26 May 2017
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Depot Basel was founded in a 850 m2 former grain silo in 2011. Since then it has initiated a large quantity of projects in various formats, at various places, with various contributors. Its work transgress borders as the believe that the development of design, as a procedure and a way of thinking relevant to society, should not happen in singular places, minds or disciplines. Through the years Depot Basel has become a dynamic engine in the discourse around design and its broader context.
The Online Depot, nominated for the Swiss Design Award 2017, contains the foundation (all formats), the motivation (from contributors and partners to vocabulary and comments) and information (Who they are and how you can work with them). It is a depot for design in its broadest sense, it is always evolving and everyone will have access to it.
Depot Basel was founded on the initiative of Laura Pregger, Matylda Krzykowski, Moritz Walther, Elias Schäfer, Julia Landsiedl and Katharina Altemeier. Rebekka Kiesewetter joined 2012.
When does design reach its limits?
There are at least three limits: 1. When the ego of the designer is stronger than the design concept. 2. When the requirements of the market to be new, different, tempting or marketable predominate criticality, conscience and responsibility. 3. When it is appropriated and repurposed by malevolent entities.
Is good design invisible?
Not necessarily. Good design can also manifest at the surface, step onto the barricades, be loud and demanding.
Must design create something new?
No. Design can be a way to recontextualize, rethink or repurpose the existing.
Which designer influenced you?
Every designer Depot Basel worked with has influenced us – sometimes as a mentor or teacher, other times as a sceptic or encourager, and occasionally as promoter. All of them are idols in their very own ways, contributing to the discipline.
