Melbourne Design Week Unveils Its First-Ever Program

What's the secret behind a great chair? Why does one design fail and another one flourish? Can you tell a replica from the real thing? How does architecture impact upon the success of high-density living? They're just some of the questions that Melbourne Design Week looks to answer in its first-ever program, which will take over the city from March 16 to 26.

In fact, the entire just-announced lineup seeks to pose and respond to a provocation: 'what does design value, and what do we value in design?'. With that in mind, expect everything from talks to exhibitions and tours to panels and industry during the ten-day event at NGV International and other venues throughout Melbourne.

For anyone who likes to not only get comfy when they're sitting, but park themselves on an impressive piece of furniture, Creating the Contemporary Chair is a must-see, showcasing 35 pieces including a stool coated in volcanic rock from Chile's Villarrica volcanos and a suspended chair that resembles a killer whale. Elsewhere, 26 Original Fakes asks Aussie designers to make their own version of a famous Jasper Morrison creation, innovative local efforts spanning everything from wifi to bionic ears will be on display, and discussions will cover thrones (not games of them, though), Indigenous-led design, the history of objects, and more.

Both shopping and wandering are also on the agenda, the former courtesy of the 2017 Melbourne Art Book Fair and the presentation of South Korean jewellery makers Galley O's pieces in the NGV Design Store, and the latter including a guided tour through the Melbourne studios and galleries that craft shiny bling, as well as open houses at 15 businesses and institutions. Basically, if you're a design-lover, you'll be spoiled for choice — and overflowing with sources of inspiration.

Melbourne Design Week takes place from March 16 to 26, 2017. For more information, visit: www.ngv.vic.gov.au/melbourne-design-week-2/

Image: Jacopo Foggini, designer, Italian, born 1966. Edra, Pisa, manufacturer, Italy est. 1987. Alice armchair, 2011 {designed}, 2016 {manufactured}, polycarbonate, LEDs, electrical components, 80 x 114 x 98cm. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased with funds donated by Gordon Moffatt AM, 2017.