The Romance of the Journey: Exploring the future of cities and mobility at Dutch Design Week

In October of each year, Dutch Design Week (DDW) takes place in Eindhoven. One of the biggest design events in Europe presents the work and ideas of more than 2600 designers to more than 350,000 visitors from home and abroad.

In an age where the urban landscape is continually evolving, the question of how to create liveable cities and envision the future of mobility takes centre stage. During the Dutch Design Week (Oct 21-29), attendees have the opportunity to delve into innovative solutions at the World Design Embassies, where collaboration on complex societal issues is paramount.

On Tuesday, October 24, the discussion will revolve around 'Mobility and the Future of Working.' The College van Rijksadviseurs, VEVDL, and Arne Lijbers, architect and partner at Mecanoo, will present several initiatives related to the theme.

Following these presentations, Arne Lijbers, will engage in a conversation with Francesco Veenstra (Rijksbouwmeester) and Maurits Voncken (DGDOO) about how we can redesign workplaces. The discussion will explore how local initiatives and central initiatives, along with real estate owners and employers, can collaborate to bring these innovative concepts to life and elevate concepts and pilots to the next level.

On Friday,  October 27, at 2:00 PM, join Mecanoo for a captivating roundtable discussion on Mobility and Urban Development. The discussion will be hosted by Francine Houben, Arne Lijbers, Lydia Giokari, and Sanne Oehlers, promising profound insights into the future of mobility and urban living.

The essence of mobility, often romanticized, lies in the seamless journey that traverses different scales and places within a city. Just as architect Jaap Bakema once described the architect's profession as ranging from "the chair to the city," mobility similarly spans from the intimacy of a train carriage to the bustling station, dynamic mobility hubs, and vibrant urban spaces that define a city.

In today's modern society, mobility is an integral part of our daily lives, much like housing, work, and recreation. Designing for mobility goes beyond infrastructure; it's about providing people with a sensory experience tailored to their needs and activities. Simultaneously, mobility infrastructure has far-reaching impacts on an urban scale.

The Embassy of Mobility at DDW 2023 takes you on a journey through the "Romance of the Journey" and its various dimensions. From an interactive model illustrating mobility in different urban contexts to videos and virtual experiences showcasing new train interiors designed for passenger comfort, the exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of the future of mobility. Projects like Kaohsiung Station in Taiwan and the vision for the Dordrecht Railway Zone illustrate spatial opportunities in accessibility, climate adaptation, socio-economic development, and housing.

As we look forward to the future, the Embassy of Mobility reminds us that the best way to predict it is to design it. Discover the intricate details of micro-displacements, urban visions, and seamless integration that promise to create a more romantic and liveable city at the Embassy of Mobility during Dutch Design Week.

Where? At the Embassy of Mobility, Donna building at Strijp-S (Philitelaan 57).
When? Daily from 11:00 - 18:00 (Oct 21 - 29). Access: free, no DDW ticket required.