Dutch Design Week 2012

Last week was Dutch Design Week. The whole city becomes alive, the design community takes over and everywhere you look you find artsy booths and fun pop-up restaurants. There are so many exhibitions that it can be a bit overwhelming. I would have liked to see some more cool interactive projects, and the 3D printing thing seems to still be a big hype that hasn’t quite passed (in a few years time everyone will have one at home, mark my words) But overall, it was fun. Sharing a few things that caught my eye can’t hurt, even though it is a little bit late.
 

Not sure if you can really call this design, but I was surprised by how well these big plastic buckets that were turned into lanterns looked. Easy enough DIY project as well.
 

The project ‘Imagine what you see’ by Mats Horbach is about projecting creativity and imagination into normal basic cabinets and leaving you with an infinite number of possibilities. I like the concept of childish power of imagination that is so core to this project.
 

This ‘Walk-In Closet’ by Ho Sun Ching could be sort of ‘folded’ into a regular sized closet, but when opened seemed enormous.
 

Polka dot princess crown helmet. Need I say more? With personalized skins and add-ons.



I find it really difficult to not touch all the stuff at exhibitions. And so many stuff I saw is accompanied by little cards saying I shouldn’t. I mean what's the point of a chair if you can't sit on it? Anyway, that’s why I found this little note rather charming. This designer was directly forgiven by me despite of the restriction, for being so empathic and understanding.
 

Other than that; chairs that provide some privacy,



And a great atmosphere with improvised container swimming pools, bonfires, mulled wine and outdoor concerts.



Have you been to any exhibitions lately?