Sydney Design Festival

Editorial

When: 30 July - 14 August
Where: In and around the Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
Cost:Varies, some free events

The question “is old new again?” will be posed for a fortnight as Sydney showcases some of the nation’s best, most ingenious and sustainable designs. In a program of talks, exhibitions and tours, histories are used as an inspiration for a resourceful way forward.

In a world where we borrow the habits of our grandparents in every enterprise from shopping to industrial re-use of materials, this query is not a bad way to kick-start the two-week program.

On August 9, a high-end design gab-fest unfolds in the Powerhouse as speakers are led in discussion by Brandon Gien, CEO of GoodDesign Australia. Join the hopeful architects of tomorrow as they design a perfect, imaginary Australia in a debate on national design policy. The “wicked Programs” confab starts at 5.30 and is free to attend.

In a program of events aimed at rethinking the value of re-use and restoration, we are encouraged to look at the ancient patterns of the human heart. The Waking Heart Machine audits the emotions of all those who choose to share their inner workings with a machine. Wear your heart on a screen. It looks like enormous, if faintly terrifying, fun.

The Australian International Design Awards exhibition shows gadgetry and genius, also at the Powerhouse. Point your browser at the website for a peek into the future by way of the past.

SM King, Citysearch

Here's a related event - Citysearch at the recent Australian Design Awards

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