Normal is over. The tumult of 2020 continues to demonstrate how the issues of our time – climate, public health and social justice – are intertwined. Let’s look towards the world we might make together through design.

It was the year that changed everything. Here in Melbourne, it began 2020 blanketed in suffocating bushfire smoke, and ended it with Australia’s longest COVID-19 lockdown. Everything from the way we worked to the way we socialised was called into question: we designed and redesigned our entire lives in an attempt to adapt. 

Now, as we look to the future of our city – and indeed, our planet – innovative design must be championed as a key to a better tomorrow.

This year’s theme of ‘design the world you want’ is not a task to be taken lightly. And yet, as Melbourne emerges from one of its most testing years in recent history, this call-to-arms has been taken up by some of the country’s brightest minds. From architects to marine biologists, artists, chefs, and scientists, the resulting Melbourne Design Week 2021 promises one of the most exciting lineups yet.

Care, Climate & Community

Under this year’s theme, designers are exploring three key pillars: Care, Climate and Community. Melbourne Design Week curator and Director of Sibling Architecture, Timothy Moore, looks to these as springboards for greater conversations around key issues such climate change, societal inequality and health.

“‘Care’ is the need for a more empathetic design process that considers the emotional needs of others,” says Timothy. “Community’ is about celebrating collaboration across disciplines, disseminating knowledge and embracing new cultures. And ‘Climate’ is examining how designers can mediate the effects of climate change and its impact on conflict and socio-economic inequality.”

The Waterfront Program returns

Melbourne Design Week 2021 revisits the Waterfront Program for its third year running in collaboration with Centre for Architecture Victoria and Open House Melbourne. The two-week program, running from the 26th of March to the 5th of April, takes you to the Yarra River (Birrarung), Port Phillip Bay, Phillip Island, and Gippsland Lake regions. From kayaking tours to snorkeling, bushwalks to dinner demonstrations, the Waterfront Program connects audiences not only with the many talents designing with water, but to the land and its Traditional Owners.

From Wednesday the 31st March, the Waterfront Program shifts its focus from Melbourne to the East Gippsland region. Just a few hours drive east of Melbourne, the Gippsland program will kick off with a Welcome To Country smoking ceremony with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC) in Kalimna, and conclude on Easter Monday with a selection of self-guided tour options including the Nowa Nowa Silent Walk.

The biggest line-up to date

2021 boasts our largest line up to date, with over 100 exhibitions. This year, Melbourne Design Week features works by Australia’s boldest emerging and leading designers, architects and brands, including Cordon Salon, Cult Design, Studio Flek, JamFactory, and Claire Cousins. 

This year’s program highlights take you the very edges of contemporary design. These include A New Normal,a movement advocating for the need and opportunity for self-sufficient cities with Melbourne’s leading architects; HomeMadeat MPavilion, an exhibition of key market-driven alternative housing models; and A Sea at The Table presented by Other Matter and Fluff Corp, an exhibition of algae-bioplastic designs.

Book your tickets today

head to the event schedule here to plan out your week.

If you have a question about attendance, ticketing, or event times, reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Melbourne Design Week
26th March – 5th April 2021