Fergus’s approach emphasizes that design should go beyond aesthetics, creating meaningful value for society, employees, and the environment through innovative business models, new materials, and advanced technologies.
Matej Fegus is a Slovenian entrepreneur, innovator, and advocate of sustainable design and circular economy. As the director of Donar d.o.o., he has transformed the company into a globally recognized leader in sustainable manufacturing.
Fegus received numerous awards, including CEED Global Entrepreneur of the Year 2014, Red Dot Award 2016, and Green Product Award 2018. His work with the Nico Less chair by Primoz Jeza earned the title Design of the Year 2017. In addition to Donar, he co-founded and co-owns several businesses focused on planning, communication, and sales. He was a co-organizer of the 1st conference on Sustainable Design for Transition to Circular Economy.
The “Next Gen Design: Women Creating the Future of Design” masterclass, held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at designforum Wien, was a well-attended and meaningful event during VIENNA DESIGN WEEK. Organized by designaustria, the event brought together designers, professionals, and students to discuss important issues surrounding gender diversity, equality, and the future of design. The public networking event provided a platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration.
The event began with a welcome at designforum Wien, located in Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier MQ Wien. After the introductions, the curators presented two exhibitions: “INVISIBLE” and “Raum für Erregung” (Space for Agitation). Curators Johanna Wicht, Christine Poplavski and Kira Saskia Schinko guided the audience through these thought-provoking exhibits on the intersection of gender diversity and design.
Photo Credit: Evija Kraukle
Photo Credit: Evija Kraukle
The exhibitions set a reflective tone for the rest of the event, which continued with a series of impulse lectures by creative experts. Director of Mikser, Maja Lalic, an architect and urban designer based in Belgrade, shared her insights on how young designers can contribute to sustainable futures. Her presentation emphasized NextGenDesign as great opportunity for young people in Europe to connect and learn about forward-thinking design.
Photo Credit: Evija Kraukle
Next, Valentina Auer, an interior and graphic designer from Austria and a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg, spoke about the need for sustainability and diversity within design processes. She underscored the importance of creating eco-friendly design solutions while incorporating diverse perspectives in the design industry.
Information designer Barbara Weingartshofer gave a data-driven presentation on the gender pay gap in the design profession, based on findings from her study “Frauen zählen” (Women Count). She outlined how gender inequalities continue to affect pay and career opportunities for women in design, providing valuable insights into ongoing challenges in the field.
Photo Credit: Evija Kraukle
Following the lectures, a panel discussion brought all the speakers and the exhibition co-curator together to explore these themes in more depth. Moderated by Sigrid Buerstmayr, a communication designer and assistant professor at FH Joanneum, the discussion allowed participants to engage with the speakers about how to drive change in the design industry. The audience actively participated, asking questions and contributing their own thoughts during the Q&A session.
The event concluded with an invitation to a follow-up meeting at designforum Wien on November 5, 2024 from four young designers – Lisa Stolz, Kerstin Pfleger, Therese Balslev, and Evija Kraukle – as part of the NextGenDesign Workshop for a young audience. This invitation encouraged attendees to continue their involvement in future NextGenDesign activities and discussions.
Overall, the masterclass and Edu Modules were successful in bringing attention to key issues of gender equality and diversity for more sustainability in design. The event fostered discussions, and participants signed up for further information on upcoming Next Gen Design initiatives, including Open Calls for residencies and future meetings hosted by designaustria.
The design offers a flexible and visually striking solution for urban public spaces, showcasing the seamless integration of form and function.
The modular system is built around three key concepts that blend functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. The “Time to Rest” module combines bicycle parking with a seating area, offering space for up to eight bicycles. Made from concrete or metal and enhanced with LED lighting, it includes wooden seating for added comfort, fostering social interaction and providing cyclists with a welcoming place to relax. The “Playfulness” module is designed for narrow urban spaces, featuring a zigzag arrangement of bicycle holders that adds a dynamic visual element to the surroundings. Like the other modules, it incorporates LED lighting, ensuring practicality and an appealing look, even at night. The most ambitious design, “Flower”, is a circular module with eight concrete holders accommodating up to 16 bicycles. At its center, a large metal planter with a tree symbolizes the integration of nature and urban life.
After our highly anticipated first gathering in September, we kindly invite to our follow-up workshop to discuss what we – as the next generation of professional designers – want and need.
What do young designers want? What do young designers need?
This workshop is a further step to activating a network of young and new designers in Austria. Together with you, we want join the forces into a powerful creative voice. Come and meet our network of next generation of designers and . In this workshop we will get to know each other, determine the needs of our network and look for the next actionable steps.
Our idea was to create something both practical and symbolic. Each ring of the bell tells the city’s story. This bell not only enhances safety but also adds cultural identity to bicycles across the city.
The product combines functionality with artistry. Featuring hand-painted motifs inspired by the culture of Skopje, such as iconic landmarks like the Stone Bridge, the historic Kale Fortress, and traditional Macedonian patterns, the bell encapsulates the spirit of the city.
These designs not only celebrate Skopje’s architectural heritage but also highlight its vibrant cultural identity, making the bell a unique piece of art. Whether showcasing the intricate details of ancient motifs or the bold colors of local traditions, each bell serves as a miniature canvas that brings a touch of Skopje’s history and charm to the user.
During VIENNA DESIGN WEEK, on Friday, September 20, 2024, 16:00-19:00 CEST at designforum Wien, the Austrian interest association and knowledge centre designaustria is hosting a networking event about gender balance in the design industries.
Gender equality is an essential condition for an innovative, competitive, and thriving European economy. However, the gender disparity exists across the design industry.
Survey results by designaustria showed, while for instance 70% of graphic design students are women, only 11% of female entrepreneurs employ staff, even 0% of female creative directors employ more than 10 people. To overcome disparity, a concise positioning and a conscious choice of business partners are essential. Connecting with peers is a crucial way to reflect, encourage, evolve and support.
Join us on Friday, 20 September 2024, 16:00-19:00 CEST designforum Wien Free admission.
– Maja Lalic, director Mikser – Valentina Auer, communication designer, lecturer at FH Salzburg – Barbara Weingartshofer, initiator of the gender study »Frauen zählen.«, designaustria
Moderation: Sigrid Bürstmayr
Invitation Next Gen Design: Outlook on Future Meetings with Kerstin Pfleger (studio re.d), Lisa Stolz (MOWO), Evija Kraukle (designaustria) und Therese Balslev (Danish Design Centre).
