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Berlin’s Design Scene: Will the 2025 Design Week Finally Break Through?
Table of Contents
- Berlin’s Design Scene: Will the 2025 Design Week Finally Break Through?
- Berlin’s Design Scene: Will the 2025 Design Week Finaly Break Through?
Is Berlin, a city celebrated for its art, music, and fashion, about to finally give design its due? The Berlin Design Week (BDW), slated for may 15-18, 2025, aims to elevate design from a supporting role to a leading act on berlin’s cultural stage. But can it succeed where previous attempts have faltered?
The Underdog of Berlin’s Creative Landscape
Berlin pulsates with creative energy.From the Berlinale film festival to the Gallery Weekend, the city is a magnet for artists and innovators. Yet, design often remains in the shadows, despite the presence of numerous design studios, agencies, and prestigious educational institutions like the Kunsthochschule Weißensee and the Universität der Künste. Young designers flock to Berlin, drawn by the chance to launch their own ventures, and new furniture and interior brands are constantly emerging. Even cultural institutions like the Kunstgewerbemuseum, the Bröhan-Museum, and the Museum der Dinge showcase design. So, why isn’t Berlin design a household name?
Alexandra Klatt, co-founder and managing director of the BDW, puts it bluntly: “Design is often the stepchild among the creative disciplines in Berlin.” The goal of the 2025 BDW is to change that, making the city’s creative talents visible and highlighting design’s meaningful contribution to Berlin’s economy. The plan? A series of exhibitions, talks, and events across the city, organized by the BDW and its partners, including furniture brands and design studios.
A History of false Starts
The 2025 BDW isn’t the first attempt to put Berlin design on the map. In the early 2000s, Designmai offered studio visits and exhibitions, hoping to capitalize on the post-reunification dynamism that propelled Berlin’s art scene to international prominence. Then came DMY,initially a Designmai satellite,which aimed to showcase Berlin design until 2016,using iconic locations like Tempelhof Airport and the Kraftwerk power plant.
Both Designmai and DMY ultimately failed to establish a clear identity, caught between being a commercial showcase and a vibrant festival. A lasting business model proved elusive, and the quality of projects, ranging from classic furniture design to experimental materials, varied widely. Qubique, a furniture fair held once in 2011 in the Tempelhof hangars, offered a more focused approach, featuring high-end exhibitors like Vitra and Thonet in an attractive setting. Though, economic challenges prevented it from becoming a recurring event.
“Europe Doesn’t Need a Third Trade Fair”
“You need more time, several years. It was too short-sighted and perhaps too high-stakes,” says Ruben Hutschemaekers, one of the founders of Qubique. He no longer sees potential for a design fair in Berlin. With the Salone del Mobile in Milan and 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen already established, he believes “Europe doesn’t need a third trade fair.” Though, Hutschemaekers, who has also worked as the German managing director for design brands like Hay and Magis, believes Berlin and its creatives deserve their own event with a clear concept.
Even the Berlin Design Week itself has struggled to gain traction in recent years. After the demise of DMY, Alexandra Klatt and others attempted to establish the Design Week as a new format. However,support from the design community was lacking,with few companies and studios willing to participate. Shifting, non-industry sponsors and remote exhibition locations further diminished its relevance.In a city as vast and fragmented as Berlin, the BDW was easily overlooked. According to Alexandra Klatt, a key reason for the lack of impact was that “while formats like Fashion Week or Art week are strongly supported by the Senate, the BDW was a grassroots project.”
A Shift Towards Tangible Design
The 2025 Design Week is undergoing a significant overhaul. It has been streamlined to four days, aiming for greater focus and dynamism. The core team around co-founder Klatt has expanded, with Angelika Müller from Ahead-Verlag (“Home,” “Flair”) and Monika Dagrée from On Time PR, two well-connected media professionals, joining the BDW team this year. Moreover, the content focus has been broadened to include product and interior design alongside more challenging themes like experimental design and social design. This shift is intended to be more accessible and commercially viable, attracting greater participation from manufacturers and planning offices.
The BDW has already announced nearly 90 participating companies, institutions, and designers. Conference and talk formats aim to engage both industry professionals and interested Berliners.Participants include furniture and kitchen designers Bartmann, Galerie White Label Projects, and the Königliche Porzellanmanufaktur (KPM). the BDW’s restructuring has also encouraged others to organize their own events, such as exhibitions, around the same time, even without officially partnering with the BDW – a rare occurrence in previous years.
Momentum in the Berlin Design scene
This reinvention comes at a crucial time, as Berlin’s design scene is showing signs of renewed energy. Collectible design, featuring unique pieces and limited-edition objects typically sold in galleries, is gaining traction in germany. A series of exhibitions that opened during Gallery Weekend are a testament to this trend. David Kosock and Joern Scheipers of Vaust Studio, for example, have launched Vaust Gallery, a gallery dedicated to contemporary collectible design.
The duo is also working on a major exhibition of collectible design objects, planned for the Art Week in Berlin in the fall. Similarly, the “Everyday Exquisite” show, curated by architect Julian Bächle, opened during Gallery Weekend. Canadian lighting manufacturer Bocci has created The Foundry, a platform for experimental design in Reinickendorf. Berlin curator Tina Roeder is developing a “design, art, and architecture-connecting, culturally discursive biennial format” for September, noting that Berlin has “an outstanding transdisciplinary cultural scene where a lot is happening in terms of networking.”
Unlike in previous years, many players in the Berlin scene are now more interested in collaborating and contributing to the bigger picture, transcending disciplinary boundaries. Lutz Henke, Head of Cultural Affairs at the tourism agency Visit berlin, experienced this firsthand when he initiated the “Berliner panorama” group show at the Design Festival Madrid in February. He reports that all the designers he approached immediately agreed to participate. Networking, bundling resources, and working together: Henke believes this is the right path to increase the visibility of contemporary design and help it emerge from the shadows of other disciplines.
The American Angle: What Can Berlin Learn?
While Berlin navigates its design identity, it can draw lessons from the American design landscape. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have thriving design scenes, often fueled by a strong connection between design, technology, and business. For example, the annual NYCxDESIGN festival showcases the breadth of New York’s design talent, attracting international attention and fostering collaboration. Similarly, the Design museum Foundation in atlanta promotes design education and awareness, contributing to a more design-conscious public.
Key Takeaways for Berlin:
- Foster collaboration: Encourage partnerships between designers, tech companies, and businesses to drive innovation and commercial success.
- Promote Design Education: Invest in design education programs to cultivate a new generation of design talent.
- Build a Strong Brand: Develop a clear and compelling brand identity for Berlin design that resonates with international audiences.
- Leverage Technology: Embrace digital tools and platforms to showcase design projects and connect with potential clients.
In the US,organizations like the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) play a crucial role in advocating for the profession and promoting design excellence. Berlin could benefit from a similar organization that champions the interests of its design community and provides a platform for networking and professional development.
FAQ: Berlin Design Week and the Future of Berlin Design
What is the Berlin Design Week (BDW)?
The Berlin Design Week (BDW) is an annual event that aims to showcase the creative talents of Berlin’s design scene
Berlin’s Design Scene: Will the 2025 Design Week Finaly Break Through?
Is Berlin, a city celebrated for its art, music, and fashion, about to finally give design its due? The Berlin Design Week (BDW), slated for may 15-18, 2025, aims to elevate design from a supporting role to a leading act on berlin’s cultural stage. But can it succeed where previous attempts have faltered?
The underdog of Berlin’s Creative landscape
Berlin pulsates with creative energy.From the berlinale film festival to the Gallery Weekend, the city is a magnet for artists and innovators. Yet, design often remains in the shadows, despite the presence of numerous design studios, agencies, and prestigious educational institutions like the Kunsthochschule Weißensee and the Universität der Künste. Young designers flock to Berlin, drawn by the chance to launch their own ventures, and new furniture and interior brands are constantly emerging. Even cultural institutions like the kunstgewerbemuseum, the Bröhan-Museum, and the Museum der Dinge showcase design. So, why isn’t Berlin design a household name?
Alexandra Klatt, co-founder and managing director of the BDW, puts it bluntly: “design is often the stepchild among the creative disciplines in Berlin.” The goal of the 2025 BDW is to change that, making the city’s creative talents visible and highlighting design’s meaningful contribution to Berlin’s economy. The plan? A series of exhibitions, talks, and events across the city, organized by the BDW and its partners, including furniture brands and design studios.
Did you know? Berlin’s design sector contributes substantially to the city’s economy through strong sales figures, yet it often lacks the visibility of other creative industries.
A History of false Starts
The 2025 BDW isn’t the first attempt to put Berlin design on the map. In the early 2000s, Designmai offered studio visits and exhibitions, hoping to capitalize on the post-reunification dynamism that propelled Berlin’s art scene to international prominence. Then came DMY,initially a Designmai satellite,which aimed to showcase berlin design until 2016,using iconic locations like Tempelhof Airport and the Kraftwerk power plant.
Both Designmai and DMY ultimately failed to establish a clear identity, caught between being a commercial showcase and a vibrant festival. A lasting buisness model proved elusive, and the quality of projects, ranging from classic furniture design to experimental materials, varied widely. Qubique, a furniture fair held once in 2011 in the Tempelhof hangars, offered a more focused approach, featuring high-end exhibitors like Vitra and Thonet in an attractive setting. Though, economic challenges prevented it from becoming a recurring event.
Expert Tip: Establishing a clear and unique identity is crucial for any design event to succeed.It needs to differentiate itself from existing platforms and cater to a specific audience.
“Europe Doesn’t Need a Third Trade Fair”
“You need more time, several years. It was to short-sighted and perhaps too high-stakes,” says Ruben Hutschemaekers, one of the founders of Qubique. He no longer sees potential for a design fair in Berlin. With the Salone del mobile in Milan and 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen already established, he believes “Europe doesn’t need a third trade fair.” Though,Hutschemaekers,who has also worked as the German managing director for design brands like hay and Magis,believes Berlin and its creatives deserve their own event with a clear concept.
Even the Berlin design Week itself has struggled to gain traction in recent years. After the demise of DMY, Alexandra Klatt and others attempted to establish the Design Week as a new format. However,support from the design community was lacking,with few companies and studios willing to participate. Shifting, non-industry sponsors and remote exhibition locations further diminished its relevance.In a city as vast and fragmented as Berlin, the BDW was easily overlooked. According to Alexandra Klatt, a key reason for the lack of impact was that “while formats like Fashion Week or Art week are strongly supported by the Senate, the BDW was a grassroots project.”
A Shift Towards Tangible Design
The 2025 Design Week is undergoing a meaningful overhaul. It has been streamlined to four days, aiming for greater focus and dynamism.The core team around co-founder Klatt has expanded, with Angelika Müller from Ahead-Verlag (“Home,” “Flair”) and Monika Dagrée from On Time PR, two well-connected media professionals, joining the BDW team this year. Moreover, the content focus has been broadened to include product and interior design alongside more challenging themes like experimental design and social design. this shift is intended to be more accessible and commercially viable, attracting greater participation from manufacturers and planning offices.
The BDW has already announced nearly 90 participating companies,institutions,and designers. Conference and talk formats aim to engage both industry professionals and interested berliners.Participants include furniture and kitchen designers Bartmann, Galerie White Label Projects, and the Königliche Porzellanmanufaktur (KPM). the BDW’s restructuring has also encouraged others to organize their own events, such as exhibitions, around the same time, even without officially partnering with the BDW – a rare occurrence in previous years.
Momentum in the Berlin Design scene
This reinvention comes at a crucial time, as Berlin’s design scene is showing signs of renewed energy.Collectible design, featuring unique pieces and limited-edition objects typically sold in galleries, is gaining traction in germany. A series of exhibitions that opened during Gallery Weekend are a testament to this trend. David Kosock and Joern Scheipers of Vaust Studio,such as,have launched Vaust Gallery,a gallery dedicated to contemporary collectible design.
The duo is also working on a major exhibition of collectible design objects,planned for the Art Week in Berlin in the fall. Similarly, the “Everyday Exquisite” show, curated by architect Julian Bächle, opened during Gallery Weekend. Canadian lighting manufacturer Bocci has created The Foundry,a platform for experimental design in Reinickendorf. Berlin curator Tina Roeder is developing a “design, art, and architecture-connecting, culturally discursive biennial format” for September, noting that Berlin has “an outstanding transdisciplinary cultural scene where a lot is happening in terms of networking.”
Unlike in previous years, many players in the Berlin scene are now more interested in collaborating and contributing to the bigger picture, transcending disciplinary boundaries. Lutz Henke, Head of Cultural Affairs at the tourism agency Visit berlin, experienced this firsthand when he initiated the “Berliner panorama” group show at the Design Festival Madrid in February. he reports that all the designers he approached instantly agreed to participate. Networking, bundling resources, and working together: Henke believes this is the right path to increase the visibility of contemporary design and help it emerge from the shadows of other disciplines.
Reader Poll: Do you think Berlin can establish itself as a major design hub alongside Milan and Copenhagen? vote now!
The American Angle: What Can Berlin Learn?
While Berlin navigates its design identity,it can draw lessons from the American design landscape. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and chicago have thriving design scenes, frequently enough fueled by a strong connection between design, technology, and business. Such as, the annual NYCxDESIGN festival showcases the breadth of New York’s design talent, attracting international attention and fostering collaboration. Similarly, the Design museum Foundation in atlanta promotes design education and awareness, contributing to a more design-conscious public.
Key Takeaways for Berlin:
- Foster collaboration: Encourage partnerships between designers,tech companies,and businesses to drive innovation and commercial success.
- Promote Design Education: Invest in design education programs to cultivate a new generation of design talent.
- Build a Strong Brand: Develop a clear and compelling brand identity for Berlin design that resonates with international audiences.
- Leverage Technology: Embrace digital tools and platforms to showcase design projects and connect with potential clients.
In the US,organizations like the industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) play a crucial role in advocating for the profession and promoting design excellence. Berlin could benefit from a similar organization that champions the interests of its design community and provides a platform for networking and professional advancement.
FAQ: Berlin Design Week and the future of Berlin Design
What is the Berlin Design Week (BDW)?
The Berlin Design Week (BDW) is an annual event that aims to showcase the creative talents of Berlin’s design scene.It features exhibitions, talks, and events across the city, highlighting the contributions of designers, studios, and institutions.
When and where will the 2025 BDW take place?
The Berlin Design Week 2025 will be held from May 15-18, 2025, across various locations in Berlin.
Who is organizing the BDW 2025?
The BDW 2025 is organized by a core team led by Alexandra Klatt, with new additions including Angelika Müller and Monika Dagrée.
What is the focus of the BDW 2025?
The BDW 2025 aims to be more accessible and commercially viable, featuring product and interior design alongside experimental and social design.
How can I participate in the BDW 2025?
Designers, studios, and companies can participate by organizing exhibitions, talks, or events during the design week. Contact the BDW organizers for partnership opportunities.
