Theme: Wellbeing

While we have never before been able to treat or cure so many illnesses and diseases, public health is declining. We stay more indoors and thus see less sunlight, move less because we sit more, work longer, stare at a computer screen all day, are exposed to polluted air filled with smells, nitrogen and particulate matter, etc. Depression, obesity, and stress reign supreme. That is why wellbeing in the built environment is put in the limelight the past couple of years.

Moderator: Daan Bruggink

Title: Biophilic architecture and Wellbeing

Daan, architect and founder of ORGA architect, is seen as a visionary and designer with a great influence on the construction of tomorrow. Daan has an extensive and diverse portfolio of sustainable projects, constructed in natural, bio-based materials. His biophilic architecture strengthens the bond between human and nature.

Title: Aquatecture- Embracing water in the urban environment 

Having completed her BSc. Interior Architecture at the University of Pretoria, Shaakira worked in the field of architecture in Johannesburg. After a few years, she wanted to expand on her possibilities as a designer and moved to the Netherlands to study at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Her previous profession in the architectural field, together with her upbringing in a young democracy in South Africa plays a role in informing her current work. Her latest projects focus on using design as a tool to create products and installations, whilst raising awareness around water as a precious resource.

Title: Story of ceramics

Born in Korea, Yoon finished his bachelor Industrial Design at Kookmin University in Seoul in 2012. In 2015, he started at the Design Academy Eindhoven. After his graduation in 2019, he founded his own design studio. 

Title: Sustainable Challenges | waste-based materials

Studio Mixtura is founded by Daria Biryukova. She is a design alchemist with a fascination to experiment with waste and secondary raw materials. With her studio, she constantly searches for smart, sustainable and beautiful solutions for products and production processes, particularly in the field of ceramics. Her work is characterized by material experiments, in-depth research and a love for colour and ingenuity of craftsmanship.

Title: Under the skin of a Pine tree

Sarmite Polakova is a Latvian designer living and working between Frankfurt and Amsterdam. In 2015 she graduated from Design Academy Eindhoven where she developed a special interest in material research and storytelling. Sarmite‘s designs are significant for the development of sustainable materials and production techniques that do no harm to the planet.

Title: Red Ocher and a Wise Man

Title: Innovating through craft

La Gaoude Atelier’s specificity is its in-depth knowledge of materials, the wish to extend the possibilities of creation by twisting traditional technics. La Gaoude Atelier stands between craft and innovation. Their research is looking towards natural and sustainable materials as La Gaoude Atelier wishes to create objects that are freed from ephemeral trends.

Title: Healthy material choices

Atze Boerstra founded the indoor environmental research and consultancy firm bba Indoor Environment in 1996. This gave him the opportunity to pursue his vision of focussing on the building occupant to guarantee a healthy and comfortable working and living environment.

Laura van de Pol has been focussed on sustainability as an interior designer and architect for over 10 years. Her holistic design approach translates to healthy humans and healthy environment as the focus – creating beautiful and responsible design into the future.