The Poznań Design Festival is back for its 11th edition this October, and it promises to be an exciting blend of creativity, innovation, and much-needed relaxation. Running from the 25th to the 27th of October, this year’s festival takes place across seven locations in Poznań and is packed with exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and special events. Under the theme “Wytchnienie” (“Take a breather”), the festival invites attendees to pause, breathe, and explore the art of unwinding amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. With over 40 hours of activities spread across three days, the festival highlights how design can offer a sense of calm in our increasingly hectic world.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this year’s Poznań Design Festival one not to miss. If you’re looking for a simple event schedule, you’ll find the full programme at the end of this article!
Finding Calm in Chaos
The Poznań Design Festival’s theme, Take a breather, is a direct response to a society that seems to be constantly in motion. According to Eurostat, Poles are among the hardest-working Europeans, clocking in around 41.4 hours a week, significantly higher than the EU average. To make matters worse, a 2022 WHO report also showed that Poland ranks among the countries with the lowest levels of physical activity.
Through exhibitions and workshops, the Poznań Design Festival will help participants rediscover what it means to rest, not just physically but mentally.
Exhibitions to Watch
The Poznań Design Festival will open with a series of exhibitions spread across three locations: Pyramida Gallery, Bękarty, and Stary Browar, home to the main exhibition, Strefy Wytchnienia (Take a breather Zone). This collection of 15 thought-provoking projects explores the relationship between art and relaxation. Some of the standout installations include a ceramic urn titled “Wyśpisz się po śmierci” (You’ll Sleep When You’re Dead), which offers a darkly humorous take on the need for rest, and an interactive sound installation designed to soothe the mind through auditory immersion.
Visitors will also encounter a whimsical recreation of the childhood concept of a “base” – a fort of safety and relaxation – while an animated piece inspired by the simple act of inhaling and exhaling highlights the meditative power of breath. Additionally, there’s a word cloud installation that originated from an earlier festival survey, where participants contributed their personal definitions of “Taking a breather”. This dynamic piece allows visitors to add their own words, making it a continually evolving reflection of collective thoughts on relaxation.
Hands-On Rest at Unique Workshops for All Ages
One of the Poznań Design Festival’s main attractions is its array of interactive workshops. Suitable for all ages, from children to adults and professionals, these workshops are a rare chance to engage with design in a deeply personal way. At the Sustainable Fashion Institute’s workshop, participants will learn how to dye clothes using plant and fruit extracts, while discovering innovative materials like leather made from corn, mushrooms, and even oranges. There’s also a microscopic look at the problem of microplastics in clothing – a critical issue in today’s fashion industry.
For those looking to slow down in a playful way, the “Machine That Does Nothing” workshop will guide children in creating a large-scale cardboard installation. The only rule? Let your imagination wander, and don’t feel pressured to follow any strict guidelines. Adults can find their own version of relaxation in “Jar of Memories”, a nostalgic family workshop focused on creating personalised memory jars using natural materials from the past summer. Meanwhile, architecture enthusiasts will enjoy “Seeing Trees”, a workshop that explores how urban spaces can be designed to incorporate green areas that offer moments of calm within the city.
Inspiring Talks on Design and Well-Being
The weekend’s lectures and discussions will dig deeper into the relationship between design, architecture, and well-being. Experts from Poland and abroad will present their insights during Poznań Design Talks, including discussions on how neuroarchitecture can positively affect our mental health by shaping spaces that encourage rest and relaxation. Key speakers include Czesława Frejlich, Paweł Grobelny, and Marcin Wicha, each sharing their unique perspectives on the intersection of design and everyday comfort.
Among the more intriguing discussions will be a panel on “Regenerative Design”, featuring international voices like Sophie Eberhardt from France and James Ke from the United States, exploring how urban spaces can be designed not just for humans but for the benefit of all living creatures in the city.
Special Events and Performances
In addition to the main events, the Poznań Design Festival will feature a series of captivating performances and artistic collaborations. A standout is the textile mural created by students from Poznań’s Zespół Szkół Odzieżowych, a project that will be displayed for an entire year on one of the historic buildings in the Old Town. This mural, themed around taking a breather, combines various textile techniques to create a work of art that reflects the festival’s message in both form and texture.
Another exciting event is the premiere of new episodes from the “Poznań Artisans” film series, where viewers can take a behind-the-scenes look at Poznań’s rich artisan traditions. The first episode focuses on the costume workshop at Teatr Nowy, highlighting the meticulous work of master tailor Jarosław Trzeciak. Later in the festival, participants can explore the makeup and wig department with Alina Magnus, an expert in the craft who has been involved in over 200 productions.
Full Schedule of Poznań Design Festival 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024
- 18:00 – Opening of the Main Exhibition: Take a breather Zone
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +1
Explore 15 unique projects on rest and relaxation, including interactive installations and soundscapes.
- 18:00 – Accompanying Event: Ciała Wytchnienie, Myśli Uspokojenie (Bodies Take a Breather, Minds Find Calm)
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +1
Improvised dance performance by students of the Ballet School, focused on embodying the concept of respite.
- 18:00 – Exhibition Opening: Oblicza/Faces/Rostros by Dorota Januszek
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +1
An intimate exhibition exploring the emotional impact of illness through personal artistic masks.
- 18:00 – Exhibition Opening: Chinese Art from SCFAI
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +1
Artworks by graduates of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, focused on themes of exhaustion and rejuvenation.
- 18:00 – Exhibition Opening: RE_SET by Agata Kiedrowicz & Jagoda Valkov
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +1
Projects promoting mindfulness and sensory relaxation through the use of natural materials.
- 18:00 – Exhibition Opening: Leśna Strefa Doświadczania (Immersive Forest Zone) by Natalia Adamczyk
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +1
An installation designed to bring the sensory experience of a forest to an indoor space.
- 20:00 – Exhibition Opening: Symulowanie Natury (Simulating Nature) by Robot Gentleman
Location: Pyramida Gallery, Garbary
Discover video games designed for virtual relaxation, with immersive, nature-inspired worlds.
- 21:00 – Exhibition Opening: Wilga Wilda by Przemysław Jędrowski
Location: Bękarty, Szyperska
A photographic and textual exploration of the Wilda district in Poznań, blending nature and urban life.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
- 11:00 – 13:00 – Event: Breakfast with Design
Location: Forum Designu, ul. 23 Lutego 14/16
A relaxed morning of Polish design and conversation with furniture designers from Desiva Furniture and Kaspa.
- 12:00 – 14:00 – Workshop: Sustainable Fashion Design
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +2
Learn natural fabric dyeing techniques and explore innovative sustainable materials.
- 12:00 – 14:00 – Workshop: Designing a Resting Space Among Trees
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +2
Architects and urban designers will focus on creating green spaces that offer relaxation in the city.
- 12:00 – 14:00 – Workshop for Children: The Machine That Does Nothing
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +1
A creative installation for children, using cardboard to build their own “useless” machines focused on relaxation.
- 14:00 – 15:00 – Lecture: Healthy Cities and Neuroarchitecture by Jo Jurga
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +2
Explore how urban spaces can be designed to promote well-being and mental health through sensory engagement.
- 15:00 – 17:30 – Poznań Design Talks
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +2
A series of presentations by design experts, followed by a panel discussion:
15:15 – Czesława Frejlich: Ergonomic Design
15:30 – Paweł Grobelny: Urban Design
15:45 – Halszka Kontrymowicz-Ogińska: Neuroergonomics
16:00 – Jacek Kurczewski: Sociological Perspectives on Design
16:30 – Panel Discussion: Can We Design Places for Taking a breather?
19:00 – Sound Installation: Leplaptop by Rafał Zapała
Location: Scena Robocza
A slow-paced deconstruction of sound using classical instruments and electronic technology for a unique audio experience.
Sunday, October 27, 2024
- 11:00 – 13:00 – Workshop for Families: Memory Jars
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +1
Families are invited to create memory jars, filled with nostalgic elements from the past summer.
- 13:00 – 15:00 – Workshop: Designing Urban Rest Areas
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +2
Join urban planners and designers in creating concepts for rest zones in Poznań’s cityscape.
- 14:00 – 16:00 – Poznań Design Talks
Location: Stary Browar, Słodownia +2
Presentations by international experts on urban design and regenerative architecture:
14:00 – Sophie Eberhardt: Regenerative Urban Design for Humans and Nature
14:15 – Jiao Xingtao: Take a Breather from Consumerism
14:30 – James Ke: Dream Factories
14:45 – Marinella Paderni: Lateral Thinking in Urban Renewal
15:00 – Panel Discussion: Designing Cities for Taking a Breather and Sustainability
14:00 – 16:00 – Workshop: Textile Craft Relaxation
Location: Słońce Concept, ul. Szamarzewskiego 28
A hands-on workshop using natural fabric dyes and textile techniques to create a collective work.
- 17:00 – 20:00 – Workshop: Mindfulness and Theatrical Improvisation
Location: Scena Robocza
Led by Piotr Nawrotek, this workshop focuses on developing mindfulness through theatre and movement.
How to Attend:
- Most workshops require registration. To secure a spot, email: hello@poznandesignfestival.pl
- For detailed information on all events, visit: www.poznandesignfestiwal.pl
Take a Breather & Join the Festival
The 11th Poznań Design Festival promises to be an inspiring weekend for anyone seeking a break from the usual routine. Whether you’re a designer, an art enthusiast, or simply someone in need of a little relaxation, this festival offers something for everyone. As Jabłońska puts it:
Let’s take a collective breath, and rediscover the art of unwinding, together with the city of Poznań.
