Dutch Design: Down to Earth

To highlight the extensive presence of Dutch Design in Australia, the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Sydney has organised a Dutch Design Collective exhibition during Melbourne Indesign. Participating brands are HK Living, TOOtheZOO, Van Esch, Carpet Sign, Moooi, Febrik, Cascando, Artifort, Prooff, Jacco Maris, Linteloo and Graypants.

Dutch Design is highly appreciated for its simple and clear character. Often described as minimalist, experimental, innovative and smart, the Dutch mentality shines  through with its often quirky essence, down-to-earth tone and humorous nature. Dutch Design is often identified with a group of Dutch product designers. Names such as Maarten Baas, Jurgen Bey, Hella Jongerius, Richard Hutten, Wieki Somers, Marcel Wanders and internationally recognised design firms and collectives have set a trend that lasts.

There is a relationship between the way the Dutch have shaped their country and Dutch design: both are simple and functional. The excellent design schools in the Netherlands, such as Eindhoven Design Academy and Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam encourage work between disciplines, which stimulates a more conceptual perspective. An example is Droog and its cooperation with the Technical University in Delft. Furthermore, the Dutch government is very willing to support initiatives and provide subsidies to promote Dutch Design. This has enabled design students to start as independent entrepreneurs right after graduating.  The ‘twist’ in Dutch Design is often credited to the fact that the Dutch have the ability to make fun of themselves, and to combine things that normally wouldn’t be put together. Dutch designers are known for turning worthless looking materials into products with a new value.

 Every year, the Dutch Design awards are awarded during Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, the largest design event in Northern Europe.

Melbourne Indesign runs 12 – 13 August 2016 around the city of Melbourne. For full details of the event, follow the link below. 

Melbourne Indesign
indesigntheevent.com/melbourne