In line with their commitment to a sustainable transformation in design and architecture, Kaldewei, the German premium bathroom manufacturer, is hosting a series of design talks in collaboration with Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE) at Milan’s renowned Villa Bagatti Valsecchi. These discussions are set against the backdrop of Milan Design Week’s theme, “Are we going in circles?” and will be held as part of the independent design platform Alcova Milano, a key event during Fuorisalone.
The design talks, which will run from 7 to 10 April, will focus on the concepts of circular economy and explore how the design industry can evolve to meet sustainability goals. The series of lectures and panel discussions will bring together experts from design, science, and industry, including students, young professionals, curators, and key industry leaders. The goal is to spark critical dialogue about the opportunities and challenges of adopting a circular approach in design, encouraging attendees to rethink established design conventions and push creative boundaries.
“Establishing circular systems against all odds – we are convinced that bold ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration are the basic prerequisites for a sustainable transformation of our industry,” says Christian Büttner, head of innovation at Kaldewei.
His words reflect the event’s ethos, which seeks to inspire the next generation of designers and drive innovation in material sustainability and responsible production.
A historic setting for sustainable design innovation
The event will take place at Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, a 19th-century architectural gem once home to the Milanese aristocracy. Kaldewei and DAE will repurpose the villa for the event, providing a unique and inspiring setting for discussions on sustainable design. The Alcova Milano platform, founded in 2018 by Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima, has become a significant venue during Milan Design Week, attracting over 90,000 visitors each year with its visionary design showcases.
Each day of the event will feature panel discussions followed by a dialogue, with a focus on the future of sustainable design and material innovation. The lecture series will showcase how designers can integrate long-term thinking into their work, use resources responsibly, and create sustainable solutions that meet the needs of both society and the environment.
Key talks and themes
The English-language talk formats will begin daily at 3 pm, with talks and discussions running from 4 pm. Highlights include:
- Monday: “Material Culture” with Afaina de Jong from AFARAI, moderated by Ilse Meulendijks, Head of the Master Programme at DAE.
- Tuesday: Prof Dr Michael Braungart will present on “Cultural Ecology” and the radical nature of sustainability approaches.
- Wednesday: Metahaven and Daniel van der Velden, Head of GEO-Design, will discuss “Planetary”, exploring diverse design approaches and attitudes.
- Thursday: The series will conclude with “Making & Implementation”, a discussion on experimental approaches to sustainable design and the future of materials.
A vision for the future of design
Through this collaboration, Kaldewei and Design Academy Eindhoven aim to inspire the next wave of designers to adopt sustainability-oriented methods and lead the way in material innovation. These talks serve as a platform for exploring how designers can influence responsible production and create a more sustainable future through the power of design.
For more information about the event, visit www.alcova.xyz.