Design September

For the fifth year in a row, Design September turns Brussels into a true design Mecca. A rich and divers programme of exhibitions, debates, lectures and open doors lets you discover the best of design. International designers such as Arik Levy, Patricia Urquiola, Mario Botta and Inga Sempé give their vision on design at Flagey. To prepare you for this edition, Flanders Today presents the Top 5 To-Do List.

Donna Wilson, Ercol & SCP: A British Design story

On the occasion of Design September 2011, retailer La Fabrika invites London crafts queen Donna Wilson (pictured) to create an installation around her designs, together with British manufacturers Ercol and SCP. Wilson has been described as “a magician with wool” or a “material miracle”. Her work varies from colourful knitted creatures, to quirky homewares to striking upholstered furniture. www.lafabrika.be

Studio Simple: Day Sign

Studio Simple and gallery Valerie Traan present a new version of the Day Sign projects at eco fashion boutique Haleluja. Last January, Studio Simple created one product every day. Inspiration of their daily design was generated by something that touched them or was “necessary”. All creations are locally produced, using things that surround us, a combination of what’s lost and found and new. The ecological footprint is only a few steps away from where the object is used. www.haleluja.be

Elvis Pompilio

The Belgian pioneer in additive manufacturing, .MGX, collaborates with star milliner Elvis Pompilio. Additive Manufacturing is a technique where your designs are printed in three dimensions. .MGX has already collaborated with internationally renowned designers such as Amanda Levete, Patrick Jouin, Arik Levy, Xavier Lust and now also the emblematic Pompilio, who will present a selection of 3D printed designs in the flagship store of .MGX on the Zavel in Brussels. www.mgxbymaterialise.com

ECAL and Alessi

During Design September, ECAL, the University of Art and Design in Lausanne, Switzerland, shows the results of a workshop with Italian kitchen utensil designer Allessi. At the beginning of the project, CEO Alberto Alessi explained his “formula” that all Alessi products follow: combining the chemistry between the emotional elements, functionality, communication, price and industrial technology of a design. As a result, the second-year students have conceived a series of new desk and office objects that make the workspace more fun and friendly. www.designedinbrussels.be

Living with Ceramics

Ampersand House is a brand new art and design gallery in Brussels. During Design September, this impressive mansion in Sint-Gillis serves as the backdrop for the exhibition Living with Ceramics. French artist/ceramist Cathy Coëz uses the architecture of the house directly in her installations. This creates the concept of living with ceramics as more then static vases or sculptures. Coëz sees them as personalities that inhabit a space. There’s also a selection of work by ceramists such as Steen Ipsen, Wouter Dam and Louise Hindsgavl. www.ampersandhouse.com