New exchange
It is common knowledge that many things have changed since COVID-19. This also applies to the design and use of office spaces. While in recent years work areas were often modeled on the ideas of Google and Facebook as open spaces for social interaction, the virus has brought a temporary halt to this trend. Now personal meetings are often avoided and instead many employees are working from home. How is the new situation altering our spatial perception? What does it mean when we not only spend our leisure time at home but also work there? And how does that affect our mood and sense of wellbeing? On October 22 and 23, 2020 Vitra explores these questions in the first digital Vitra Summit. The company has invited a slew of participants from the worlds of science, the creative industries and business to discuss their experiences and insights.
The program is divided into the thematic areas: “The human and the office”, “Design matters”, “Dynamic spaces” and “Remote world”.
In “The human and the office" designer Barber Osgerby and interior designer Sevil Peach will together with other participants explore how the use of digital communication influences social interaction.
“Design matters” addresses the repercussions crises have on interior design and fittings. Architecture theorist Beatriz Colomina talks among others with designer Konstantin Grcic and Christian Grosen Rasmussen, Chief Design Officer at Vitra.
“Dynamic spaces” analyzes adaptable and flexible office environments that are capable of integrating new health aspects and work patterns by altering their structure. Participants include designer Ilse Crawford, Sharon Johnston from the architecture practice Johnston Marklee, David Allemann, co-founder of shoe brand On and Nora Fehlbaum, CEO of Vitra.
“Remote world” examines urban issues such how working remotely affects firms, housing construction and urban development. The participants include curator and critic Beatrice Galilee, Joseph Grima, Creative Director of Design Academy Eindhoven, and architect Stefano Boeri.
The Vitra Summit is open to everyone and free of charge. After registering at www.vitra.com/summit users will be able to view the complete program.
Vitra Summit, digital
From 22. to 23. October 2020
