The annual Seattle Design Festival returns this month, with its big public block party on September 12 and 13, followed by lectures and workshops through September 25. Design of every kind is a hot topic in Seattle right now, from the planning of roads and the waterfront, to the replacement of historic spaces by new developments, to the aesthetic shifts shaping implements in our everyday spaces. (For a crash course on these subjects, read our articles on Buster Simpson’s artistic contributions to the waterfront project, the development on Capitol Hill and the Arts District there, and our recent review of three shows addressing design and architecture.)
The Seattle Design Festival is the combined effort of many conscientious designers, architects, businesses and officials to help educate the public about advances in design and the changes happening in our city, while also providing lots of interactive events and installations for families.
The focus this year is Design for Equity, to explore “how design can contribute to a more equitable society,” according to the release from SDF.
From buildings that everyone can access and move through, to apps that enable civic participation by people in every location and language, to cities where we can all afford to live–design is a vehicle of innovation. Design for Equity invites us to create a future in which everyone in our society…can access the same opportunities and outcomes, both now and in the future.
Here are the main events:
The 4th Annual Seattle Design Festival Block Party
When: Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13
Where: Occidental Park (300 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104)
“This fun outdoor event serves as the kickoff to the two week Seattle Design Festival and is an opportunity for the design community to come together in a public space. Large scale design installations, performances and design activities will take place throughout each day. The installations are designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, sizes, and abilities.” Full list of booths and activities.
PARK(ing) Day
When: Friday, September 18
Where: Around the city!
Metered parking spots are transformed into parklets for one day only. Last year, 50 parklets were created around the city. It isn’t drivers’ favorite part of the festival, but it’s pretty charming if you are a pedestrian. The map has yet to be published, but check in with the SDOT page for updates.
#SDF2015 Conference: A Deeper Dive Into Design for Equity
When: Saturday, September 19
Where: Seattle Central Public Library (1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104)
“The day-long Seattle Design Festival Conference is an opportunity to examine in depth the theme of Design for Equity. Located at the Seattle Central Public Library, the conference includes workshops, panels, films, lectures, and installations from 20 partners.” Read more on the Design Festival website.
Closing Party
When: Friday, September 25
Where: Surface Theory (536 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104)
Get all the scoop on the SDF website and check out developments on social media. #SDF2015 #DesignForEquity Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Instagram.
