Wendland Design Camp

I am visiting the Wendland Design Camp 2012. A project designed and implemented by Grüne Werkstatt with the purpose of getting design students together with the industry and companies in Wendland, to create viable and interesting futures for the region.

Several companies have prepare briefings from which the participants can select the most relevant to them, and during two weeks they will work together envisioning possible solutions. The project also counts with the support from several universities and their professors which facilitate the process and gives tips to the students towards more holistic solutions.

The initiative tries to bring the students out of the -protected- university environment and challenge them to work with problems that the companies are facing. Most of them take in consideration a sustainable future for the Wendland region. Supporting not just economic growth, but also looking for alternatives for waste from the industrial process, or reducing the use of plastic in the shopping experience.

From my critical side, i feel that designers might still focus too many times in developing products and services which are not based on a human need, and rather are based on a selling perspective for business. Even if they are developed from green and sustainable materials, if we didn’t need them, why making them?

If we want to create better future which doesn’t destroy our environment, i think is much more about creating different cultures to that of pure consumerism, futures that are exiting, but more conscious about the limitations of our planet.

In any case, the place and process that they have created is amazing. It is taking place in Werkhof Kukate Here, in the middle of the land, we have a great atmosphere which brings inspiration to all. And the people gathered here are all great motivated people that want to make a difference. I do ask my self, how much makes the place? Does it matter to the creative process where it happens? Are some places more innovative than anthers in themselves?

One thing is for sure, creating spaces where people can get together during a specific time and with not too many choices, inspire great and inspiring discussions