Design Week turns focus back to physical products

Estonia’s 21st Design Week is focusing on the future of product design, with a programme rich in physical objects, ERR reported. The international festival runs until October 4 at the Põhjala factory in Tallinn, which is hosting workshops, installations, exhibitions and an international design conference. Estonia’s design awards will also be presented.

Festival director Ilona Gurjanova said recent editions had explored themes that were not centred on physical objects. This year’s programme returns to the basics of product design, considering how products and the ways they are made are changing amid rapid technological development and environmental pressures.

The Bruno 2026 exhibition presents new Estonian product design. An international jury will select the best works in the lifestyle, living environment and engineering design categories.

Jury member Terry McStea said sustainability and artificial intelligence were prominent themes. He said choosing the winners had been difficult because all the entries were strong.

Designer Stella Soomlais, known for leather goods, has presented a cellulose-fibre tote bag for the first time. She said the material is lightweight, vegan and washable, and that a single sheet can be used to make the bag and a pocket with no material left over.

The festival also features the international exhibition “Well Made – What It Means Today,” with 50 objects chosen by people in London, Denmark and Estonia as examples of good design that make everyday life easier.