Image by Design | Design Dialogues
What is the responsibility of designers in the climate crisis? In a time when the most important communication platforms are owned by a handful of billionaires, and fake news is simply a business model? As a graphic designer and researcher, Ruben Pater explores this question. In his books The Politics of Design (2016) and CAPS LOCK (2021), he investigates the historical connection between capitalism and design, as well as possible alternatives. How can designers contribute to the public good with a view to a livable, sustainable, and just future?
Together with Professor Liesbeth Huybrechts, who has researched the relationship between design and politics, Ruben Pater examines local examples to explore how a conscious design approach and caring design skills can help visualize, shift, and activate relationships—not only between people but also between humans, the built environment, and nature. This lecture is an invitation to critically reflect on the role of design in a time when cultural sensitivity and political responsibility are more urgent than ever.
About Design Dialogues
Design x Politics is part of the curated lecture series Design Dialogues organized by the design department of KASK & Conservatorium/School of Arts in Ghent and Design Museum Gent. Unique voices from the broad field of design are invited to reflect on the role, impact, and future of design in a changing world. Each lecture is a critical dialogue centered around a theme and concludes with an open discussion between the speaker and the audience. Our mission: to provide engaging perspectives that empower design students and enthusiasts to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Participation Fee: Free
Registration Required: register through the link above