DDW announces 2019 ambassadors

The ambassadors

The ambassadors that have been selected for DDW 2019 all push the boundaries of contemporary design. Through selecting these four ambassadors, the design festival brings together different design disciplines to enrich and boost the conversation surrounding design and the solutions it can deliver.

Studio Drift

Technology that moves those who behold it. Studio Drift successfully occupies the void between technological innovations and social interference with enchanting interactive art installations and to influence a sustainable future. They have developed as both entrepreneurs and artists over the past 10 years. Studio Drift was established in 2007 by Lonneke Gordijn (1980) and Ralph Nauta (1978).

Jalila Essaïdi

Jalila Essaïdi brings the future one step closer with her internationally recognized and award-winning  projects like ‘bulletproof skin’ and ‘Mestic’. She manages to conquer a part of the world through pushing the limits of  materials, development, and biotechnology. Jalila Essaïdi (born 1980) specializes in the fields of bio-based materials and biological arts.

Alice Rawsthorn

Alice Rawsthorn challenges the discourse of design through her sharp and relevant writing to raise it  to the next level. As an award-winning design critic and author, she is uniquely positioned to introduce the voices of people from outside the design community. People who create work she believes has had a profound impact on our understanding of design. Alice Rawsthorn is author of the critically acclaimed books Design as an Attitudeand Hello World: Where Design Meets Life.

Stefano Boeri Architetti

Solving the problems of urbanization and the impact cities have on climate change is one of Stefano Boeri Architetti's main missions. Rather than speculate, Stefano Boeri has realized real change through merging science and practical solutions. Stefano Boeri and partner Francesca Cesa Bianchi join DDW as one of the most important offices that work at fighting climate change’s effects with design. Stefano Boeri Architetti’s work ranges from the production of urban visions and architectures to interior and product design. Stefano Boeri Architetti was founded by Stefano Boeri in 2009, architects Francesca Cesa Bianchi and Marco Giorgio became partners in 2019. Stefano Boeri Architetti’s work ranges from the production of urban visions and architecture to interior and product design.

More information regarding the individual ambassadors will follow in the coming weeks.

DDW19 - If Not Now, Then When?

Design and experimentation play important roles in innovation. In a world that appears to have  endless possibilities in the fields of design, technology and new materials,  serious global issues are also increasing at a rapid pace. With this year's theme, DDW takes the conversation to the next level. As a continuation of  asking the question who should act, the leading design event in Europe will provide designers with a  platform for presenting where design is today.

Martijn Paulen, CEO: "Designers are capable of changing problems through a fundamental exploration of the questions. With this theme, DDW19 aims to help innovation in ideas, materials and processes to scale up. These ambassadors are great advocates in helping us achieve this."

Experience the future of design from 19-27th of October

Throughout the week, DDW will present work and ideas of more than 2600 designers to more than 350,000 visitors from home and abroad. Join the discussion surrounding the theme If Not Now, Then When? and discover the valuable input of our ambassadors.  

Find the complete bio's of the DDW19 ambassadors on request via Anoek Hagenaars.