Making Matters
Making Matters aims to foster a global dialogue around the topic of circular design.
Through a multidisciplinary programme that provides a space for an international exchange of knowledge and expertise, we explore how principles of the circular economy can be a catalyst for creativity, collaboration and regenerative thinking within architecture, design and fashion practice.
The Making Matters programme acts as a framework for a range of projects – both digital and physical – which focus on four strands;
- Convening – Summits, conferences, global assemblies and events
- Participatory learning – Collaborative design workshops and co-developed tools
- Co-creation – Launch of creative briefs, design challenges and/or residencies
- New Lexicons – Exploring possible futures for how circular economy is communicated, focusing on the cultural nuances of design language and visual vocabularies around the world
Circular Design Lab
The foundational activity, ‘Circular Design Lab’ is developed in collaboration with Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Designed to unlock new circular design opportunities through international exchange, a cohort of international practitioners working in different areas of circular practice is invited to meet for a programme of design workshops in the UK. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Design Guide forms the framework for the activity, complemented by a series of exploratory workshops focusing on materials, regenerative thinking and circular design strategies facilitated by UK designers.
Following the lab, the participants can apply for support to develop local projects that involve testing new circular design practice, running creative exchanges, exhibitions, workshops and circular design programming.
Meet the makers
This series of short films introduces some of the projects generated by the programme, presented by the practitioners who conceived them.
Material Atlas
Material Atlas an online space in which to explore the nuanced approaches to various material languages around the world, as well as a catalyst for exchange between designers who are exploring circular design principles to support alternative and regenerative futures.
The interactive site presents X from X practitioners and designers working across Africa.