.
Skopje Design Week 2024, held under the theme “Pure Mobility,” emphasized the future of design as a tool for societal transformation. One of the event’s highlights was the merged session of two pivotal lectures: “Funding Opportunities for Cultural and Creative Sectors from the EU 2021–2027 (Creative Europe)” and “NEXT GEN Design Opportunities for Young Designers from Europe.” This comprehensive session was delivered by a panel of experts, including Gordana Vrencoska, Biljana Prentoska, and Aleksandar Velinovski, offering attendees a thorough exploration of funding and growth opportunities for young designers within the European creative framework.
The lecture began by addressing the structural and financial mechanisms available under the EU’s 2021–2027 cultural framework, specifically the Creative Europe program. The speakers detailed funding pathways, including grants, residencies, and cross-border collaboration initiatives, designed to support emerging creatives. They also discussed how the EU’s priorities, such as the European Green Deal, are shaping funding criteria and influencing the direction of contemporary design.
In its second half, the session transitioned into discussing how designers can position themselves to thrive in a competitive European market. Attendees were introduced to strategies for developing interdisciplinary projects, leveraging digital tools, and cultivating unique cultural identities to create market-ready solutions.
“This session was a masterclass in both opportunity and strategy,” shared one attendee. “It didn’t just explain what resources are available—it showed us how to use them effectively.”
Key themes included fostering sustainability through design, the importance of cultural exchange, and the role of young creatives in redefining the future of the design industry. The speakers emphasized the need for designers to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, combining artistic vision with practical business acumen to maximize their impact.
The merging of these two lectures created a robust, well-rounded discussion, ensuring participants walked away with actionable insights into funding opportunities and strategic approaches for their design careers. This session exemplified Skopje Design Week’s commitment to equipping the next generation of creatives with the tools and knowledge needed to shape a sustainable and inclusive future.
Maja Lalic is an architect, expert in gender equality, and regenerative urban development. Recognized by The New York Times as one of “Belgrade’s most progressive architects,” Maja is the founder of the Mikser organization, as well as the creative director of the Mikser Festival, dedicated to sustainable development and design.
As an architect and urban planner educated at Columbia University in New York, Maja advocates for participatory urban practices involving citizens and the application of nature-based solutions in urban environments. For her urban revitalization projects and efforts to engage citizens in the planning process, she has received awards from the Belgrade Salon of Architecture and distinctions such as the Lucille Smyser Lowenfish Memorial Prize and the Kinne Fellows Memorial Prize from Columbia University.
Maja also co-founded the Women’s Architectural Society, founded Young Balkan Designers, and initiated the Balkan Design Network to promote regional young talents in the field of sustainable design.
The vision was to create a product that combines functionality with style. The lattice ensures optimal air circulation, making it ideal for prolonged use.
The volumetric lattice, a three-dimensional structure made of interconnected cells, is carefully engineered using advanced materials and precision techniques. Each cell is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces evenly, providing optimal protection. Rigorous testing, including simulated crash scenarios and stress analysis, ensures its effectiveness while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable design.
With the potential integration of smart technologies like LED lights and impact sensors, this helmet showcases how technology and design can create innovative solutions for urban challenges.
With a solid background in Business and Institutional Communication, complemented by a Master’s in Scientific and Environmental Communication from UPF in Barcelona and an MBA in Sustainability and Environmental Management from FGV in Rio de Janeiro, Fabio Palma has built a career shaped by unwavering personal values and a strong commitment to positive social impact, with a particular focus on sustainability, creativity, and social innovation.
He has primarily worked within institutions, NGOs, and the higher education sector at a global level, taking on increasing responsibilities and challenges. Much of his career unfolded within the IED – Istituto Europeo di Design network, where he began in 2007 in Barcelona as a Teacher and Course Coordinator. Later, he moved to Brazil as General Director of IED Rio and CEO of IED Brazil. Currently, he serves as Strategic Partnerships Director at the global foundation Plant for the Planet, advancing ecosystem restoration and empowering young environmental leaders.
