Whether it’s the European vacances or the cross-cultural end-of-summer sabbatical, August is when cities empty out, leaving it to hard-core locals and visiting travelers to enjoy small, yet undeniably fascinating events and things to do. Check out our selection below.
Event: An Interesting Day
Digital product studio Bakken & Bæck joins forces with De School, a technical-institution-turned-nightclub in Amsterdam, to host a one-day conference that explores the boundaries of work and play. The lineup is filled with truly exciting designers, artists and tech leaders that will also host interactive installations throughout the school’s former classrooms. Shoutout to Oscar Grønner for his fantastic illustration on the website.
When and where: August 16, 2018, Doctor Jan van Breemenstraat 1, Amsterdam
What can we learn about the short and long term effects on young people from the spaces they occupy – like schools and playgrounds – and the objects they use? Alexandra Lange examines this topic in a new book focused on the origins of these habitual designs, from Lego to slides, while decoding ideas incorporated in permission and restriction of objects. This is a thrilling example of what design-oriented research can accomplish.
Conference: UX Week 2018 San Francisco
During a four-day conference based in San Francisco, international design pros will gather to share skills and inspiration. The speaker list includes Hannah Beachler (Production Designer, DDA) and Roman Mars (99% Invisible), along with workshops with leading designers that will cover issues like human-centered content design and protest design.
When and where: August 21 – 24, 2018, Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, CA
Event: São Paulo Design Weekend
One of the summer’s biggest design events, this is more than a celebration of Brazil’s thriving design scene – but rather that of the entire Latin American design world. Cocktail parties and fairs will be scattered throughout the city, so check out the website for updates on locations.
When and where: August 29 – September 2, São Paulo, Brazil
“I don’t do it with that in mind but it happens: timelessness. I have been absolutely gifted by that,” explains renowned Spanish fashion designer Manolo Blahnik. This easy read by The Talks is full of insights about his work process in a creativity-oriented interview.
Conference: TypeCon2018: Portland
When Society of Typographic Aficionados announced back in January that TypeCon would be coming back to Portland, there was much excitement throughout the community. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year will feature three keynote presentations to promote, study and support typography and related arts.
When and where: August 1 – 5, 2018, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR
