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Architecture in the Foyer 2021
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Architecture in the Foyer 2021

On 30 September and 1 October, a who’s who of the world of architecture flocked to Melle, Germany, their luggage packed with innovative ideas and thought-provoking perspectives. The six international speakers inspired the 1,200 participants both on-site and in the live stream of the event. The presentation of the Design Educates Awards provided a touch of glamour and plenty of sparks to stoke the creative fires. 

Day 1: Three perspectives on architecture and design

It was just after 2 pm on Thursday when Stefan Holtgreife, Managing Director of Solarlux, declared the third edition of architecture in the foyer open. Following the event’s successful debut in 2019 and its continuation online in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, it has now established itself as something of a tradition. This year, guests were welcomed both in person and via video feed from 70 different countries, as the organisers adopted a hybrid concept for the event.

The first day of the programme contained two main highlights: three promising work and project reports and Design Educates Awards ceremony.

Michael Rollmann, Referent bei architektur im foyer 2021
Michael Rollmann, Referent bei architektur im foyer 2021

The first surprise came with the very first talk of the day. Michael Rollmann of pedevilla Architects, a bureau based in South Tyrol, was keen to stress the common ground between his firm and Solarlux, who were hosting the event. Known for their down-to-earth, materials-based architectural style, pedevilla reserve a particular passion for glass as a material in their work. They use a manual smelting process to create solid glass elements for use in their facades and interior design. The carefully selected materials they use are the beating heart of the bureau’s designs, yet they never take away from the absolute simplicity and clarity of thought behind the concept. Every one of their projects radiates harmonious consistency – from the idea to the final detail.

Walda Verbaenen, Referentin bei architektur im foyer 2021
Walda Verbaenen, Referentin bei architektur im foyer 2021

Belgian designer Walda Verbaenen smashed the boundaries between different dimensions and media with the presentations of her two projects, Phonotype and Braille meets Emoticons. While the new phonetic system she has invented is designed to help people learn languages, her tactile emoticons add an extra layer of emotion to writing and reading for the visually impaired.

The third guest to take the stage was Prof. Jan R. Krause, who shared the story behind the Guga S’Thebe Children’s Theatre, which was launched by Kristina Bacht in Cape Town’s oldest township. The construction and renovation of the theatre, event hall and place of learning offers a perfect example of the stimulating power of architecture.

„Lets use our creative power to build bridges for a better world.“
Walda Verbaenen, designer

Design Educates Awards – In honour of educational structures

The first day’s talks were followed by the Design that Educates Awards ceremony, presented by the LAKA Foundation. Solarlux is a contributing financial partner to the awards. 2021 marked the third time that the star-studded jury awarded 36 projects in the categories of Architectural Design, Product Design, Universal Design and Responsive Design.

The awards are deliberately designed with a broad scope in an effort to honour structures and properties all around the world that provide some form of informal education. Their design illustrates connections and shines a light on solutions to needs that have previously been overlooked, either deliberately or subconsciously. The message is aimed at both those within the field of architecture and the wider world beyond. The broad perspective the award offers on the world of architecture and design is particularly inspiring, and the interaction between different disciplines presents an opportunity to act on new ideas and develop them into new dimensions.

The presentation of all the projects and their creators has become an educational event in itself – a treasure trove of creative ideas and awareness-raising solutions that invites everyone to embrace their own potential for creation.

Congratulations to all this year’s prize-winners! Submissions for the Design Educates Awards 2022 are open now. For more information, please visit www.designeducates.com.

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